New grant program will fund sustainable winegrowing

Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) have launched a new grantmaking program to support county-wide sustainable wine growing efforts.

SCW has set aside $100,000 and will be funding 250 vouchers, valued at $400 each, to offset sustainability certifications. In order to participate, growers have to have completed an assessment through the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission.

Since April of 2014, SCW has been making substantial efforts to shift grape growers towards sustainable agricultural practices, and it has paid off: as of April 2015, 58% of the county’s vineyard acres have completed their assessment and as of January, 33% have obtained sustainability certifications.

While SCW acknowledges the $400 won’t cover all the necessary costs towards sustainability, it’s a start. They’re leading the way in the wine industry and the vouchers will make an impact, especially for smaller growers, which comprise 40% of Sonoma County growers.

To learn more about the program, contact Robert LaVine, SCW’s Sustainability Manager, at [email protected] or 522-5851. sonomawinegrape.org