Tag: Sustainabile

Celebrate California’s “Down to Earth Month” with Wine Events/Recipes

California, California Wine, Regional & Ethnic, Restaurants, Sustainable wineries, winery

California Wines is launching its 13th annual Down to Earth Month celebrating the state’s global leadership in wine sustainability. Throughout April, the campaign highlights California’s commitment to sustainable viticulture and winemaking through environmental stewardship, economic impact, social equity and community engagement.

California — the world’s fourth-largest wine-producing region — has long been a global leader in sustainable winegrowing. Today, 80% of the state’s wine is produced in a certified-sustainable winery. By prioritizing sustainable practices, the state’s vintners and growers produce coveted wines while protecting our environment, being a good employer and neighbor, and ensuring vibrant family farms and businesses for generations to come. California wine producers are building a wine community where economic success, environmental stewardship and social responsibility thrive together.

Dozens of Sustainable Winery Events

To give consumers an inside look at the California wine community’s innovative sustainable practices, dozens of wineries and vintners’ associations across the state are hosting interactive events, activities and special offers — from eco-focused vineyard hikes and tours to wine tastings to festivals — all month long. For ongoing updates throughout April, visit DiscoverCaliforniaWines.com.

There are plenty of ways to celebrate and salute sustainability. Read on for tips on how to identify and enjoy sustainable wine and food during Down to Earth Month and beyond. 

When purchasing wine, check the label for sustainability certifications. The vast majority of California wine is made by wineries certified under the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA)’s Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing program, and many participating wineries display a “Certified California Sustainable” logo on their wine labels or on signs in their tasting room or winery.

Likewise, more than 60% of statewide winegrape acreage is certified under CSWA or to other California sustainability programs such as Fish Friendly Farming, LODI RULES, Napa Green and Sustainability in Practice (SIP). Each has its own seal for qualified wineries to include on their wine labels. 

Ridge Vineyards, Monte Bello

Before heading to the store, shoppers can also visit the California Sustainable Wine website to find certified wineries, wines and vineyards across the state, or check out winners of the California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leaderships Awards announced just this week:

  • LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards — LEADER AWARD, given to the vineyard or winery that excels in the three “Es” of sustainability — Environmentally sound, socially Equitable and Economically viable practices.
  • Gloria Ferrer — ENVIRONMENT AWARD, given to the vineyard or winery that best demonstrates Environmental Stewardship through maximized environmental benefits from implementing sustainable practices.
  • Cooper-Garrod Vineyards at Garrod Farms — 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.
  • Vino Farms, LLC — BUSINESS AWARD, given to the vineyard or winery that best demonstrates Smart Business through efficiencies, cost savings and innovation from implementing sustainable practices.

Sustainability-minded consumers can take a similar approach when shopping for food. For example, look for signage or labels designating products as certified organic or certified regenerative. 

Opt For Earth-Friendly — or Less — Packaging 

While traditional glass bottles will always be a vessel for wine, California wineries have embraced a variety of packaging options to reduce their carbon footprints. High-quality wines can now be found in lightweight glass, bag-in-box packaging, pouches, cans and even paper bottles. 

When shopping for produce at the grocery store, choose bulk items instead of pre-packaged foods and bring your own eco-friendly bags. Or, do your produce shopping at a local farmers market, bringing along your own reusable totes.  

Choose Climate-Friendly Foods & Wine

Not all food is created equal when it comes to sustainability. Buying local is a simple way to reduce food’s carbon footprint because it minimizes transportation emissions. 

Trading meat for more plant-based foods is another Earth-friendly option. Some of the most climate-friendly examples include fresh fruits and vegetables, mushrooms, whole grains and pulses such as beans, lentils and peas. Root vegetables require a small amount of water and growing space to produce, so potatoes, carrots and beets are all good bets. When buying nuts, opt for ground nuts or tree varieties such as pistachios, pecans and walnuts. 

For meats, consider choosing lower-impact varieties such as poultry over beef or lamb. Environmentally friendly seafood options include farmed clams, oysters and mussels; responsibly farmed shrimp; Pacific cod; sustainably farmed and wild-caught salmon; and trout. For updates, see the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch website at seafoodwatch.org. 

Pair Climate-Friendly Meals with Sustainable Wines 

Celebrate Down to Earth Month with wine country-inspired dishes made with fresh California produce and other sustainable ingredients. All of these spring and summer favorites pair beautifully with sustainably produced California wines.  

Fish Tacos with Radish Avocado Relish

May:..Fish Tacos with a Radish and Avocado Relish..Suggested wine pairings: Moscato or Sparkling Mexican-inspired recipe with wine pairing from DCW website

Crunchy radishes, buttery avocados and tangy feta cheese are an inspired accent for fresh cod. Pair the tacos with California sparkling wine or Sauvignon Blanc. 

Farmers Fried Rice

Canada: recipe image for social media | fried rice with vegetables and tofu or egg served with white wine

This colorful vegetarian bowl can be made with almost any fresh veggies you have on hand, making it the perfect spring or summertime meal. The dish pairs perfectly with a chilled California rosé .

Shaved Asparagus and Arugula Salad with Ricotta Salata 

HyperFocal: 0

Made with raw, shaved asparagus and peppery arugula, the beautiful salad sings of spring and comes together in minutes. Enjoy it with a California Chardonnay or Pinot Gris.

Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream and Honey Walnuts 

Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream and Honey Walnuts || Iconic California recipes || ice cream, honey, butter, walnut, yellow peach, white peach, grilled dessert, grilling, paired with Moscato, Orange Muscat or late harvest Riesling

Invite ripe peaches to the dinner table by grilling them and serving the fruit over ice cream. Pair the dessert with a sweet California Muscat or late-harvest Riesling to complement the honeyed flavors of the dish. 

About Wine Institute  

Established in 1934, Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group of more than 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiates and advocates state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine. The organization works to protect the economic and environmental health of the state through its leadership in sustainable winegrowing and a partnership with Visit California to showcase California’s wine and food offerings and the state as a top travel destination. To learn more about California wines, visit Discover California Wines. 

An abundance of olives: Olivo Amigo Olive Oil from Jaen, Spain

Gastronomy

Gathering the olives harvested on a small, multi-generation, organic-certified farm in Jaen Spain, Olivo Amigo is a premium extra virgin sustainably grown olive oil bottled in eco-friendly and attractive white bottles with stainless steel spouts for easy pouring. The olive oil currently available comes from olives pressed after being gathered during last year’s fall harvest in October.

Olivo Amigo comes in two flavors.

Joy, with its undertone of almond and peppery aftertaste that contrasts with citrus zest taste. Made with Picual olives, It’s an intense fruity green and has aromas of tomato and olive leaves with delicate touches of almond and artichoke. Well-balanced, Joy has traces of a medium-low bitterness and a touch of spice.

PERFECT FOR:

Salads, dressings, cheese, tomatoes, crudites, on top of pastas, drizzled on soups or veggie creams, bread, figs and datiles.

Vitality, with its nuances of fig and apple, is a complex well-balanced extra virgin olive oil with a medium-high green fruitiness. Made with Nevadillo olives, it has aromas of green grass and tomato and to taste has a very mild bitterness and a pleasant medium spice level. A complex, well-balanced oil,

PERFECT FOR:

Sauces, dips, warm stews, roasted veggies, meat, fish, potatoes, frying eggs, baking pastries or on top of ice cream.

Jaen ANDALUCIA SPAIN

Jaen Province: An Abundance of Olives

Located in north-eastern Andalucia, the name Jaen is Moorish for  geen or jayyan meaning stopping post on a caravan route. With over 40 million olive trees (the most of any province in Spain), the economy of Jaen is based upon olive oil. The region is known for its wonderful olive oil , gastronomy, Renaissance architecture, mountains, and  Castillo Santa Catalina, a Moorish fortress dating back to the 10th century.

The following recipes are courtesy of Olivo Amigo.

Olive Oil Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 1/3 cups extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/4 cups whole milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons grated orange zest
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 cup Grand Marnier liqueur

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Apply olive oil or butter spray to a 9- inch cake pan that is 2 inches deep and line the bottom with parchment paper. If your cake pan is less than 2 inches deep, divide batter between two pans and check on them after 30 minutes.

Gather two bowls. First, mix your flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and baking powder with a whisk.

In another bowl, mix the olive oil, eggs, orange zest, orange juice, and Grand Marnier. Lastly, add dry ingredients and whisk them all together.

Pour the batter into the preheated pan and bake it for an hour until the top is golden and the cake tester comes out clean. Move the cake to a rack and let it rest for thirty minutes.

Run a knife around the pan and invert the cake onto the rack. Let it cool for two hours.

Vegetable Pasta Salad

  • 8 ounces dried orzo pasta
  • 1/2 head of cauliflower, cut into florets, about 2 cups
  • 1 1/2 cup cubed butternut squash
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1/2 cup Olivo Amigo Vitality olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon, about 1/4 cup
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided


Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta. Cook according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Preheat oven to 400F. On a large baking sheet, add butternut squash cubes and cauliflower florets. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bake for 25 minutes until crispy and charred. Remove from oven, set aside and allow to cool.

In a large bowl, add cooked orzo, roasted butternut squash, roasted cauliflower, raisins, parsley, Olivo Amigo Vitality olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

Toss to combine.