Call for Applications for the 11th Annual California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards

SACRAMENTO — California’s vineyards and wineries are invited to submit their applications for the 2025 California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards. Applications are now open at greenmedal.org and will be accepted until Feb. 5, 2025. This marks the 11th annual presentation of the awards, which are highly regarded within the wine industry.

Vineyards and wineries actively engaged in sustainability programs across California are eligible to compete in four distinct categories, recognizing outstanding achievement in sustainability:

Leader Award, given to the vineyard or winery that demonstrates Success and Innovation and Inspires Others in the three areas of sustainable winegrowing below.
Environment Award, given to the vineyard or winery that best demonstrates Environmental Stewardship through maximized environmental benefits from implementing sustainable practices.
Community Award, given to the vineyard or winery that is a Good Neighbor and Employer using the most innovative practices that enhance relations with employees, neighbors and/or communities.
Business Award, given to the vineyard or winery that best demonstrates Smart Business through efficiencies, cost savings and innovation from implementing sustainable practices.

“California’s winegrowers and wineries continue to lead the way in sustainable practices, demonstrating a profound commitment to the land, their communities and the future of our sector” said Robert P. Koch, president and CEO of Wine Institute. “The California Green Medal Awards recognize those who excel in sustainability and inspire others to do the same, ensuring a thriving, resilient wine community for generations to come.”

The 2024 California Green Medal recipients were:

Leader Award: LangeTwins Family Winery & Vineyard
Environment Award: Gloria Ferrer
Community Award: Cooper-Garrod Vineyards at Garrod Farms
Business Award: Vino Farms, LLC

“The California Green Medal Awards highlight California winegrowers’ and vintners’ exceptional dedication to sustainability,” said Natalie Collins, president of California Association of Winegrape Growers. “This program is a powerful way to showcase our industry’s leadership in environmental stewardship, economic viability and social equity. It’s an honor to recognize those who set the standard for these practices, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps and reinforcing the importance of sustainability in our industry.”

Applications are being accepted through Friday, Feb. 5, 2025.

APPLY AT GREENMEDAL.ORG

Winners will receive a California Green Medal and be recognized in widely distributed communications, as well as an awards recognition event in 2025.

About the 2024 California Green Medal Awards

Since 2014, the California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards has provided recognition to California vineyards and wineries who are leaders in implementing the “three Es” of sustainability (environment, economic and social equity) while inspiring others in the industry and highlighting the benefits of participating in a sustainability program. The program is a great opportunity to showcase the amazing commitment many California growers and vintners have made to protecting the environment and enhance the communities in which they live and work.

The California Green Medal is presented by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, California Association of Winegrape Growers, Wine Institute, Lodi Winegrape Commission, Napa Green, Napa Valley Vintners, Sonoma County Winegrowers and Vineyard Team.

The 2025 program’s judging panel consists of wine and sustainability experts including Allison Jordan, California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance; Anna Brittain, Napa Green; Beth Vukmanic, Vineyard Team; Chris Chen, UC Cooperative Extension — North Coast; Cyril Penn, Wine Business Monthly; Erin Coburn, minimo; Jennifer Richards, Sonoma County Winegrowers; Kate Venugopal, Wine Institute; Natalie Collins, California Association of Winegrape Growers; Richard Morley, FirstPour; and Stephanie Bolton, Lodi Winegrape Commission.