Six Ways California Wineries are Walking the Talk of Sustainability
March 20, 2025 (Sacramento, CA) — The California wine community’s longstanding dedication to sustainability is something to celebrate — and the state’s winegrowers will be doing just that during the 14th annual California Wines Down to Earth Month in April. The campaign highlights California’s leadership in sustainable viticulture and winemaking through environmental stewardship, economic impact, social equity and community engagement.
In a recent poll of U.S. wine trade members by Full Glass Research, 70% of participants reported an increase in wine trade interest in wines produced with climate-beneficial practices.
“Sustainability matters to wine consumers across the globe, which is why California’s wine community has worked so hard to become a world leader in sustainability and developed into one of the U.S.’ most highly value-added agricultural sectors,” said Robert P. Koch, president and CEO of Wine Institute. “With our innovation advancements and continued sustainability expansion, we are proud to tell consumers, if they are buying a California wine, they are very likely purchasing a certified sustainable wine.”
California, which is the world’s fourth-largest wine-producing region, has seen a dramatic increase in sustainable certifications over the last several years:
- The number of vineyards certified under the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance’s Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW) program has grown 86% since 2018.
- CCSW has seen a 50% increase in certified wineries since 2018.
- 90% of California wine is now produced in a certified-sustainable winery — up from 80% in 2024.
- 65% of California’s total vineyard acreage is certified sustainable, including 45% certified under CCSW. An additional 22% is certified under other programs, with some vineyards earning multiple certifications.
To highlight California’s dedication to sustainable winegrowing — which can include organic, biodynamic and regenerative farming practices — wineries across the state are hosting immersive events and activities all month long, from eco-focused vineyard tours and hikes to wine tastings to festivals. For updates throughout April, visit the Down to Earth Month landing page at DiscoverCaliforniaWines.com.
Here are just some of the ways California is prioritizing sustainability in its farming, winemaking and business practices.
Six Ways California Wineries are Walking the Talk of Sustainability
Embracing Regenerative Farming
Sustainable winegrowers are embracing regenerative agriculture with a deep focus on improving soil health and enhancing vineyard ecosystems. Regenerative farming practices are part of a comprehensive sustainable winegrowing approach and contribute to a healthier environment, stronger communities, high quality grapes and wine and vibrant businesses.
Controlling Pests the Natural Way
Gophers and insects can wreak havoc on vines and grape clusters, so California winegrowers use a variety of natural pest management methods to keep the invaders at bay. Installing bat boxes in vineyards attracts colonies that can devour thousands of harmful insects each day, and barn owl boxes attract voracious hooters that target root-gnawing gophers. Growers also release beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps to prey on bugs that threaten grape vines.
Conserving Water
Water scarcity is a growing concern, and with conservation in mind, California’s sustainable winegrowers are investing in systems to reduce water usage in their vineyards and wineries. Strategies range from lower-tech methods — like dry farming, rainwater collection and reusing barrel-washing water — to cutting-edge precision irrigation systems and soil moisture probes.
Harnessing Renewable Energy
To reduce their carbon footprints, sustainable California wineries are harnessing renewable energy sources like solar arrays and wind power. To cut back on the need for fossil fuels, many are filling their vineyard vehicles with eco-friendly biofuels and upgrading their fleets to include electric-powered forklifts, trucks and tractors.
Prioritizing Social Responsibility
To foster community engagement and employee well-being, sustainable wineries encourage employees to participate in company volunteer days for local nonprofits and offer employee wellness programs for both physical and mental health. To support a balanced work environment, some provide onsite amenities like yoga classes, healthy snacks and book clubs.
Adopting Sustainable Packaging & Reducing Waste
Switching to lightweight glass bottles and adopting eco-friendly packaging made from recycled materials is helping California wineries reduce their carbon footprints and keep wine containers out of the landfill. To reduce waste, numerous wineries also compost leftover grape pomace to enhance vineyard health.
Where to Find Sustainable California Wines
It’s easy to find certified-sustainable wines from California. Look for the “Certified California Sustainable” logo — now displayed on 378 million wine bottles — or use the search tool on the California Sustainable Wine website to find sustainable wineries, vineyards and wines.
In the coming days, Wine Institute and partner organizations will announce the 2025 recipients of the 11th annual California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leaderships Awards. See the Green Medal Awards website for updates and to learn about previous years’ winners, selected by California wine associations devoted to sustainability.
About Wine Institute
Established in 1934, Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group of more than 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiates and advocates state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine.
Funding for the project was made possible by a grant/cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.
