Making Good Decisions on Wine

by Eve Bushman

Some of my friends have learned to just smile when I wax on about my belief that enjoying wine is a spiritual pursuit.  It’s just that those that take the time to think about the color, aroma and taste of their wine, if taken a step further, are more apt to notice little things in their world…that require the same modicum of thoughtfulness.
In keeping with this issue’s focal point of fitness and beauty, this column will be taking into account our environment and the wellbeing of others, in our relationship with wine.  
We begin with a few pesky definitions so that you can be a wee bit more educated on why you might want to chose a wine that is sustainable, organic, LEEDS certified, kosher or gives back to issues that are important to you.  Then you can make your own, informed, choices.
Sustainable
The official definition of sustainable wine is: “A product that has been made in such a manner that it will allow the vineyards and environment to continue to produce an undiminished product for all future generations.”
There are many countries employing sustainable practices but New Zealand, making it’s way in the wine world with crisp cut grass and stone fruit-filled Sauvignon Blancs and bright cherry and earthy Pinot Noirs, is my second fave to California.
Organic
An organic vineyard is managed without fungicides, insecticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers.  Think of birds, sheep and pigs to keep the bugs away; algae and manure for fertilizer.
Wines that are sustainable and organic, or sulfite-free, biodynamic, and vegan are offered from ecowine.com.  I haven’t purchased from them but it looks like a good place to start and they offer wine from certified growers.
Single wineries, that I like, which producer organic wines include: Terry Hoage Vineyards, Alma Rosa Winery, Grgich Hills Estate, Tablas Creek Vineyard, Brassfield Estate Winery, Robert Sinskey Vineyards, and my favorite is Phifer Pavitt’s Napa Valley organically farmed “Date Night” Cabernet Sauvignon.  
LEED
When I visited Niner Wine Estates this past year there was little that didn’t impress me in the innovations they were making in regards to the winery’s construction.  Niner strove to, and achieved, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification earlier this year.
Certifications are based on performance in energy and water efficiency, sustainable site development, materials selected and indoor environmental quality.  And, there are only four wineries in the state of California boasting the Silver Certification so far.
Kosher
Did you know “kosher” means “fit to eat”? (How perfect for this column!)  Practices include: only kosher products can be used, the machinery is only used to make kosher products, no foreign substances can be used and no artificial colors or preservatives.  And, most importantly, the wine must be handled, from the making to the pouring, only by a Jewish person to remain kosher per Orthodox traditions.   
Wines that Give Back
One Hope wine donates a whopping half of all profits to charity!  You can choose Pinot Noir to support Children’s Hospitals, Chardonnay for the Fight Against Breast Cancer, Zinfandel for Our Troops, Merlot for AIDS, Cabernet Sauvignon for the fight Against Autism and Sauvignon Blanc for Supporting our Planet: http://www.onehopewine.com
Lastly, there are many wine events in town that support local charities.  A recent one, that I was personally affiliated with as one of the chairs, was Circle of Hope’s Vine 2 Wine Classic, supporting local women struggling with breast cancer.  I may choose to attend a wine event, or purchase a wine, based on the wine first, as that is my job, but I also think selecting your wine, or event, based on what it does for your community or your environment, is a worthy choice as well.

Yours, in wine and out,
Eve

You may contact Eve at ebushman@earthlink.net for questions and comments. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, evewine101.blogspot.com and westranchbeacon.com.