As California’s wine industry marks Down to Earth Month in April, four of the state’s premier wineries and vineyard companies were awarded California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards, joining 36 past winners from throughout the Golden State.

These awardees are recognized for their advanced sustainability practices and innovation based on a comprehensive judging process focused on both sustainable viticulture and winemaking. Presented by several California wine organizations devoted to sustainability, four green medals are awarded annually in the following categories: Leader, Environment, Community and Business.

Leader Award: LangeTwins Winery and Vineyards, located in Acampo, California, has embraced sustainability since the early 1970s, demonstrating its commitment through habitat restoration projects, the inclusion of energy efficient design and solar-power technology in its state-of-the-art winery, as well as the engagement of local youth in hands-on environmental stewardship education.

Environment Award: Gloria Ferrer. Nestled in the scenic hills of the Sonoma region of Carneros, Gloria Ferrer stands as a model of sustainability, embodying a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation. In 2021, Gloria Ferrer transitioned all 330 acres of its estate vineyards to regenerative organic farming practices. Employing cutting-edge technologies and AI, Gloria Ferrer identified specific areas within its vineyards that required additional attention, minimizing inputs while maximizing efficiency.

Community Award: Cooper-Garrod Vineyards at Garrod Farms. Situated in the picturesque Santa Cruz Mountains, Cooper-Garrod Vineyards at Garrod Farms is a vineyard and winery where tradition, sustainability and community intertwine. Cooper-Garrod’s impact extends beyond the vineyards and into the community. From pioneering the Firewise Community initiative and actively participating in benefits for schools, mental health, Chambers of Commerce and history foundations, to inviting community members to use the farm’s hiking trails, Cooper-Garrod actively contributes to its neighbors’ well-being.

Business Award: Vino Farms, a vineyard management company based in Lodi, not only exemplifies a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible agriculture, but also demonstrates that sustainable practices can be synonymous with good business practices. Employing advanced monitoring technology for water efficiency, Vino Farms utilizes Tule towers, soil moisture probes and Ceres Imagery to prevent overwatering in vineyards, fostering uniform water distribution and substantial cost savings.

For more on the awards and the 2024 winners, click here.

Source: Wine Institute