Honest Wine: Sustainability - Social & Environmental Impacts
Over twenty years ago, as a Business Administration student at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, I took a class that had a lasting impact on me—ironically it had absolutely nothing to do with business. It was a public speaking course I had been drawn to take to fulfill an elective. It was a perfect course for me - I needed it considering I was insecure and awkward in front of a group when put on the spot. We were tasked with giving a speech on an influential moment in our lives, and while many were forgettable, one stood out.
I can still picture her face—Hispanic, with long black hair and sharp features. She spoke with a confidence I felt in awe of. The speech outlined her journey growing up in Mexico and how she ran across the border at a very young age with her mom. Her mother became a citizen over time and worked in the fields of California, barely making ends meet. Determined to create a better life for her family, she excelled in school and earned a full-ride scholarship to the architecture program at Cal Poly. The entire class froze and intently listened to every word. Her story of perseverance left a deep impression on me, especially in how it highlighted the struggles and hopes of migrant workers.
I recently received a newsletter asking whether any wine labels reflect fair practices for migrant workers. I’m thrilled to share that this is becoming more common, particularly within sustainability certifications.
Understanding Sustainability Certifications on Wine Labels
We've previously discussed biodynamic and organic certifications, but sustainability encompasses broader pillars, including environmental impact and fair labor practices. Here are some certifications you might see on a wine label:
Environmental Focus
Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing: Focuses on environmental initiatives like pest management, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and water conservation.
Salmon-Safe: Prioritizes water-quality protection to ensure aquatic ecosystems, especially salmon, can thrive.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED): Emphasizes the environmental impact of a winery’s design and construction.
Low Input Viticulture and Enology (LIVE): Encourages working with nature, fostering ecosystems that balance pests with natural predators.
Social Justice
Certain sustainable wineries are also deeply committed to social justice, ensuring fair treatment of workers:
Sustainability in Practice (SIP): Values farm workers as the backbone of the winery, offering benefits like health insurance and education.
Fairtrade International: Holds wineries to high standards, ensuring better working conditions and fair wages, particularly in developing wine regions. Love this.
Napa Green: Although there’s been some controversy over its pesticide use, Napa Green includes a strong focus on social justice. Once they address these concerns, it seems like a promising program.
I admire the intent behind these certifications. Achieving certification is a step toward producing cleaner, more honest wine. After listening to that unforgettable speech in my public speaking class twenty years ago, I’m especially heartened to see wineries increasingly focused on social justice and fair labor practices.
Please keep the questions coming - I love them! info@calebandrose.com
Stay curious, friends! Xx, Kris
