A Bold Commitment to Sustainability Delivers Tangible Results for the Planet
March 31, 2026 (Monterey County, CA) — Eight years in, Scheid Family Wines remains the only large‑scale U.S. winery powered 100% by wind—proof that premium winemaking can run on renewable energy at scale. This Earth Month and during California’s ‘Down to Earth’ Month, the family‑owned company is spotlighting the measurable impact of its on‑site wind generation alongside a lightweight glass initiative designed to cut emissions across the supply chain. As renewable power continues to scale worldwide, Scheid continues to lead at home, delivering tangible emissions reductions through a long‑term sustainability commitment that aligns with evolving wine industry and consumer expectations.
100% Wind-Powered Wines, 8 Years Running
Scheid Family Wines’ investment in renewable energy continues to deliver substantial results. Since installation in mid-2017, the company’s wind turbine has generated 32.8 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean energy through the end of 2025, supplying all of the winery’s power needs and returning excess energy to the local grid. This renewable generation has avoided over 24,000 tons of CO₂ emissions.1 This is equivalent to removing more than 5,000 gas-powered cars from the road for one year, or eliminating nearly 2.5 million gallons of gasoline consumption, or preventing the burning of 24.5 million pounds of coal. It is also equivalent to the carbon sequestered by over 364,000 tree seedlings grown for ten years, or more than 22,000 acres of U.S. forest in one year.2
The company remains the only large‑scale U.S. winery whose operations are entirely powered by renewable wind energy. These numbers underscore how investing in on‑site wind turbine generation can deliver outsized environmental benefits while ensuring reliable energy for winery operations.
Lighter Glass, Lighter Footprint
Through its lightweight glass initiative, Scheid Family Wines has removed 1.5 million pounds of glass weight from its packaging and supply chain since August 2023, cutting emissions while protecting wine quality; this is the equivalent of removing the weight of about three blue whales—the largest animals on Earth. The lightweight bottles are durable, 100% recyclable and minimize environmental impact without compromising product integrity.
“Our wind-powered operations and lightweight glass initiative reflect the same mindset: do more with less impact,” said Heidi Scheid, Executive Vice President at Scheid Family Wines. “Today’s wine consumer cares about how their wine is made, not just how it tastes, and we believe premium wine should be defined by what’s in the bottle—not by unnecessary packaging or excess energy use.”
Commitment to a Greener Future
Scheid Family Wines is steadfast in its dedication to environmental stewardship. By coupling 100% wind‑powered operations with lightweight packaging and other sustainable practices, the company aligns its business with broader efforts to decarbonize the energy system and meet growing consumer demand for climate‑friendly products. Scheid’s leadership demonstrates that renewable energy and premium winemaking can go hand‑in‑hand, setting a benchmark for the U.S. wine industry during Earth Month and beyond. For more information about Scheid Family Wines, media inquiries, or to sample our wind-powered and sustainable wines, please contact Sylvia Bronson at sylvia.bronson@scheidfamilywines.com.
About Scheid Family Wines
Scheid Family Wines, a family-owned and operated wine company for over 50 years, is ranked among the top 25 largest wine producers in the United States. Based in Monterey County, California, Scheid is vertically integrated to bring high quality estate grown wines to the marketplace from its sustainably and organically certified vineyards, and grower partners throughout the Central Coast. Scheid’s innovative, luxury-level winery is 100% powered by renewable wind energy generated by a 400-foot-tall wind turbine, which also supplies energy to the local community. The Scheid Family Wines globally distributed brand portfolio includes Scheid Vineyards, Sunny with a Chance of Flowers, VDR (Very Dark Red), Fog & Light, Metz Road, District 7, and Ryder Estate. Scheid Family Wines sells internationally to over 30 countries and is one of the largest producers of premium exclusive brands.
Please visit www.scheidfamilywines.com for more information.
1. From mid-2017 (installation) through 12/31/2025 | Foundation Windpower
2. EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator using national weighted marginal emission rate value.
