An estimated 3.6 billion bottles of wine are sold in the US every year and there are an increasing number of sustainable wines for the discerning consumer to choose from. Sustainable wines use organic grapes that do not contain chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. These wines also have much lower levels of sulfites compared to many traditional wines. Sulfites (also known Sulfur dioxide or SO2) are a naturally occurring by-product of fermentation, and they are also added to wine after fermentation to prevent the growth of bacteria. Conventional wines may contain sulfite levels up to 350 parts per million (ppm). Wines made with organic grapes cannot exceed 100 ppm of sulfites or .01% (or less) sulfites. Here are a diverse selection of sustainable wines from Greenwala.CalNaturale's award-winning wines are made with Paso Robles grapes that have been farmed organically. They also come in lightweight, unbreakable and completely re-closeable and recyclable Tetra Pak packaging. Tetra Pak flexible packaging has half the carbon footprint of wines in glass bottles. CalNaturale wine currently comes in Cabernet and Chardonnay varieties, in two sizes, 500 ML and 1 liter cartons. They retail for $6.99 and $12.99, respectively. You can find a list of places to purchase here.
Girasole Vineyards "Hybrid Red" is a 100% vegan blend made with certified organic Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot grapes from Mendocino County. This wine does not use corks, because the bottle comes fully equipped with a screw top closure. Grapes grown at family-owned Girasole Vineyards are hand picked and void of pesticides. Hybrid Red costs $13 per bottle.
Parducci Winery produces an excellent wine known as "Sustainable Red," it has spicy, berry fruit flavors. The mission of Parducci Winery is to become America's Greenest Winery. They make their wines from locally farmed grapes, they recycle 100% of winery waste water and employ sustainable farming practices. All of their power needs are supplied by renewable sources of energy. They also use earth-friendly packaging. Parducci has received the Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award in 2007 and 2009 for their environmentally sound practices and for holding the title as the nation's first carbon neutral winery. "Sustainable Red," retails for $10.99
CADE Winery's Savignon Blanc has aromas of spearmint, kiwi and gooseberry with flavors of lemon, lime, fig and guava. CADE is California's first winery estate to be awarded the coveted LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification for the entire property. In addition to their grape growing and winemaking process, CADE utilizes solar power, organic farming methods and other green practices. If you're in their area, the winery offers tastings by appointment for $20. CADE Winery's Savignon Blanc costs $26
Brut Rosé bubbly from Domaine Carneros vineyard, is the first and only sparkling winery in the United States with all estate vineyards certified organic and vegan. This means, no animal products or byproducts are used in the refining process. Instead, Domaine Carneros uses a clay-based product with no animal additives. Other varieties include Brut and Blanc de Blancs. Prices range from $26-$36.
There are even sustainable wines without alcohol, Heavenly Red, is a natural, vegan, alcohol free wine made with red grapes and exotic spices.
Organic Vinters has a selection some of the best certified organic wines from around the world. Their wines are made from 100% certified organic grapes, grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides, and all but one are vegan. Their offerings include Pircas Negras Torrontes and Nuevo Mundo Reserva Cabernet/Malbec.
MyWinesDirect.com is offering 10 percent off all of their wines, simply use the coupon code GREEN when checking out.
Whether Red, white or bubbly, eco-friendly wines are delicious and affordable.
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