Hello Vino Blog

Hey Everyone,

The official Earth Day for 2010 is tomorrow, April 22nd.

Meaningful conversations about food production have reached our streets and communities from the farms and fields. The wine industry has also taken steps that benefit the environment as well. Organizations such as California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) have developed programs like the California Sustainable Winegrowing Program (SWP) to increase the sustainability of the California wine industry by promoting the adoption of sustainable practices and ensuring continual improvement.

Members of our team have visited the Peju Province Winery in Napa (Route 29 Rutherford) a few times since 2007 and are always treated well by their staff. The fun fact about this winery is that Peju received an Organic Certification for its Rutherford Estate Vineyard from California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). In 2009, Peju was certified as a Napa County Green Winery & Bay Area Green Business thanks to farming efforts led by winemaker Sara Fowler. The winery has a solar powered system located atop their crush pad, barrel room, tank area, and administrative offices that issues 126 kW AC for its facilities. Concerning the land, Peju’s organic farming practices avoid the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and plant growth regulators while relying on crop rotation, compost and ecological-based cultivation to maintain soil productivity.

The result of their green efforts…great wine and a wonderful place to visit.

Notable tastings:
2007 Rose of Syrah, 2004 Zinfandel
2008 Sauvignon Blanc, and 2005 Fifty/Fifty-Red Wine

Featured Pairing
Sauvignon Blanc: Olivia’s Organics Baby Spinach Salad with Citrus

Other Pairings

• 2004 Zinfandel: Equal Exchange Organic Dark Chocolate with Almonds (55% Cacao)
• 2005 Fifty/Fifty-Red Wine: Yancey’s Fancy Edam Cheddar Cheese (Milk from cows not treated with rBST)
• 2007 Rose of Syrah: Baked, Organic Crab Cakes over Fresh Leaf Lettuce

Cheers!
The Hello Vino Team