If you know your Cabernet Sauvignon from your Sauvignon Blanc, then you are probably already aware of the incredible range and diverse tastes of California wines. However, it is now time for both red and white to step aside, as California paves the way for its latest offering; green wines.

The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) has just launched a new state-wide certification programme which will help the California wine community maintain the lead in sustainable winegrowing, ensuring that from the vine to your glass, each drop of wine has been created in the most environmentally and socially responsible way.

Sustainable winegrowing practices protect the planet by conserving natural resources and reducing the long-term impact winegrowing has on the environment. The programme is designed to make sure that California’s 526,000 rich and diverse acres of wine regions are being looked after ethically, with a vision to providing delicious grapes well into the future and a healthy land for both locals and visitors to explore.

Across the state, winemakers are working hard to demonstrate their commitment to the philosophy, not only to enhance the quality of the environment but also to create a higher quality wine and protect California’s reputation as one of the world’s finest wine producing countries. Participants will look at 227 different practices and every year each individual winemaker will review their performance against the criteria, aiming to show their improvement over time and ensure that the wine that makes it to your bottle is the best wine crop on the planet.

Kim Ledbetter Bronson, Board Chairman at the California Association of Winegrape Growers shows support for the programme, saying “the scale on which California’s wine community is adopting and expanding sustainable practices is truly impressive and will bring recognition to California as a change leader and role model.”

To date 1,566 wineries have evaluated their vineyards against the criteria, representing 62% of the state’s wineries. Several have received certification and their delicious wines are available to the UK and in stores now. Constellation Wines, Fetzer Vineyards, Bonterra Vineyards and E & J Gallo Winery are all operating to protect the environment and be energy efficient. These wines are available at supermarkets and stockists around the UK and range from around £5.00 a bottle in price.

With spending on ethical food and drink up year on year*, consumers are clearly communicating a desire to buy ethically sourced products, so rest assured that the next time you are choosing what wine to have with dinner, a bottle of California’s finest will be a good green choice.

* http://www.co-operative.coop/ethicsinaction/sustainabilityreport/Ethical-Consumerism-Report/