5 Earth-Friendly Wines

When it comes to good sipping, sustainability is key. —Vita Daily

DREAMING TREE

The environment is incredibly important to musician Dave Matthews’ Dreaming Tree Wines. The grapes are grown sustainably, promoting efficient water use, soil management and habitat preservation. The packaging is eco-friendly, featuring a lighter bottle, 100 per cent recycled paper label and a cork without foil, reducing carbon emissions. Plus, in collab with The Nature Conservancy, the brand plants a tree for each Cabernet Sauvignon or Crush Red Blend bottle sold. Dreaming Tree Wines has planted over 365,000 trees and donated $2,000,000 to environmental causes thus far.

BODEGA GARZÓN

This boutique winery in the idyllic countryside of Uruguay is the first sustainable winery outside North America to comply with requirements set by the United States Green Building Council and the first in the world to earn LEED certification for its entire facility. The 205,000-square-foot winery boasts a sustainable design that enables the process of gravity winemaking, and Bodega Garzón optimizes energy efficiency with insulating green roofs—which also develop a biodiverse environment and facilitate rainwater harvesting and reuse and a high-efficiency HVAC with heat recovery. The modern winery is producing wines celebrated by critics and establishing itself as a world-renowned destination furthering sustainability, wine culture and tourism in Uruguay.

SANTA JULIA

In Argentina, Santa Julia Wines stands at the forefront of sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices throughout the winemaking journey. In the vineyards, they prioritize organic farming (read: no synthetic pesticides and herbicides) and embracing cover crops for soil enrichment. Precision irrigation minimizes water usage while solar panels power the winery, reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources. Waste reduction is achieved through composting grape remnants and utilizing recycled materials in packaging. Fair wages, community engagement and education initiatives for employees underline their social responsibility. Partnering with local suppliers ensures a smaller carbon footprint in transportation. Santa Julia’s commitment to sustainability is evident in each pour—a testament to a holistic, environmentally conscious approach to winemaking.

TIERRA RICA

From Chile, Tierra Rica sustainable wine stands as a beacon of environmental and social consciousness. In the vineyards, the use of natural predators and cover crops promotes biodiversity, enriching the soil without resorting to synthetic chemicals. The winery harnesses solar power extensively, while rainwater harvesting systems supplement water needs sustainably. Packaging is crafted from recycled materials, reducing the ecological footprint. Tierra Rica actively engages in community programs, providing education and healthcare support for its workforce. This brand exemplifies a meticulous fusion of sustainable viticulture and community well-being, crafting wines that embody responsible practices from vine to bottle.

TORMARESCA WINES

This Italian estate under the Antinori umbrella champions sustainability with a focus on eco-conscious viticulture and winemaking. Embracing organic and biodynamic practices, they prioritize soil health, biodiversity and natural pest control. Tomaresca employs innovative water-management systems, ensuring efficient irrigation in their vineyards while minimizing water usage. Solar power and energy-efficient technologies are integral to their cellars, reducing the winery’s carbon footprint. Waste-reduction initiatives, from recycling to composting, underline their commitment to environmental stewardship. Tomaresca Wines epitomizes a holistic approach to sustainability, harmonizing traditional winemaking with cutting-edge eco-friendly practices for a flourishing future.