For some of us, sustainable sipping is best. Here are a few local wineries doing well by the planet and our palate.
Bonterra Vineyards
This Mendocino vineyard has been producing wine from 100 percent organically grown grapes since 1993, yet its holistic approach to winemaking started in the ’80s. As it’s a biodynamic vineyard, lavender, olives and many other plants grow on the property, which is also home to roaming sheep and chickens. Grapes are grown on various sites. Currently the winery does not offer tours, but it does offer affordable pricing for chardonnay ($14), zinfandel ($16) and pinot noir ($18).
Frank Family Vineyards
While the Calistoga-based property, first constructed as Larkmead Winery (the third oldest winery in Napa), produces vintages that have been wowing oenophiles for decades, Frank Family has just received certification for both Napa Green Certified Winery and Napa Green Certified Land programs. The Napa Valley chardonnay ($35), pinot noir ($35), zinfandel ($37) and cabernet sauvignon ($50) are distributed nationally. Open daily for tastings.
Jordan Winery
Through the years various groups have honored the Healdsburg winery’s sustainable growing practices, including Fish, Ranch and Bee Friendly Farming and EverGreen Sonoma Clean Power. This year’s goal is the California Certified Sustainable Winegrowing designation. Ranch manager Brent Young says these undertakings do take a bit more time and human effort but reap a worthy result. Jordan Winery produces cabernet sauvignon ($53) and chardonnay ($30) and olive oil.
Mimi Towle has been the editor of Marin Magazine for over a decade. She lived with her family in Sycamore Park and Strawberry and thoroughly enjoyed raising two daughters in the mayhem of Marin’s youth sports; soccer, swim, volleyball, ballet, hip hop, gymnastics and many many hours spent at Miwok Stables. Her community involvements include volunteering at her daughter’s schools, coaching soccer and volleyball (glorified snack mom), being on the board of both Richardson Bay Audubon Center. Currently residing on a floating home in Sausalito, she enjoys all water activity, including learning how to steer a 6-person canoe for the Tamalpais Outrigger Canoe Club. Born and raised in Hawaii, her fondness for the islands has on occasion made its way into the pages of the magazine.
