Wine Institute Publishes Down To Earth Book On California Sustainable Winegrowing

SAN FRANCISCO, April 2, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Wine Institute has released a new book,Down to Earth: A Seasonal Tour of Sustainable Winegrowing in California,  a consumer-friendly guide to environmentally and socially responsible practices that shows how sustainability influences California vintners and growers throughout the year as they grow and make wines.  The book was written by Janet Fletcher and photographed by George Rose, both award-winning journalists.

Fifteen vintners and growers are profiled in Down to Earth, and they are a sampling of the thousands who have participated in education, self-assessment and certification programs by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance and other state sustainability organizations which represent more than three-quarters of California's wine production and winegrape acreage.  The book also includes a dozen seasonal recipes, timed to what's fresh in the garden.

"California makes 90 percent of our nation's wine and is the fourth largest producer in the world, so the scale and scope of adoption of sustainable practices are tremendous across the state's wine regions," said Robert P. (Bobby) Koch, Wine Institute President and CEO.  "The stories of the vintners and growers depict the motivation and passion of our wine community in caring for people and the environment."

"Consumers like to know how their wines are grown and made," added Allison Jordan, Wine Institute Vice President of Environmental Affairs.  "Down to Earth shows readers that managing for the long term makes sense for the family owned vineyards and wineries that want to pass on a thriving business to the next generation."

The 256-page book is $40 and available for purchase at www.discovercaliforniawines.com/downtoearth. Its release coincides with Wine Institute's "Down to Earth" month celebration in April when visitors can enjoy some 40 green-themed events, such as eco-tours and Earth Day parties, at wineries throughout California.  See: www.discovercaliforniawines.com/d2e.

About Wine Institute 
Wine Institute is the premier organization representing California wineries in the U.S. and around the world.  With 1,000 California winery and affiliated business members, the organization initiates and advocates public policy that enhances the ability to responsibly produce, promote and enjoy wine.  Wine Institute works to bolster the economic and environmental contributions of California's signature agricultural industry by encouraging sustainable winegrowing and winemaking practices.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140402/DC93563

SOURCE Wine Institute