Eco Vino: Washington Wineries

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Eco Vino: Washington Wineries

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In light of a number of environmental concerns, many in the U.S. wine industry are moving away from farming practices with chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Environmentally friendly organic, sustainable and biodynamic farming are at the forefront.

Washington wineries are the vanguards of this movement. They are developing green facilities, sustainable vineyards and environmentally sound business practices.

Did you know it takes eight gallons of water to produce one gallon of wine? Washington farmers are realizing they play a huge role on the impact of water quality and resources in the state.

Not only do chemicals used in farming end up in groundwater and natural water supplies, the excessive irrigation is a drain on the state's water resources. The salmon industry is concerned about the disturbing declines in fish population stemming from irresponsible farming practices.

Several Washington wineries are seeking Salmon-Safe certification, which recognizes vineyards who adopt practices that protect water quality, wildlife habitat and watershed health.

These conservation measures help restore the native salmon habitat by planting vegetation and trees along rivers and streams, introducing cover crops to control run-off which prevents erosion and applying natural insecticides and pesticides to combat weeds and insects.

A tour through the wine country of Washington state illustrates first-hand these important farming practices.

Wineries and vineyards on Red Mountain are leading the charge in eco-friendly wine making. Hightower Cellars boasts its own estate vines on 11 acres and have begun converting a horse barn into a winery.

The Hedges Family Estate practices what is known as biodynamics. Biodynamic farming embraces traditional organic growing practices as well as holistic development with the use of fermented herbal and mineral preparations as compost additives and field sprays.

Sustainability in winemaking is a trend in the industry whose main thrust is for all growers to be good stewards to the land and environment.

Raise a toast to those who are opening doors for others in the Washington wine industry.

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Tags: • organic • fertilizers • water quality • wine making • wine industry • organic growing • water resources • wildlife habitat • washington wineries • business practices • conservation measures • farming •

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