CSWA news

CSWA News

Press Releases

March 22, 2023

Winners Announced for Ninth Annual California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards

January 13, 2023

Expert Panel of Wine and Sustainability Experts to Judge 2023 California Green Medal Award Applications, Due Jan. 20

December 7, 2022

California Leading the Way in Sustainable Winegrowing Education

November 8, 2022

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

April 26, 2022

Winners Announced for Eighth Annual California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards

March 23, 2022

Celebrate California Wine's Sustainability Leadership During "Down to Earth Month" in April 

November 9, 2021

Call for Applications for the 8th Annual California Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards

California vineyards and wineries are encouraged to apply for the 2022 California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards, with applications now being accepted at greenmedal.org.      

October 6, 2021

California’s Wine Community Recognizes October is Farmer and Farmworker Month

California is the country’s top agricultural producer and in October the state’s wine and winegrape growing community honors the farmers and farmworkers who nurture and harvest more than 400 crops – ranging from fruits, vegetables and nuts to more than 100 winegrape varieties. Keep reading to learn more! 

September 14, 2021

Multi-State Partnership Advances Sustainability in the U.S. Wine Industry

The largest winegrowing states in the country — California, Oregon, New York and Washington, which produce 95% of U.S. wine — have established educational and certification sustainability programs over the past two decades, furthering the widespread adoption of sustainable practices by U.S. winegrowers and winemakers. In this release, gain a summary of all the achivements that resulted from this partnership. 

 

July 21, 2021

Sustainability Report Shows Growing Adoption of Sustainable Practices by California Vineyards & Wineries

The 2020 California Wine Community Sustainability Report  was released by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) shows broad participation in its educational and certification programs, and wide implementation of sustainable practices in vineyards and wineries around the state.   

June 30, 2021

Green Medal Awards Acknowledge Growers and Vintners for Sustainability Leadership

Four California wineries and vintners were named Green Medal winners recognizing a commitment to sustainability in Leader, Business, Environment and Community categories. Read the news release to see who the 2021 winners are. 

April 1, 2021

New Website Spotlights Certified California Sustainable Wines, Vineyards and Wineries

The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) launched a new website today, the start of Down to Earth month, dedicated to the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing program at californiasustainablewine.com.

February 3, 2021

California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance’s 2020 Certification Report Shows Continued Growth; 4th Edition of California Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Released

Marking a decade since the launch of Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing and nearly two decades since the release of the 1st Edition California Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Workbook (the Code), the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) issued the 2020 Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing Annual Report and published the 4th Edition California Code of Sustainable Winegrowing containing over 200 best practices.

February 2, 2021

Call for Applications for the Seventh Annual California Green Medal

California vineyards and wineries are encouraged to apply for the 2021 California Green Medal: Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards. Applications are now being accepted at www.greenmedal.org. The California Green Medal is presented by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA), California Association of Winegrape Growers, Wine Institute, Lodi Winegrape Commission, Napa Valley Vintners, Sonoma County Winegrowers and The Vineyard Team.

August 28, 2020

Wildfire Preparedness and Recovery 

In response to the devastating wildfires that have burned over 1.25 million acres in California, Wine Institute is sharing talking points on the statewide situation along with wildfire preparedness and recovery resources. Included is information on Personal Protective Equipment during wildfire smoke events, the use of generators during wildfires or Public Safety Power Shutoffs, and a Fire Recovery Guide from Congressman Mike Thompson’s office. Below is an abbreviated list of the information and resources available on Wine Institute’s Wildfire Resource page.

June 10, 2020

Consumer & Trade Research Shows Increased Demand for Sustainably Produced Wine

The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) along with co-hosts from California, New York, Oregon and Washington hosted a webinar June 5, 2020, sharing the latest consumer and trade perceptions on sustainable wine. Over 500 webinar registrants from 19 U.S. states and representing all aspects of the wine industry attended, confirming strong interest in this topic.

April 6, 2020

Winners Announced for Sixth Annual California Green Medal: Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards

The California Green Medal winners have been announced for the Sixth annual Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards. The California Green Medal recognizes the leadership of wineries and vineyards committed to sustainability and is presented by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, California Association of Winegrape Growers, Wine Institute, Lodi Winegrape Commission, Napa Valley Vintners, Sonoma County Winegrowers and Vineyard Team. Four Green Medals are presented in the following categories: Leader, Environment, Community and Business.

March 26, 2020

California Wines “Down to Earth Month” Celebrates Sustainability in April: Earth-friendly Practices Protect the Health of the Land, Communities and the Industry

April is California Wines Down to Earth Month, an annual tribute to the California winemaking community’s decades-long commitment to sustainable winegrowing. Created by Wine Institute, the association of 1,000 California wineries, the month-long celebration highlights winery and business practices that ensure the health and vibrancy of the land, communities and the industry for generations to come.

February 4, 2020

CSWA’s CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE 2019 Report: Continued Growth in Certified California Sustainable Vineyards, Wineries & Wines

The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) released its third annual CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE Report, highlighting the growing number of California wineries and vineyards that are Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE). California remains the global leader in sustainable winegrowing practices, with one of the most widely adopted sustainable winegrowing programs in the world in terms of both winegrape acreage and case production.

June 20, 2019

New Consumer Research Presented at First U.S. Sustainable Winegrowing Summit Shows Strong Interest in Sustainable Wine

The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA), with wine and grape association partners from New York, Oregon and Washington, and others around the country hosted the inaugural U.S. Sustainable Winegrowing Summit | West on June 6-7 in Sonoma County. A highlight of the Summit was a presentation by Lulie Halstead, CEO of Wine Intelligence, on consumer perceptions of sustainable winegrowing. The research indicated high interest in purchasing sustainably produced wine in the future, a favorable perception of sustainable certification programs and certification logos, and a willingness to pay more for sustainably produced wine, particularly by Millennials and Gen Z.

April 2, 2019

Fifth Annual California Green Medal: Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards Recipients Announced

The California Green Medal recipients have been announced for the fifth annual Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards. The California Green Medal recognizes the leadership of wineries and vineyards committed to sustainability and is presented by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, California Association of Winegrape Growers, Wine Institute, Lodi Winegrape Commission, Napa Valley Vintners, Sonoma County Winegrowers and the Vineyard Team. Four Green Medals are presented in the following categories: Leader, Environment, Community and Business. The recipients of the Green Medal Awards will be honored at a ceremony at the California Department of Food and Agriculture in Sacramento on May 1, 2019. The event will be held in conjunction with a Legislative Reception, celebrating California Wines Down to Earth Month in April recognizing the California wine community’s commitment to sustainable winegrowing.

March 19, 2019

California Wines “Down To Earth Month” Kicks Off in April with Eco-Friendly Events Across the State

The eighth annual California Wines Down to Earth Month kicks off in April with sustainability-focused wine events and offers across the state, including Earth Day festivals, vineyard hikes, food and wine events, eco-tours and more. Created by Wine Institute, the association of nearly 1,000 California wineries, the month-long celebration highlights the winemaking community’s commitment to protecting the environment, being a good neighbor and producing high quality wines with sustainable farming and business practices. See: www.discovercaliforniawines.com/d2e.

January 29, 2019

CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE 2018 Report Released by CSWA Highlights Continued Growth and Adoption

The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) released its second annual CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE Report, highlighting the achievement of the 143 wineries and 1,398 vineyards in California that are Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE).

November 19, 2018

California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) Receives Drinks Business 2018 Green Award

CSWA is the winner of a 2018 Green Award, the Amorim Sustainability Award for a Generic Organization, given by The Drinks Business, an industry trade publication based in London. This award recognizes the efforts made by an organization to employ the most efficient and effective sustainable practices in their business with clear and measurable results. The judges praised CSWA for building on 15 years of accomplishments in promoting sustainable winegrowing and winemaking practices throughout California.

March 30, 2018

Winners Announced for Fourth Annual California Green Medal: Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards

March 29, 2018

Winners Announced for Fourth Annual California Green Medal: Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards

The California Green Medal winners have been announced for the fourth annual Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards. The California Green Medal recognizes the leadership of wineries and vineyards committed to sustainability and is presented by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA), California Association of Winegrape Growers, Wine Institute, Lodi Winegrape Commission, Napa Valley Vintners, Sonoma County Winegrowers and Vineyard Team. Four Green Medals are presented in the following categories: Leader, Environment, Community and Business. The recipients of the Green Medal Awards will be honored at a ceremony at the California State Capitol in Sacramento on April 11, 2018.

January 24, 2018

First Annual CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE Report Released by California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance Highlights Growth and Adoption

The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) has released its first annual CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE Report, highlighting the accomplishments of the 127 wineries and 1099 vineyards in California that are Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE). In 2017, the certification program saw a 46% growth in the number of certified vineyards and 20% growth in the number of certified wineries.

November 17, 2017

Fourth Annual California Green Medal: Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards

April 19, 2017

The Third Annual California Green Medal Awards 

The California Green Medal recipients have been announced for the third annual Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards. The California Green Medal recognizes the leadership of wineries and vineyards committed to sustainability and is presented by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, California Association of Winegrape Growers, Wine Institute, Lodi Winegrape Commission, Napa Valley Vintners, Sonoma County Winegrowers and The Vineyard Team. 

April 19, 2017

The Third Annual California Green Medal Awards

January 25, 2017

New CSWA Research Shows Sustainability A Growing Factor in Wine Trade Purchasing

New research, commissioned by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA), shows that a majority of the U.S. wine trade considers sustainability when making purchasing decisions and expects demand to increase over the next decade. 

November 18, 2016

Third Annual California Green Medal: Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards Call for Submissions

April 26, 2016

Second Annual California Green Medal: Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards Announced

April 21, 2016

Second Annual California Green Medal: Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards Announced

Recipients of the second annual California Green Medal: Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards were announced and honored at a lunch reception and ceremony April 20 in Sacramento. The California Green Medal, developed to showcase leading wineries and vineyards committed to sustainability, is presented by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, the California Association of Winegrape Growers, Wine Institute, Lodi Winegrape Commission, Napa Valley Vintners, Sonoma County Winegrowers and The Vineyard Team.

April 2, 2016

Second Annual California Green Medal: Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards Announced

January 27, 2016

CSWA 2015 Report Shows Wide Adoption of Sustainable Winegrowing Practices in California

The 2015 California Wine Community Sustainability Report released today by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) shows broad participation in its Sustainable Winegrowing Program (SWP) and wide adoption and implementation of sustainable practices in vineyards and wineries around the state.  The Report also shows growing participation in Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing, a program providing third-party verification of sustainability practices. 

April 13, 2015

Winners Announced for First Annual California Green Medal: Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards

Winners of the first annual California Green Medal: Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards were announced and honored at a lunch reception and ceremony today at University of California, Davis. The California Green Medal was developed by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA), California Association of Winegrape Growers, Lodi Winegrape Commission, Napa Valley Vintners, Vineyard Team and Wine Institute as a way to showcase some of the leading wineries and vineyards committed to sustainability. 

April 13, 2015

Winners Announced for First Annual California Green Medal: Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards

April 2, 2015

Raise a Glass to "Green" for California Wines Down to Earth Month

This April, get ready to raise your glass of red, white or rosé in a toast to all things “green” during the fourth-annual Down to Earth Month in California.  The eco-friendly fun lasts all month long with dozens of sustainability-focused events and activities to enjoy.

January 22, 2015

California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) Receives Governor's Top Environmental Award

Governor Jerry Brown presented the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) with the 2015 Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA), the state's highest environmental honor. CSWA was recognized for its California Sustainable Winegrowing Program during a ceremony at the California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters on Jan. 21 in Sacramento.

November 17, 2014

First Annual California Green Medal: Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards

California vineyards and wineries are encouraged to apply for the inaugural California Green Medal: Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards. Applications are now being accepted at www.greenmedal.org.

November 17, 2014

First Annual California Green Medal: Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards

May 7, 2014

Wine Institute Receives Drinks Business 2014 Green Award

Wine Institute of California was given the 2014 Amorim Sustainability Award for a generic organization by The Drinks Business, a London-based industry trade publication.  Wine Institute established the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) with the California Association of Winegrape Growers more than a decade ago to promote wide adoption of sustainability practices in the state.

April 2, 2014

Wine Institute Publishes Down to Earth: A New Book on California Sustainable Winegrowing

Wine Institute has released a new book, Down to Earth: A Seasonal Tour of Sustainable Winegrowing in California, a consumer-friendly guide to environmentally and socially responsible practices that shows how sustainability influences California vintners and growers throughout the year as they grow and make wines. The book was written by Janet Fletcher and photographed by George Rose, both award-winning journalists.

April 2, 2014

California Wines get "Down to Earth" this April

Down to Earth Month- Created by Wine Institute—the association of 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses—this month-long celebration raises awareness of California's leadership in sustainable winegrowing and winemaking. Wineries across the state will engage consumers, policy leaders, media and trade with sustainably focused festivities to learn about California wine's eco-friendly practices and the people and places behind them. From Earth Day festivals and organic wine trails to dog-friendly vineyard hikes, wildlife talks, horseback rides and eco-tours, the state's wineries will highlight what it means to be green this April.

March 4, 2014

Free Sustainability Workshops Offered by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance

The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) in partnership with several regional winegrape grower and vintner associations is hosting a series of free Sustainable Winegrowing Workshops this spring.  These two-hour hands-on workshops assist growers and vintners in assessing the sustainability of their vineyard or winery with CSWA’s Sustainable Winegrowing Program online system and Performance Metrics tool to track their use of water, energy and applied nitrogen.  

July 19, 2013

CSWA Introduces Online Tool to Measure Vineyard Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) has introduced an online tool for calculating greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration in California vineyards.  The tool, named the DeNitrification and DeComposition (DNDC) model for winegrapes, was developed to help winegrowers “measure to manage” to reduce input costs and emissions.  The tool is part of CSWA’s online Sustainable Winegrowing Self-Assessment and Performance Metrics system, the latter of which measures, manages and tracks energy, water and nitrogen use, and greenhouse gas emissions.  The tool was developed with partial funding from a three-year California Department of Food and Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant.

May 10, 2013

California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) Receives Drinks Business 2013 Green Award

CSWA was recognized with the Sustainability Award of the Year by The Drinks Business, an industry trade publication based in Europe.  According to the publication, its judges lauded CSWA in the generic organization category for achievements in gaining broad program participation by the state’s wineries and vineyards.  They also recognized CSWA’s “constant process of review and improvement, as well as the transparency of its reporting.”  

May 7, 2013

Sustainability Resonates with Wine Consumers and Trade

Wine Institute-Sponsored Research Shows Influence of Sustainable Winegrowing Practices on Buying Decisions - Two research studies sponsored by Wine Institute indicate that the sustainable and eco-friendly attributes of wine are important considerations when making purchasing decisions among key segments of wine consumers as well as the wine trade. 

April 2, 2013

New California Wines Green Tour Video Celebrates Down to Earth Month in April

Wine Institute has released a new video, “California Wines Green Tour,” at www.discovercaliforniawines.com/media-trade/videos, featuring a traveler enjoying the state’s beautiful wine regions while experiencing sustainable winegrowing and winemaking practices.  In Green Tour, viewers get a snapshot of what sustainable winegrowing means--from using solar energy and preserving water, to planting cover crops between vine rows for soil health and attracting beneficial insects.  The traveler also learns about how sheep graze on vineyard weeds and owls prey on vineyard pests.  All of the practices have the goal of enhancing environmental stewardship and social responsibility as well as grape and wine quality.

January 22, 2013

CSWA Releases 2012 Progress Report, Third Edition Sustainable Winegrowing Workbook

Marking a decade since its establishment, the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) has issued its 2012 Progress Report, highlighting the release of its third edition California Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Workbook, updated CSWA program participation numbers, and an overview of a new Performance Metrics tool measuring vineyard and winery use of water, energy and applied nitrogen, and greenhouse gas emissions related to energy use. For a complete copy of the 2012 CSWA Progress Report, go to www.sustainablewinegrowing.org.

June 6, 2012

CSWA Launches New Video Series on Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Winegrowing Case Studies

The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) has launched a new video series to highlight case studies on energy efficiency and other sustainable winegrowing practices. The first four videos can be viewed at: www.sustainablewinegrowing.org/media.php, and cover efficient refrigeration, pipe insulation, aerator systems, and variable frequency drives for pumps that are being employed by Jordan Vineyard & Winery, Korbel Champagne Cellars, and Imagery Estate Winery. The fourth video covers planning and building an energy efficient winery at LangeTwins Family Winery & Vineyards.

March 26, 2012

California Wines Get "Down to Earth" with New April Celebration

Month-long Campaign—Coinciding with Earth Day—Highlights State’s Sustainable Winegrowing and Winemaking - A new, month-long celebration, "California Wines: Down to Earth" shines a spotlight on sustainability. From "green wine trails" and Earth Day wine and food festivals to special eco-tours in the vineyard, California’s winemakers and winegrowers are offering a wide variety of fun, sustainably-focused festivities throughout the month of April, which can be found at www.discovercaliforniawines.com/d2e.

March 19, 2012

CSWA Introduces Performance Metrics to Help Growers and Vintners Measure Water and Energy Use

The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) introduced a new online Performance Metrics tool to complement its Sustainable Winegrowing Program. Performance Metrics, the measurable outcomes of business practices, are already used by growers and vintners to gauge their economic success, such as farming costs per acre/ton of grapes or production cost per bottle/case of wine. This project will provide tools that enable growers and vintners to calculate, manage and track improvement of performance with a broader set of sustainability metrics. It will also help identify areas to optimize operations and cut costs.

November 16, 2010

California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance Recieves California's Top Environmental Award

Governor Schwarzenegger honored the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) with the 2010 Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA), the state’s highest environmental honor, for the California Sustainable Winegrowing Program during a ceremony at the Governors’ Global Climate Summit 3 yesterday at the University of California, Davis Mondavi Center Global Pavilion.  A 2004 GEELA recipient, CSWA received this year’s award in the category of Enhanced Environmental and Economic Leadership.  

April 22, 2010

Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing Wineries Support Taste of the Nation Event April 29 to End Childhood Hunger

Nine California wineries, recently certified by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA), will support efforts to end childhood hunger at Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation event in San Francisco at AT&T Park on Thursday April 29.  Top restaurant chefs will join the participating wineries and mixologists to showcase the Bay Area’s outstanding wine and food.  Event and ticket information is at http://strength.org/sanfrancisco.

January 13, 2010

CALIFORNIA SUSTAINABLE WINEGROWING ALLIANCE LAUNCHES THIRD-PARTY CERTIFICATION PROGRAM: 2010 Sustainable Winegrowing Progress Report Also Released

The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA), established by Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers, announced today the introduction of a statewide certification program that provides third-party verification of a winery or vineyard’s adherence to a "process of continuous improvement" in the adoption and implementation of sustainable winegrowing practices.  In addition, CSWA released its 2009 Wine Community Sustainability Report measuring the California wine industry’s adoption over five years of 227 best management practices from the Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Practices Self-Assessment Workbook

October 15, 2009

New Study Reveals High Use of Environmentally-Friendly Practices in Calfiornia Winegrape Vineyards

The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) has released a report funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) revealing that 101 winegrowers surveyed throughout California have a remarkably high level of adoption of sustainable vineyard management practices.  Complete survey results are detailed in the report titled, "Understanding Adoption and Impacts of Sustainable Practices: Sustainable Winegrowing Program Participants' Survey," and is available online.

September 8, 2009

NEW VIDEO Highlights California Sustainable Winegrowing

California has the most widely adopted green winegrowing and winemaking program in the world, one that has earned the state''s top environmental award. The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, established by Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers, has released a new video to show highlights of its program''s earth-friendly practices embraced by the state''s vintners and winegrape growers.

March 11, 2009

CSWA Offers Free Grower Guide on Reducing Risk Through Sustainable Winegrowing

The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) has published a free grower guide, "Reducing Risks through Sustainable Winegrowing: A Growers'' Guide," funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Risk Management Agency. The 45-page user-friendly guide demonstrates how adopting sustainable methods reduces risk and can be an effective management strategy to enhance the long-term viability of businesses. The guide is available online at: www.sustainablewinegrowing.org/agrowersguide.php.

December 16, 2008

Free Sustainable Management of Winery Water and Associated Energy workshops offered

The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA), in collaboration with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and regional wine associations, is hosting a new workshop series to give wineries of all sizes the tools for self-assessment to make improvements in environmental performance and to lower overall production costs for water and energy use. The cornerstone of the workshop is the recently published Comprehensive Guide to Sustainable Management of Winery Water and Associated Energy, developed by Wine Institute and the American Vineyard Foundation, in partnership with the National Grape & Wine Initiative.

July 16, 2008

Comprehensive Guide Published on Sustainable Management of Winery Water and Associated Energy

Wine Institute and the American Vineyard Foundation, in partnership with the National Grape & Wine Initiative, recently published a new Comprehensive Guide to Sustainable Management of Winery Water and Associated Energy. The document gives wineries of all sizes the tools for self-assessment to make improvements in environmental performance and to lower overall production costs for water and energy use.

March 31, 2008

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY WITH ECO-FRIENDLY CALIFORNIA WINE: 10 Reasons to Toast the Day with Sustainably-Grown California Wine

Earth Day 2008 will be celebrated on April 22. This year more Americans than ever will re-examine how their lifestyles and choices impact the environment. Global warming, greenhouse gases and carbon footprint have become household terms, and consumer groups, government agencies, and businesses are working on ways to preserve the land, air, water and other natural resources.

January 28, 2008

Wine Institute and International Partners to Release New Greenhouse Gas Protocol and Accounting Tool

The International Wine Industry Greenhouse Gas Accounting Protocol, developed through a partnership between the Wine Institute of California, New Zealand Winegrowers, South Africa's Integrated Production of Wine program, and the Winemakers' Federation of Australia, will soon be released for use by the global wine industry. With increased attention to climate change and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and offsets, the goal of the project partners is to provide a free, easy-to-use, wine industry specific, greenhouse gas (GHG) protocol and calculator that will measure the carbon footprints of winery and vineyard operations of all sizes.

January 17, 2008

California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance to receive grants from National Fish & Wildlife Foundation and Department of Pesticide Regulation for survey and integrated pest management

The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) will receive a grant from the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation to survey winegrowers regarding motivations for adopting sustainable winegrowing practices and a grant from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) to provide integrated pest management education for winegrowers and other grape growers.

October 12, 2007

USDA and CDFA Award Grants to the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance for Risk Management and Climate Change

The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) will receive two grants from the United States Department of Agriculture''s (USDA''s) Risk Management Agency and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) for new risk management and climate change initiatives.

July 9, 2007

USDA Awards $607,500 Conservation Grant to California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance

The efforts of California winegrape growers and vintners to build on their environmental successes gained a major boost late last month, when the United States Department of Agriculture awarded a $607,500 Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) to the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance.

December 7, 2006

California Sustainable Winegrowing Report Reflects Increased Adoption of "Green" Practices

The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA), established by Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG), today unveiled its 2006 Progress Report indicating a 24 percent increase since 2004 in the number of California wineries and vineyard businesses working to adopt practices that are sensitive to the environment and society at large.

November 18, 2005

Free Workshops To Help California Wineries And Vineyards Conserve Energy And Save Money

The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) and Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) are co-hosting energy efficiency workshops throughout the state to help California wineries and vineyards conserve energy, resources and money.

June 20, 2005

California Wine Community's Code Of Sustainable Winegrowing Practices Receives Edmund G.

The California Council for Environment and Economic Balance (CCEEB) announced that its 2005 Edmund G. "Pat" Brown Award will be given to the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA), Wine Institute, the California Association of Winegrape Growers and the many vintners and winegrape growers participating in the Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Practices program.

March 14, 2005

California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance Announces New Officers And Managing Director

The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA)-a non-profit organization established by the Wine Institute and California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) to promote environmental stewardship and social responsibility in the California wine community - recently elected new officers to its Board of Directors and appointed a Managing Director.

December 2, 2004

Governor Schwarzenegger Gives Top Environmental Award To California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance

Governor Schwarzenegger named the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) a recipient of the 2004 Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Awards (GEELA) during a ceremony at the California Environmental Protection Agency headquarters in Sacramento yesterday.

October 6, 2004

New Ground-Breaking Report Documents California Sustainable Winegrowing Practices: USDA Awards $475,000 Grant To Program

The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA), established in 2003 by Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) to promote environmental stewardship and social responsibility in the California wine community, today presented its first report measuring the level of sustainable practices among vintners and growers on a statewide basis.

October 15, 2003

Wine Institute And CAWG Receive Integrated Pest Management Innovator Award

Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) received the Department of Pesticide Regulation's "IPM Innovator of the Year Award" at a ceremony at the California Environmental Projection Agency headquarters in Sacramento today.

October 29, 2002

California Vintners And Growers Introduce Code Of Sustainable Winegrowing Guidelines

Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) today introduced to the California wine community a code of best management practices and accompanying 490-page workbook promoting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.


News Articles

July 31, 2018

Wine Spectator, California Puts Sustainability Up Front

February 18, 2017

Growing Produce, Sustainability Is a Growing Factor in Wine Purchasing

February 1, 2017

Forbes, The U.S. Wine Industry Focuses On A Sustainable Future

November 22, 2016

Western Farm Press, Lohr assumes California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance board helm

November 16, 2016

The Drinks Business, The Drinks Business Green Awards 2016: the winners

August 20, 2016

Washington Post, Here's the best reason of all to drink organic wine: It tastes better.

August 1, 2016

OregonWinePress.com, Role of Sustainability

July 14, 2016

Santa Rosa Press Democrat, UC Davis professor talks mechanization to Allied Grape Growers

June 1, 2016

The San Luis Obispo Tribune, Tablas Creek, Halter Ranch wineries recognized for sustainable practices

April 27, 2016

Free Speech Radio News, Drought and climate change contributing to earlier grape harvests in vineyards around the world

February 2, 2016

The Drinks Business, CALIFORNIA ADOPTING SUSTAINABLE WINEMAKING 

August 24, 2015

Environmental Leader, Water to Wine: The Case for Wine Amidst the California Drought

May 18, 2015

Wines & Vines, Be a Sustainable Wine Ambassador

April 15, 2015

PR News Wire, Wine Institute Launches Sustainable Winegrowing Certificate Course

March 19, 2015

SF Gate, The Central Coast's Earth Friendly Wineries

March 13, 2015

Forbes, The Best "Green" Wines for St. Patrick's Day

January 28, 2015

Yahoo News, California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance Receives Governor's Top Environmental Award

January 16, 2015

Wine Spectator, Sonoma Wine Industry Makes Big Strides in Sustainability

January 15, 2015

Press Democrat, Whole Foods Wine Buyer Urges Sonoma Growers to Push Sustainability

November 18, 2014

Western Farm Press, Wineries to Honor Leadership in Sustainability

May 2, 2014

Forbes, Is Sustainable Winemaking The Wave Of The Future?

February 6, 2014

Huffington Post, Without Water, Will there be Wine in California?

January 15, 2014

SF Gate, Sonoma County Wine Growers Set Goal of 100% Sustainability

December 11, 2013

Take Part, There's More to Sustainable Wine than an Organic Label

June 18, 2013

San Luis Obispo Tribune, Wineries working to conserve water

May 30, 2013

Merced Sun-Star, Modesto Area Wineries Look to Move Up in Market

May 16, 2013

Western Farm Press, Sustainability matters to wine consumers

February 6, 2013

FSRMagazine.com, Sustainable Sonoma

January 23, 2013

Growing Produce, California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance Issues Report

December 4, 2012

StepIntoSustainability.com, Step Into Your Learning Curve

April 26, 2012

WineWisdom.com, Sustainability on the Move

March 21, 2012

EatDrinkBetter.com, New Water, Energy, GHG Online Metrics Tools for Sustainable Winegrowing

December 21, 2011

GreenBiz.com, California Wine Industry to Get Green Performance Metrics

February 18, 2011

NorthBay Biz Profitable Green: Is it still possible for businesses to be both profitable and green?

November 30, 2010

Step Into Sustainability, Wine Without Regrets: Award-Winning Sustainability Programs

November 22, 2010

Wine Business.com, CSWA and Wine Institute to Launch Three Projects Expanding Sustainable Winegrowing Practices

February 8, 2010

Wines & Vines, California Wineries Get Certified

January 13, 2010

Associated Press, Red, white or green? Calif. wine choices expand

January 13, 2010

Wine Spectator, California Wine Industry Establishes New Green Certification

January 13, 2010

Wine Business, California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance Announces New Certification Program for Wineries and Vineyards

January 13, 2010

Press Democrat, Wine industry sets standards for sustainability

October 8, 2009

Planetshifter.com, An Interview About the California Sustainable Winegrowing Program

May 28, 2009 The following letter was sent to the National Geographic Editor in response to the May 2009 article on the "Toll of Wine."
August 27, 2008 San Francisco Chronicle, "Winemakers cultivate earth-friendly practices, from ground to glass"
June 2, 2008 Wines and Vines, "Sustainability Goes to Market: Two new tools lead consumers and merchants to greener wines"
April 18, 2008 San Francisco Chronicle, "Bugging out: Beyond pesticides - vintners who see insects as vineyard helpers"
December 11, 2007 Wines & Vines, "Sonoma Growers Appeal to Regulators"
October 10, 2007

Wines and Vines, "Industry Group Wins Federal Grants"

May 15, 2007 Wine Business Monthly, "A Case Study in Sustainable Wine Production"
April 1, 2007 Practical Winery and Vineyard, "Improving Air Quality"
February 1, 2007

Practical Winery and Vineyard, "2006 Progress Report"


Partnerships and Funding

  • CA Department of Food and Agriculture awards CSWA a $450,000 grant for a four-year project to drive climate protection and innovation through field testing a carbon offset and greenhouse gas emissions model for California wine grape growers (2010)
  • CA Department of Food and Agriculture awards CSWA a $375,000 grant for a three-year project to speed adoption of sustainable winegrowing practices through data-driven targeted education (2010)
  • USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service awards a Conservation Innovation Grant to CSWA for a three-year $590,048 project to develop, implement and evaluate a comprehensive system of industry-wide performance benchmarking, tools and resources in order to drive conservation innovation and speed adoption of sustainable practices in the California wine community (2009)
  • CA Department of Food and Agriculture awards CSWA a $125,000 grant for a two-year project to develop a voluntary certification for the Sustainable Winegrowing Program to speed adoption of sustainable practices (2008)
  • The Department of Pesticide Regulation awards a two-year, $183,640 grant to CSWA to protect and improve air and water quality in California by decreasing related risks associated with pesticides used in grape (i.e., wine, raisin, and table) production (2007)
  • USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service awards a two-year, $607,500 grant to CSWA to evaluate environmental services accounting tools and increase their use (2007-2009)
  • USDA Risk Management Agency awards a $96,000 grant to CSWA to increase the understanding and adoption of risk management practices (2007)
  • National Fish and Wildlife Foundation awards a $82,000 grant to CSWA to identify motivations and conservation benefits of adopting sustainable practices (2007)
  • CA Department of Food and Agriculture awards a $100,000 grant to CSWA to consolidate existing information on vineyards and climate change (2007)
  • National Fish and Wildlife Foundation awards a $75,000 grant to CSWA to address biodiversity and habitat conservation (2006)
  • Pacific Gas and Electric Company partners with CSWA to promote energy efficiency (2005 - ongoing)
  • National Fish and Wildlife Foundation awards a $60,000 grant to CSWA to address ecosystem management (2005)
  • USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service awards a three-year, $475,000 grant to CSWA to advance air and water quality (2004-2007)
  • American Farmland Trust awards a two-year, $300,000 grant to CSWA to promote and measure integrated pest management methods (2004-2006)
  • CA Department of Food and Agriculture awards a $280,000 grant for widespread implementation of sustainable practices (2002-2004)

Awards and Recognition

  • CSWA receives the 2013 Sustainability Award of the Year by The Drinks Business, an industry trade publication based in Europe. See the full press release here.
  • Governor Schwarzenegger gives CSWA the state's top environmental award, the 2010 Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award
  • CSWA received a Flex Your Power Award Honorable Mention for 2007 in the Education and Leadership category for its work on energy efficiency education for California wineries and vineyards.
  • CA Council for Environment and Economic Balance presents CSWA, Wine Institute and CAWG with the 2005 Edmund G. "Pat" Brown Award
  • Governor Schwarzenegger gives CSWA the state's top environmental award, the 2004 Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award
  • CA Department of Pesticide Regulation award Wine Institute and CAWG the 2003 "IPM Innovator of the Year Award"

  • Second Annual California Green Medal: Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards Announced