WOODINVILLE, Wash. (November 9, 2023) – Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, the largest winery in the Pacific Northwest and among the largest premium wine companies in the U.S., is proud to announce it has received Silver Status Membership with International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA). Ste. Michelle’s brand, A to Z Wineworks and affiliated brand REX HILL received its Silver Status Membership with IWCA last year; the first for an Oregon winery.
Inspired by the group’s efforts to tackle the climate crisis, Ste. Michelle joined IWCA in 2022 and spent the last year working to meet the criteria required to reach this esteemed level.
As a company, Ste. Michelle is committed to reducing carbon emissions. Efforts include lightweighting of glass, streamlining operations and farming sustainably.
Highlights of Ste. Michelle’s sustainability practices include work in the vineyards and the wineries:
- All 2,200 acres of Ste. Michelle estate vineyards are farmed and certified 100% sustainable; LIVE in Oregon and Sustainable WA in Washington. The low input approach ensures protection of soil and local natural resources.
- A reduction of emissions by light weighting standard glass bottles and adopting alternative packaging such as cans and bag-in-the box for select brands, including Chateau Ste. Michelle, 14 Hands and Columbia Crest.
- Improvements in waste management resulting in 1,872 annual tons of recycling diverted from the landfill.
“I am extremely proud to see this accomplishment come to life after all the hard work an endeavor like this entails” said Shawn Conway, Chief Executive Officer of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.
“As the wine leader in the Pacific Northwest, it is essential we take an active role in advancing our sustainable practices, as this is imperative to ensuring a thriving eco-system for decades to come.”
“We are proud to have such great viticultural names added to our community of wine producers at the forefront of climate action in the wine sector,” said Charolotte Hey, Executive Director of IWCA. “These efforts in carbon emissions reduction and the commitment to communicating the importance of our mission is evident. It is an honor to award Ste. Michelle Wine Estates its silver status.”
IWCA is a collaborative working group committed to taking a science-based approach to reducing carbon emissions across the wine industry. IWCA’s objective is for all members to commit to reducing their emissions, improving land stewardship, protecting biodiversity, and being a socially responsible business.
About Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
Originally founded in 1933, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates is among the largest and most acclaimed premium wine companies in the U.S. As the founding winery in Washington state, Ste. Michelle is rooted in an unwavering passion for producing the highest quality wines, delighting wine consumers and supporting our communities. Ste. Michelle sustainably farms 2,200 acres of estate vineyards in Washington and Oregon. The Ste. Michelle Wine Estates portfolio features the leading wineries from the Pacific Northwest, including Chateau Ste. Michelle, 14 Hands, Columbia Crest, Col Solare, Northstar and Spring Valley Vineyard from Washington; A to Z, Erath, and REX HILL from Oregon; as well as premier California wineries Conn Creek and Patz & Hall from Napa and Sonoma, respectively; Marchesi Antinori of Italy and Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte of France.
For more on the rich history of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and its entire portfolio of premium wineries, please visit www.smwe.com.
