The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance focuses on the long-term sustainability of the California wine community — and more and more wineries are following its guidelines all the time.
To place the concept of sustainability into the context of winegrowing, the program defines sustainable winegrowing as growing and winemaking practices that are sensitive to the environment (Environmentally Sound), responsive to the needs and interests of society at large (Socially Equitable), and are economically feasible to implement and maintain (Economically Feasible). The combination of these three principles is often referred to as the three E’s of sustainability.
The program is guided by the following set of sustainability values:
- Produce the best quality wine grapes and wine possible.
- Provide leadership in protecting the environment and conserving natural resources.
- Maintain the long-term viability of agricultural lands.
- Support the economic and social well being of farm and winery employees.
- Respect and communicate with neighbors and community members; respond to their concerns in a considerate manner.
- Enhance local communities through job creation, supporting local business and actively working on important community.
- Honor the California wine community’s entrepreneurial spirit.
- Support research and education, as well as monitor and evaluate existing practices, to expedite continual improvements.
All in all, it’s a program that is good for the land, good for grape growers, good for winemakers and, ultimately, good for all of us.
