In Celebration of Earth Day

There are many celebrations throughout the month in cities across the country in honor of Earth Day.  Check out the local listings for events in your area to show support for the health of our environment.

In honor of Earth Day here is a little information about wines made from grapes that have been grown using practices that preserve, protect and enhance the environment.

There is a difference between organic grapes and organic wines. Simply, organic grapes are grown without the use of artificial chemicals.

Organic wines are produced without the use of artificial chemicals both in the growing of the grapes and in the production process. The winery must maintain these practices in the vineyard and the winery and follow strict guidelines and time requirements (it takes years for the vines and production facility to be chemical free) in order for the winery to earn the privilege to label its wine as organic.

In order for a vineyard to be certified organic as noted above there must be no artificial chemicals used and there should be no use of  fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients,  bioengineering, or ionizing radiation.  The winery must maintain a specific distance from conventional farms nearby and the facility's ingredient storage, among other areas of the winery, are inspected by the responsible agencies (of which there are quite a few).

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and several other agencies, are responsible for insuring the organic growers are complying with the requirements in order to receive organic certification.

Celebrate April in honor of Earth Day by doing something to protect the environment. Recycle, reuse and repurpose something to keep if from the landfill.


Salute!
Winelady Cooks