United Nations Honors Fetzer Vineyards with "Momentum for Change" Climate Solutions Award at COP23, the UN Climate Change Conference

UN Momentum for Change winners, called Lighthouse Activities, illustrate the innovative and scalable ways global climate action is accelerating two years after the landmark Paris Climate Conference (COP21). "Lighthouse Activities ensure multiple approaches to deliver on climate protection, environmental consciousness, sustainability and social responsibility, designed by companies, organizations and governments big and small alike," said Teresa Ribera, Director of the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations (IDDRI) and Chair of the Momentum for Change Advisory Panel. "With over 460 applications this year, we are reminded of the global prevalence of climate action, especially in terms of quality solutions." The 2017 Lighthouse Activities were selected by an international advisory panel as part of the UN Climate Change secretariat's Momentum for Change initiative, which is implemented with the support of The Rockefeller Foundation and in partnership with other groups including the World Economic Forum.

Championing Climate and California Businesses in Bonn

Fetzer Vineyards' Chief Operating Officer, Cindy DeVries, will deliver today's address on Net Positive Wine at COP23's Momentum for Change Climate Action Dialogue Series. Earlier this week at COP23, DeVries joined California Governor Jerry Brown on a panel hosted at the U.S. Climate Action Center in Bonn called "The Business Case for Advancing Strong Climate Leadership and Policy in California." Alongside the Governor and fellow executives, DeVries championed the role of California businesses in advancing climate policy and achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. Later today, DeVries will once again speak at the U.S. Climate Action Center, joining executives from Patagonia and Mars, Inc. in a panel discussion titled "From 'Still In' to a National Policy Transformation," underscoring Fetzer Vineyards' support of the private sector's push for policy changes that lead to reducing GHG emissions, increasing resilience, and creating jobs that will grow the economy.

"At Fetzer Vineyards, our business thrives while placing sustainable, climate-smart practices at the fore of our operations," said DeVries of the vintner's commitment to supporting climate policy at the state and national levels, and now at COP23. "We know that a low-carbon approach and growth aren't mutually exclusive, and in fact have seen our successes accelerate as we've become even more committed to regenerative practices that revitalize and regenerate ecosystems and communities, advance the health and well-being of employees, and produce sustainable growth for our shareholders."

A Trio of Environmental Honors for Fetzer Vineyards

The UN's Momentum for Change award caps an exciting year for Fetzer Vineyards, one in which the vintner was honored with three environmental-focused awards:

• Golden State Warrior Award (BICEP): Ceres' Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy (BICEP) recognized Fetzer Vineyards for its leadership in supporting climate-smart policy initiatives. 
• Project of the Year (Environmental Leader): Fetzer Vineyards was recognized for its adoption of the BioFiltro BIDA® System, which uses worms and microbes to treat winery wastewater naturally.      
• Momentum for Change (UN): Net Positive Wine is among 19 honorees at COP23. The recognition comes two years after Fetzer Vineyards presented on climate-smart winegrowing at COP21.

Also in 2017 and on the eve of its 50^th anniversary, Fetzer Vineyards released Road to Regeneration, the winery's first sustainability report. The 26-page report highlights the company's key progress towards its 2020 sustainability goals, its sustainability strategies, and highlights from 2016.

About Fetzer Vineyards

Founded in 1968 by Barney Fetzer in Mendocino County, California, Fetzer Vineyards is an award-winning purveyor of wines from sustainable, organic and biodynamic grapes. In addition to robust offerings under the winery's flagship Fetzer label, the winery also crafts the leading wine from organic grapes, Bonterra Organic Vineyards, named the 2016 American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast magazine. Other California-based offerings include Adorada, Anthony's Hill, Jekel Vineyards, Sanctuary Wines and 1000 Stories, a Bourbon barrel-aged Zinfandel recognized as a 2017 IMPACT Hot Prospect brand. Part of global winery Viña Concha y Toro, Fetzer Vineyards exports its diverse wines to more than 30 countries worldwide. Most recently, the winery entered the ultra-luxury wine and spirits category by forging a partnership with Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. to sell its historic craft rye whiskey. fetzer.com

SOURCE Fetzer Vineyards

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