California Wine’s “Down to Earth” Month Features Sustainable Winegrowing and Leadership  

Annual Celebration Highlights Sustainability through Eco-Focused Events, Festivals, Tastings and Activities 

SAN FRANCISCO — As Earth Day approaches, California Wines is kicking off “Down to Earth” Month on April 1 to provide consumers with the latest information and engaging experiences around California’s premier sustainability efforts. The annual month-long celebration, in its 12th year, highlights the Golden State wine community’s commitment to sustainable viticulture and winemaking through environmental stewardship, social equity and community engagement.

California, as the world’s fourth-largest wine-producing region, has long been a global leader in sustainable winegrowing, with 36 Green Medal-winning wine producers and an ever-increasing percentage of certified-sustainable wineries and vineyards.

• The vast majority of California wine — 80% — is made by wineries that are certified under the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA)’s Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing program.
• More than 60% of statewide winegrape acreage are certified under CSWA or to other California sustainability programs such as Fish Friendly Farming, Lodi Rules, Napa Green and Sustainability in Practice (SIP).

“California has seen a 118% increase in certified sustainable vineyards over the past five years,” said Robert P. Koch, president and CEO of Wine Institute. “After two decades of hard work, our member wineries are recognized around the world as leaders in sustainability. April is the perfect time to support California wineries with one of the earth-friendly experiences or a celebratory glass of their wine.”

To bring Down to Earth Month and California’s tremendous wine sustainability achievements to consumers, wineries and regional associations across the state are hosting an array of interactive events and activities — from wine tastings to eco-focused vineyard tours — that shine a spotlight on sustainability.

Listed below are some examples of the constantly growing list of events, activities and special offers to explore throughout April. For details and frequent updates, visit DiscoverCaliforniaWines.com.

North Coast

April 1: Calistoga Wine & Culinary Experience

Join more than 30 Calistoga appellation wineries and eight restaurants at the Four Seasons Resort & Residences in Calistoga for an afternoon of local bites and fine wines.

Sierra Foothills

April 22-23: El Dorado Passport to the Great Out There

Get access to more than 20 participating wineries across El Dorado County, where many producers are committed to sustainable growing and winemaking practices.

Central Coast

April 30: Wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains Grand Tasting

Join more than 40 Santa Cruz Mountains vintners at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga for a tasting featuring dozens of sustainably produced wines.

Interior Valleys

April 1: Lodi Wine Festival

The annual festival in Lodi features tastings from up to 40 wineries, including many certified through the Lodi Rules sustainable winegrowing program.

Southern California

April 14-15: California Wine Festival

Sample selections from dozens of California wineries — many of them certified sustainable — and enjoy artisanal food at the Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting and Beachside Wine Festival in Dana Point.

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