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7 Organic & Sustainable wineries to visit
On Earth Day, support some of the best sustainable wineries in the US as they do their bit for our planet.
Earth Day was introduced on April 22, 1970, and has since helped in establishing the modern environmental movement. Over the years, wine drinkers have become more aware and curious about how wines are being made and what they’re drinking. But sustainability isn’t new to the wine industry. Vineyards and winemakers have been on top of their sustainability game as early as the 1980s.
In light of making the Earth a ‘better place’ for us, and generations to come; let your next wine experience be at one of these 7 organic and sustainable wineries.
1. Frey Vineyards
Frey Vineyards is a third-generation family-operated and owned winery situated at the headwaters of the Russian River in Redwood Valley, Mendocino County, California. Frey Vineyards is America’s first organic and biodynamic winery and has been making wine without sulfites and other synthetic preservatives since 1980. Their organic and biodynamic farming methods encourage care for the soil, groundwater, and wildlife, promoting rich biodiversity in the vineyards.
Over the years, Frey Vineyards’ wines have been loved by both drinkers and wine experts across the globe. Their Organic Syrah, Biodynamic Zinfandel, Organic Cabernet Sauvignon, Organic Tannat, and Chateau Frey Biodynamic Red Blend all took home a silver medal at the 2020 USA Wine Ratings, one of the most internationally acclaimed wine competitions in the industry.
You can enjoy their wonderful wines all year round by being a member of the wine club. You will be the first to hear of new releases, enjoy complimentary tastings, receive invitations to their local pick-up parties and other special winery events.
3 generations of Freys, pictured left to right [Maria, Beba Frey, and Tamara], source: Instagram
Frey Vineyards’ Wine club membership includes:
- Handpicked wine allocations delivered to your doorstep three times a year (April, September, and November)
- Exclusive 20% year-round discount and a 30-for-30 Sale, which is a deeper 30% discount on additional bottles of allocated wines purchased within 30 days of a shipment.
- Invitations to special winery events.
The vineyard also offers a wide range of virtual tastings from time to time, to help you discover some of their flagship wines, and new additions.
Shop award-winning wines from Frey Vineyards
Where - 14000 Tomki Rd, Redwood Valley, CA 95470
2. Benziger Family Winery
The Benziger Family Winery believes that their wines have character and conscience, meaning that they’re not only great in the glass but are grown in a way that’s good for the environment too.
For over 30 years, Benziger Family Winery has farmed on their ranch on Sonoma Mountain and searched Sonoma County for the most distinctive and expressive vineyards. It wasn’t until 1995 that the family-owned and operated winery transitioned from conventional to a biodynamic winery.
Five years later, in 2000, the estate was officially certified as a ‘Biodynamic Farm’ by the Demeter Association. This year, Benziger celebrates 21 years of being certified as a ‘Biodynamic Farm’, with winemaker Lisa Amaroli at the helm of operations.
Wine tastings at Benziger Winery, source: Instagram
Boasting the appellations of vineyards around the Sonoma Valley, Benziger crafts wines ranging from Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and a variety of red blends. Our favorite for the summer is the 2017 West Rows Chardonnay. This wine has inviting flavors of tangerine, juicy apple, and sweet citrus Bavarian Cream.
Along with virtual tastings, the Benziger Estate is once again offering outdoor tastings and tours. The outdoor tastings take place from Thursday to Monday between 10 am and 3:30 pm, and only by appointment.
Wine enthusiasts can also join one of Benziger’s many wine clubs, which all include:
- 20% discount on Benziger & Imagery wines and merchandise purchased at the winery and at benziger.com & imagerywinery.com.
- Complimentary wine tasting for four at both Benziger Family Winery and Imagery Estate Winery.
- Invitations to exclusive club-only events and preferred pricing on all event tickets.
- Special access to Wine Club Member-only areas at the winery.
- Wine Club Newsletter, which includes winery updates, winemaking information, tasting notes, cellaring recommendations, and pairing recipes.
Where - 1883 London Ranch Rd, Glen Ellen, CA 95442
3. Ehlers Estate
Bernard Ehlers purchased a dying vineyard in the 1800s, and in 1886, embarked on replanting the vineyard that continues to bear his name. The Ehlers Estate vineyards benefit from an Old World layout that is quite rare in California.
Ehlers Estate was awarded an organic certification from the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) in 2008, after three years of verifiable organic farming. The vineyard is farmed using earth-friendly organic farming methods. These methods are put in place to preserve the purity and character of the estate’s fruit, resulting in award-winning wines that reflect the authenticity of the place, Bernard, and his wife Anne.
Ehlers Estate Vineyards, source: Instagram
The estate is home to a collection of award-winning wines, including a Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay from the 1886 collection, paying tribute to the original plantations of the estate. The Ehlers Estate 1886 Cabernet Sauvignon, with 97 points to its name, took home a Double Gold medal at the 2020 Sommeliers Choice Awards, where wines are judged based on their quality, value for money, and packaging. The wine was also named the Best Cabernet Sauvignon of 2020 by sommeliers, Masters of Wine, and other experts who judged the competition.
Other wines from Ehlers Estate also shone at the competition, including:
- Ehlers Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - 96 points, Double Gold Medal
- Ehlers Estate Portrait (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot) - 96 points, Double Gold Medal
- Ehlers Estate Cabernet Franc - 94 points, Gold Medal
- Ehlers Estate Merlot - 91 points, Gold Medal
- Ehlers Estate Sauvignon Blanc - 88 points, Silver Medal
The Ehlers Estate story is one of passion, hard work, and love for the art of winemaking. And you can witness their winemaking processes and the burst of passion firsthand, with their tours and tastings. However, due to the current pandemic, bookings are necessary prior to your visit.
Known for its Cabernet, the Estate also offers memberships to two wine clubs, namely Cabernet Allocation and Cellar Allocation.
The Cabernet Allocation membership includes:
- An allocation of 12 bottles of Cabernet Sauvignons upon signup and annually in February.
- 15% off wine purchases year-round as long as your membership is active.
- 20% off March reorders.
- Ability to customize Spring shipments.
- $10 flat rate ground shipping on all purchases of 6 or more bottles including annual club shipment.
- Four complimentary Estate tastings for 4 quarterly and one complimentary Cabernet tasting for 4 yearly.
- Access to the grove and member-exclusive pricing for events.
- A typical allocation includes 6 bottles of 1886 Cabernet Sauvignon, 4 bottles of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2 bottles of J. Leducq Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Club price of approx. $1,128.80* per shipment (excl. applicable taxes and shipping).
The Cellar Allocation membership includes:
- An allocation of 12 bottles of mixed wines upon signup and annually in February.
- 15% off wine purchases year-round as long as your membership is active.
-20% off March reorders.
- Ability to customize Spring shipment.
- $10 flat rate ground shipping on all purchases of 6 or more bottles including annual club shipment.
- Four complimentary Estate tastings for 4 quarterly.
- Access to the grove and member-exclusive pricing for events.
- A typical allocation includes 3 bottles of 1886 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2 bottles of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2 bottles of Cabernet Franc, 2 bottles of Merlot, 1 bottle of Portrait, and 2 bottles of Sauvignon Blanc.
- Club price of approx. $834.80* per shipment (excl. applicable taxes and shipping).
Shop award-winning wines from Ehlers Estate
Where - 3222 Ehlers Ln, St Helena, CA 94574
4. Twisted Cedar Wines
From crafting eco-friendly wines to creating employment for the tribal group of Cedar Band of Paiute Indians, Twisted Cedar Wines has come a long way in the sustainability spectrum. Their sustainable ways of production are a nod to the team’s respect and passion for Mother Earth. Over the years, farmers from the tribe have taken charge of sustainable farming, resulting in organic, delicious, and award-winning wines.
All Twisted Cedar wines are sustainably farmed and certified sustainable by the Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing, California’s original sustainable viticulture program.
Twisted Cedar at Sundance Film Festival 2020, source: Instagram
Amongst the wide range of wines produced by Twisted Cedar, the 2017 Twisted Cedar Zinfandel took home a gold medal at the 2021 London Wine Competition and was also crowned Best Zinfandel of 2021. The 2019 Twisted Cedar Malbec also grabbed a gold medal at the global wine competition.
Twisted Cedar Cabernet Sauvignon, Twisted Cedar Petite Sirah-Petit Verdot, Twisted Cedar Pinot Grigio, Twisted Cedar Moscato, and Twisted Cedar Chardonnay all earned a silver medal.
In March 2021, Twisted Cedar introduced a wine club to offer connoisseurs a regular supply of some of their delectable wines.
Twisted Cedar’s memberships include:
Monthly members:
- Monthly Red: 12 bottles of red wine + free shipping + 25% off
- Monthly White: 12 bottles of white wine + free shipping + 25% off
- Monthly Mix: 12 bottles mixed between red & white + free shipping + 25% off
Quarterly members
- Same options as monthly members, but with wine shipped 4 times a year.
- Quarterly Red: 12 bottles of red wine + free shipping + 20% off
- Quarterly White: 12 bottles of white wine + free shipping + 20%
- Quarterly mix & match: 12 bottles mixed between red & white + free shipping + 20% off
Members also receive a special notice in advance about all special events hosted by Twisted Cedar Wines.
Shop award-winning wines from Twisted Cedar
Where - 600 N 100 E, Cedar City, UT 84721
5. Charles Krug
Charles Krug, known as the visionary father of Napa Valley winemaking established the winery in 1861, making it the oldest winery in Napa. In 1882, Krug opened the very first public tasting room in California, giving birth to the art of wine tasting. Today, it is a Registered National Historic Landmark.
Now co-owned by Peter Mondavi Jr, the Charles Krug Winery is home to sustainable wine and winemaking in the industry. The winery harvests grapes with as much natural control as possible and has also refurbished the original Charles Krug buildings on the winery site, making sure they meet all sustainability checkpoints.
From vibrant Napa Sauvignon Blanc to single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Charles Krug continues to artfully craft expressions of the classic Napa Valley terroir.
Charles Krug cabana tastings, source: Instagram
The estate also offers a range of tours and tastings for you to experience the rich history of Charles Krug and his love for winemaking and the Napa Valley. The tours range from $45 to $400, giving guests a wide variety of wines to taste, along with a tour of the winery.
Charles Krug tours include:
Estate Tasting - $45
Taste a variety of the most limited, small-production offerings, available only through the winery. Selections range from elegant Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc to the prized range of opulent single-vineyard Napa Cabernets.
AM & PM Tasting - $75
Get to know two legendary pioneers of Napa Valley winemaking--Charles Krug and the Mondavi Family--during this intimate 90-minute tour and tasting. Explore the grounds and hear their stories, while enjoying their exquisite wines in the stunning Redwood Cellar.
Cabana Experience - $400
A new way to experience Charles Krug. Groups of up to six are invited to reserve a private cabana. From tasting flights and full-bottles selections to a delicious culinary fare, the team tailors an experience just for you.
*Due to Covid-19 restrictions, book your tours beforehand.
Where - 2800 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574
6. Cooper Mountains Vineyards
‘Our land is our legacy’ - Cooper Mountains Vineyards.
In 1978 Dr. Robert Gross and his wife Corrine planted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on the slopes of Cooper Mountain, west of Portland. In 1987, the family converted an old horse barn on the estate to start their own label, which made them early adopters of organic and biodynamic farming practices in the Oregon winemaking sphere. All of the Cooper Mountains Vineyards have been farmed certified organic and biodynamic since 1999.
The grapes that grow in the North Willamette Valley vineyards are an expression of this special place. Cooper Mountains Vineyards roots are in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but over the years, they’ve expanded to smaller produced varietals as well like Gamay Noir, Tocai Friulano, and Gewürztraminer, to name but a few.
Wine tastings at Cooper Mountains Vineyards, source: Instagram
Cooper Mountains Vineyards are now open for visits in their new outdoor covered haven. They’ve also partnered with Portland’s organic culinary masters, Farmers & Beasts, to bring you sumptuous food pairings with their wines.
For those looking for a superflow of Cooper Mountains’ wines, you can sign up for one of their wine clubs, namely Root Society, Leaf Society, and Fruit Society.
Specialty priced at 10% off and delivered right to your door or prepared for you for pick-up at the winery. Members receive selected wines three times a year in the spring, fall, and winter. The average cost per shipment is $150.
Root Society member benefits:
- 10% off all wines and merchandise
- Access to small lot wines
- Special experiences and gatherings
- Tastings privileges for each member and two additional guests per visit
- Insider deals
- Reward points on selected products
- Customizable wine selections
- Easy track shipping with text, email, and delivery date option
Specially priced at 15% off and delivered right to your door or prepared for you for pick-up at the winery. Members receive selected wines three times a year in the spring, fall, and winter. The average cost per shipment is $280.
Leaf Society member benefits:
- 15% off all wines and merchandise
- Access to small lot wines
- Special experiences and gatherings
- Tastings privileges for each member and two additional guests per visit
- Insider deals.
- Reward points on selected products.
- Free shipping *State restrictions may apply.
- Customizable wine selections.
- Easy track shipping with text, email, and delivery date options.
Specially priced at 25% off and delivered right to your door or prepared for you for pick-up at the winery. Members receive selected wines three times a year in the spring, fall, and winter. The average cost per shipment is $450.
- Fruit Society member benefits include:
- 25% off all wines and merchandise.
- Access to small-lot wines.
- Library access.
- Special experiences and gatherings.
- Tasting privileges for each member and guest.
- Insider deals.
- Reward points on selected products.
- Free shipping *State restrictions may apply.
- Customizable wine selections.
- Easy track shipping with text, email, and delivery date options.
Shop wines by Cooper Mountains Vineyards
Where - 20121 SW Leonardo Ln, Beaverton, OR 97007
7. LangeTwins Family Winery & Vineyards
Bradford and Randall Lange believe that one simply cannot be a generational farm family without being sustainable. It’s how they were taught to farm, and it’s how they farm the LangeTwins vineyards today. The LangeTwins family has been a sustainable grower in the Lodi Appellation of California for over five generations. They continue working to preserve the land for more generations to come.
LangeTwins vineyards, Bradford & Randall Lange, source: Instagram
The LangeTwins Estate welcomes guests to experience sustainability first hand with their private tours. Upon arrival, you can enjoy a build-your-own wine flight, a glass, or a bottle of wine. The Estate is open for tastings by appointment for only up to 4 people, following Covid-19 protocols. You can make your reservations via email - reservations@langetwins.com, or by giving them a call on (209) 334-9780.
To be a part of the LangeTwins family, you can join their wine club to receive quarterly shipments of sustainably produced wines.
Membership perks include:
- Access to the Wine Club Rewards Program.
- 20% or 25% discount on all wine purchases.
- Complimentary wine tasting for up to 4 people.
- Exclusive invitations to release parties, events, and tastings.
