Fetzer Vineyards has a long history of sustainable practices, including using organic, biodynamic grapes in the wine-making process. Founded in 1968 in Mendocino County, California, the company was recently recognized by the United Nations for a Momentum for Change award. The award recognized the grape grower’s commitment to sustainability practices.
Fetzer has been growing 100% organically since the 1980s. It is the world’s first zero-waste certified wine company and the first winery in California to fully operate on renewable energy.
The company is a Certified California Sustainable winery and a Certified B Corporation, which means the winery is committed to driving a global movement toward building a more inclusive, sustainable economy.
“Growing our business while maintaining a focus on sustainable practices and the values that enabled us to become the world’s largest certified B-Corp winery is at the heart of what we do,” Giancarlo Bianchetti, Fetzer Vineyards CEO, said in a press release. “As we anticipate the next 50 years, we look forward to taking more bold steps towards our vision of a regenerative, net-positive company while continuing to deliver a portfolio of acclaimed wines and spirits to consumers in all 50 U.S. states and around the world. This is just the beginning.”
Photo Courtesy Fetzer Wine
Fetzer uses a unique water filtration system that uses up to 85% less water than comparable systems. Its on-site solar array generates nearly 1 million kilowatts of renewable energy annually — enough to power the entire vineyards.
Fetzer also ensures that carbon dioxide and solid waste are diverted from landfills using a BIDA wastewater treatment system, which relies on billions of worms to clean up the winery’s processed water. That system uses 85% less energy to clean winery water and regenerates up to 17 million gallons annually for reuse in vineyards and landscaping. Each year, almost all of the solid waste from the vineyard is diverted from landfills and incineration through a combination of methods, including composting, recycling, and repurposing.
When it comes to making wine, sustainability practices often inform the business processes rather than the other way around.
“Much like the principles of sustainability, I take a forward-thinking approach to every winemaking decision,” Margaret Leonardi, Fetzer winemaker, explained on the Fetzer website. “I thrive on planning and predictive environments. Understanding how I want the wines to taste allows me to stay focused on the outcome when I plan vineyard visits, anticipate ripeness levels, and decide when it’s time to harvest the grapes.”
In addition to its all-encompassing eco-friendly practices, the wine is heavily awarded.
The winery says it exports wine to more than 50 countries across the globe while voluntarily reporting and monitoring its greenhouse gas emissions via the Climate Action Reserve.
Fetzer hopes to inspire other winemakers, and even individuals, to adopt sustainability as a way of life.
Photo Courtesy Fetzer
“Sustainability is an ongoing practice. It’s about progress, not perfection,” Jessica Baum, Fetzer’s sustainability director, said on the Fetzer website. “It’s kindness to people and the planet. And it’s tracking metrics because you can’t manage what you don’t measure. Just like using a fitness tracker can provide insight and inspiration for change in personal health, a sustainability tracking system can inspire great changes in lifestyle.”
