This April, grab a glass and shift into “The Golden State of Mind”. In California, innovation, community and sustainability are the focus and are an incredibly important part of the present and future of grape growing. If you’re looking for a great wine experience and you live in Vancouver or Calgary, purchase a ticket to the California Wine Experiences (more information at the bottom of this article).
California Wines
From grape to glass, California wines are holistically created– star-studded in nature, energetic, dynamic and alive! A wine that is alive is one that’s fresh and flavorful, distinctive and memorable – characteristics that speak to California’s passion and commitment to excellence.
California leads that charge when it comes to sustainable winegrowing, and 80% of the wines made in California are certified sustainable. With requirements for the sustainability seal incredibly strict, wineries have to re-qualify each and every year. This seal ensures you can feel good about every bottle you open, sip and share.
Why do California wineries adopt sustainable winegrowing practices?
Well, it starts with their belief system. The California’s wine industry believes it truly needs to protect the soil, air and water for future generations. They believe a holistic approach is a requirement to keep both the earth and the people on it safe and secure for many years to come.
This strong commitment to nature and the community breathes life and flavour into California wines like no other region. Looking to learn more? Let’s dive into understanding what sustainability is below.
What does it mean to be sustainable in California?
California Wineries value creating a standard around high quality and premium grapes and wines but sustainability goes well beyond environmental issues like water and energy and biodiversity. Their vision of sustainability is about the vineyards and the vines, yes, but it is also about the needs and interests of society-at-large. It is about the economic and social well-being of farm and winery employees. It is about supporting local business and local communities through job creation and philanthropy.
It’s also about having a belief system that stands firm in understanding and committing to regenerative agriculture and protecting the environment. California’s vintners believe in being a good neighbor and employer all the while maintaining and keeping up a thriving long-term business strategy. These initiatives require an extreme amount of planning, commitment and respect which goes into maintaining a true holistic eco-system of sustainability.
California Winemakers are committed to sustainability from grape to glass. They embody a strong set of ethos that fuel their commitments each and every day.
What does it mean for wine when it’s “sustainably farmed?”
Sustainable farming includes farming in a regenerative way. This allows the vines and surrounding area to be taken care of for future generations, by giving back to the land more than what is taken from it. Sustainable wine-growing can also include biodynamic or organic farming practices.
How do you farm sustainably?
Winemakers and viticulturists spend many ways working in the vineyard, the cellar and the winery.
Some examples of sustainable practices in the vineyard include:
- Sheep, hawks and owls are used to naturally control weeds and pests
- Beneficial insects act as natural predators around the vineyards
- Preservation of local ecosystems and wildlife habitats
- Soil health is protected through the use of cover crops like mustard and legumes
- Energy efficiency by night-harvesting
- Drip irrigation, dry farming, process ponds are used to conserve water
- Composting grape pomace (skins and seeds) to minimize waste
For more information, visit: https://californiasustainablewine.com
What’s the rule to pairing California wine with food? There’s no one rule! With the immense range of wines being produced in California today, there are many different styles and varieties on the table.
The great thing about California wine right now is its diversity– there are great examples of almost any conceivable style. With over 80 wine varieties, 100 classified wine regions and more than 4,600 wineries, there’s no limit to the diversity of California wine and its ability to pair with most meals. The question is, what’s for dinner?
VANCOUVER WINE EXPERIENCE
California Comes to Vancouver on Monday, April 25, 2022
If you love California wine look for the special PREMIUM CALIFORNIA release in MAY at select BCL Liquor stores and if you want to explore a whole range of California wines in one evening, make sure to get your tickets to the Vancouver Wine Experience happening April 25th in support of Second Harvest.
EVENT DETAILS
Where: Hyatt Regency Vancouver, 655 Burrard Street, 3rd Floor Convention Level, Vancouver
Time: 7:00pm-9:30pm, $160/ticket, in support of Second Harvest
Click on link for tickets and for more info including a complete list of participating wineries in each market. Create your own personalized catalogue for the show!
More than 100 wineries, 400 wines and numerous friends from the vineyards will be visiting Canada and meeting with California wine fans.
CALGARY WINE EXPERIENCE
California Comes to Calgary on Wednesday, April 27th, 2022
If you love California wine look for them at your local retailer and if you want to explore a whole range of California wines in one evening, make sure to get your tickets to the Calgary Wine Experience happening April 27th in support of Safe Haven. To buy tickets visit calwine.ca
EVENT DETAILS
Date: California Comes to Calgary on Wednesday, April 27
Where: Hudson, 200 8th Avenue S.W., 6th floor, Calgary
Time: 7:00-9:30pm $160/ticket, in support of Safe Haven
Click on link for tickets and for more info including a complete list of participating wineries in each market. Create your own personalized catalogue for the show!
More than 100 wineries, 400 wines and numerous friends from the vineyards will be visiting Canada and meeting with California wine fans.
Here are some great wine recommendations with many available across Canada.
- Kendall Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay 2020 $23.99
- Liberty School Paso Robles 2019 $23.95
- Rodney Strong Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 $27.95
- Stags’ Leap Napa Valley Cabernet 2018 $62.95
- Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 $46.95
- Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 $54.95
- Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 $21.95
- Three Finger Jack Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 $21.95
- Coppola Diamond Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 $24.95
- Sebastiani Chardonnay 2020 $17.95
- Tribute Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 $19.95
- Stave & Steel Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 $19.95\
- Josh Cellars Pinot Noir
- Sea Sun Pinot Noir
