As spring unfurls across California’s sun-kissed vineyards, the Golden State’s winemakers are raising their glasses to good wine and a greener, more sustainable future. This April marks the 14th annual Down to Earth Month, a statewide celebration of California’s leadership in sustainable winegrowing, where innovation meets tradition in the world’s fourth-largest wine-producing region.

From vineyard hikes to wine tastings, falconry experiences to biodynamic farming tours, California wineries are inviting locals and travelers alike to discover how responsible land stewardship can produce wines that delight the palate while preserving the planet.

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🍇 A Toast to Sustainability: California Leads the Way

Spearheaded by the Wine Institute, Down to Earth Month spotlights the state’s commitment to climate-resilient winemaking, economic vitality, and social equity through immersive events and educational experiences. The numbers behind this green revolution are just as compelling as the wines themselves:

• 90% of California’s wine is now produced in certified sustainable wineries—up from 80% just last year.

• 65% of vineyard acreage statewide is certified sustainable, with 45% under the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW) program.

• Since 2018, CCSW-certified vineyards have grown by 86% and certified wineries by 50%.

• The “Certified California Sustainable” logo now graces a remarkable 378 million bottles on shelves worldwide.

📌 Source: California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance.

“Sustainability matters to wine consumers across the globe,” noted Robert P. Koch, President and CEO of Wine Institute. “With our ongoing innovation and expansion, we’re proud to say that when you buy a California wine, there’s a strong chance it’s sustainably made.”

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🌱 Six Ways California Wineries Are Living Their Values

1. Regenerative Farming Practices:
Winemakers are turning back to time-honored, soil-first practices. Regenerative farming enhances biodiversity, improves soil health, and yields higher-quality grapes while sequestering carbon and strengthening local ecosystems.

2. Natural Pest Control:
From owl boxes to ladybug releases, vineyards are ditching synthetic pesticides in favor of natural solutions. Barn owls control rodent populations, while beneficial insects target grapevine pests in an ecologically balanced dance.

3. Water Conservation:
In drought-prone California, every drop counts. Many wineries invest in dry-farming techniques, rainwater harvesting, and high-tech soil probes to optimize irrigation and reduce waste.

4. Renewable Energy Adoption:
Solar panels, wind turbines, and biofuels are becoming commonplace across vineyard operations. Electric vehicles and forklifts are also replacing gas-powered machinery, helping slash emissions.

5. Social Responsibility & Staff Wellness:
Sustainable practices go beyond farming. Many wineries offer staff wellness programs, community volunteer days, and inclusive amenities—from yoga classes to nutritious snacks.

6. Eco-Friendly Packaging & Waste Reduction:
Lightweight bottles, compostable labels, and grape pomace composting are driving waste reduction and shrinking the industry’s carbon footprint.

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🍷 Top 10 Sustainable Wine Festivals & Passport Weekends

These events aren’t just for wine lovers—they’re for eco-enthusiasts, families, and anyone passionate about preserving the land:

1. Lodi Wine Festival – April 5

   

   El Dorado Wine Weekend

2. Earth Day Napa – April 12

3. California Wine Festival (Dana Point) – April 25–26

4. El Dorado Wines Passport Weekend – April 26–27

5. Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival – April 26–27

6. Stags Leap Vineyard to Vintner Weekend – April 25–27

7. Passport to Dry Creek Valley – April 25–27

8. De Portola Wine Trail Big Red Fest – April 27

9. Calaveras Spring Wine Weekend – April 26–27

10. April in Carneros – April 26

📍 Explore more at DiscoverCaliforniaWines.com.

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🌎 10 Unmissable Eco-Wine Experiences

Pair education with elevation through vineyard adventures that show sustainability in action:

• Rutherford Hill Winery’s ATV Vineyard Tour – April 1–30

• Trefethen Family Vineyards Tour & Tasting – April 1–30

• Melville Vineyards’ Behind-the-Scenes Tours – April 4–25

• Six Sigma Ranch Guided Hikes – Every Saturday in April

• Wente Vineyards’ Falconry & Wine Experience – April 13 & 27

• Bricoleur Vineyards Planting Class – April 12

  

  Napa Wine Tasting Experiences By Reservation Cliff Lede Vineyards

• Iron Hub Estate Tour with Winemaker – April 12

• Chris Benziger’s Biodynamic Tour – April 13

• McGrail Vineyards Roots & Renewal Tours – April 19 & 26

• San Joaquin Wine Co. Spring Fling – April 26

🔍 Honorable Mentions:

• Wine Blending Class – South Coast Winery – April 6

• Barrel Blending Seminar – Tablas Creek Vineyard – April 27

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🏆 Green Medal Awards Return in 2025

In another highlight of Down to Earth Month, the 11th annual Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards will honor wineries that exemplify excellence in sustainable practices across environmental, community, business, and leadership categories. Previous recipients have included pioneers who have redefined what it means to be stewards of the land.

For upcoming winners, visit greenmedal.org.

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🍾 Raise a Glass to a Greener Future

With over 70% of U.S. wine trade members seeing rising demand for sustainably made wines, California’s forward-thinking approach is paying dividends in flavour, resilience, reputation, and responsibility. From regenerative rows of Pinot Noir in Sonoma to solar-powered tasting rooms in Temecula, the state’s wine country proves that sustainability is not a buzzword. It’s a way of life—and a promise for the future.

So, whether you’re a seasoned sommelier, a curious traveler, or simply a lover of fine wine and cleaner air, April is your chance to celebrate something more significant: a thriving culture that honors tradition while embracing innovation, all in the spirit of preservation.

🍷 Visit DiscoverCaliforniaWines.com/d2e for Down to Earth Month events and experiences.

Written by Anne Keam

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