Sonoma’s Best Eco-Friendly Wineries

Everyone seems to have an eco-friendly angle these days, but the wineries of Sonoma (and the area itself) have long been committed leaders within the movement. Many Sonoma wineries use a combination of green techniques like solar power and organic farming, while others have taken it to the next level using biodynamics. Here are our favorite eco-friendly wineries and the tour companies who will take you there:

Quivira Vineyards and Winery in Healdsburg stands by statements like “live in balance with your surroundings” and “experience a true vineyard farm." They embrace all biodynamic farming practices from the spiritual to scientific, which means they obsessively monitor healthy microbiotic life, and use only materials from their self-sustaining vineyards, compost piles, farm animals, and vegetable gardens. Their tasty wines are carefully made to respect the natural flavors of the soils and the specific elements found in each vineyard.

Benziger Family Winery remains a leader in the eco-friendly movement with biodynamic gardens and wines and countless accolades for their green practices and farming over the years. The estate is earthy and beautiful, tours informative and nature-filled, and entire portfolio of wines are certified sustainable, organic, or biodynamic. Tribute, a robust Cabernet blend, was the first Demeter-certified Biodynamic wine from Sonoma Country and one of the first in Northern America.

Gundlach Bundschu eliminated all regular use of pesticides, uses only the most necessary forms of herbicides, and introduced and closely monitors beneficial predators like owls and beetles into the vineyards. They plant cover crops that are specifically chosen to contribute diversity and nutrition to the soils, regularly use registered organic compounds and practices, recycle 70% of winery water, use biodiesel fuel for their tractors, and 60% of the energy used by the winery comes from solar power. They also constructed the first “floatovoltaic” system (floating solar panels) and are a certified Bay Area Green Business.

Imagery Estate, another leader in eco-vineyards, was certified biodynamic in 2001 and is in the process of having the adjacent 40-acre Sunny Slope Vineyard certified as well. Imagery is also known for their fun attitude about wine, hip and artistic packaging, and unusual and diverse lineup of flavorful wines like Wow Oui and Muscato di Canelli.

Silvertap isn’t known for their organic farming or winery tours, but rather as leaders in the extremely green wine-kegging business. Their motto is “saving the planet one glass at a time” and they practice what they preach by kegging their and other high-end brands like Pushback from all over the wine country. Why is kegging so healthy for the environment? Think of all the environmental (and economic) expenses that go into a bottle of wine: bottling, corking, glass, labels, adhesive, shipping, shelving and all the natural materials and eco-expensive practices that go into those processes. Kegs can be cleaned and refilled and glasses easily washed; so it’s the essence of re-using.

There are lots of other eco-friendly wineries and even specific tours led by organizations like California Wine Tours, who use Hybrid Vehicles; or Pure Luxury Wine Tours, who offer Organic and Biodynamic wine tours of the above wineries and others like Deerfield Ranch Winery, Kaz, Montemaggiore, and Porter Creek. Contact Getaway Adventures if you’d like to be extra green by renting a bike and riding to nearby green wineries.

We’ve shared our favorite eco-friendly wineries, please leave a comment with your favorites!

One is to buy roses lù, that little girl know that was a guest, quickly said: "Keguan Please wait, the sample in the treasurer there, I'll get over this." new england patriots jerseys Lee saw a potential for a little girl, pointing to the side hall: "The treasurer of the guests at the reception it. Keguan, you want something?" patriots jerseys Zhi Ke servant smiled and said: just came from the Western group of roses lù, tastes great. "Li Qian said: "Western Regions to the Rose lù it? Brought my smell." custom patriots jerseys His remark is immediately next to the selection of several fù rouge attracted people's attention. Western to the Rose lù not cheap, not much bigger than the fingers of a dozen vials have consistent, catch the lives of ordinary people a year huā write off. Is not that rich house who would buy that thing? patriots official jerseys Li Qian waved his hand: "No, treasurer in which is it? I went inside to see.""Hey -" the little girl anxious, said: "Ke Guan, there are guests. Trouble you so." abc5Into the golden mén, Li Qian as the crowd rode Slowly, all the way to West City. West city bustling crowds, shops along the section sub-scales ratio, cries come crowded. Lee thought that the potential is nearly two months to go, so if you go back empty-handed, sure to be wheat purple Lan complain. So Li Qian turn into West City, ready to buy some gifts back.

By custom patriots jerseys (not verified) on February 02, 2012

Thank you so much Ian for recognizing that the best way to travel is to leave your car behind, our philosophy here is slow down... travel at the speed of bike, one mile at a time... We appreciate you recognizing local green businesses!

By Randy Johnson (not verified) on December 19, 2011

I think bio dynamic farming is great but I would also like to see on this list wineries that produce dry farmed wines. Wine making is super water intensive and water is a precious commodity.

By Sarina (not verified) on December 15, 2011

I am also happy to take people on tours. I specialize in CERITIFIED organically grown wines...and especially wineries with only certified organically grown wines - unlike most of the wineries mentioned here. For more info, see www.winecountrygeographic.com.

There is also a map for your own do it yourself tours on www.winecountrygeographic.com with more than 150 wineries that offer at least one wine made 100% from organically certified wines. Check it out!

By Organic Wine Uncorked (not verified) on December 15, 2011

I've been a wine club member at Gundlach Bundschu for several years now. Such a beautiful winery and friendly family/staff! When I saw the headline, I hoped they would get the mention they deserved. So glad that they did!!!

By RNinNC (not verified) on December 15, 2011

Love all of these, thanks for rounding them up! Now I must book a trip to Sonoma...

By Anna (not verified) on December 15, 2011

Sinskey Vineyards in Napa is my favorite.

By BCC (not verified) on December 15, 2011

Kunde Family Estates has an Eco tour that you can take your dogs on. It is one of the best dog events in my opinion. The winery is the largest piece of continuous property in Sonoma County. The dogs are allowed to run off leash, and there is a huge watering hole that they can swim in. All along the way you get to sample Kunde's delicious wines. At the end of the tour you are treated to a gourmet lunch, while the dogs swim at the pool. All proceeds benefit the Sonoma Humane Society and Canine Companions for Independence. There are three dates posted for 2012, and these always sell out so get them on your calendar now! http://www.kunde.com/sustainable-tours .

By Sonoma Humane Society (not verified) on December 15, 2011

I'd like to give a shout out for Preston Vineyards in the Dry Creek area. Organic wines and olive oil from their idyllic farmhouse estate & picnic grounds. Rhone varietals and rockin' syrah - and a family devoted to land preservation

By Lynne (not verified) on December 15, 2011

I love Benziger and Imagery! Another great one in the Russian River Valley is DeLoach. My favorite is their OFS Pinot Noir.

By kimberlyloc (not verified) on December 15, 2011

By BDALTON (not verified) on December 15, 2011