Explore these SLO CAL (San Luis Obispo County) wineries that care so deeply about their products, land and resources they have to commit to pursuing a certification (often a time intensive process). Dedication in the area of sustainability is seen in the dedication these local wineries have to their wine and their patrons. Why choose sustainable wine? Sustainable practices can lead to richer, more complex flavors that without additives really shine through in every glass.
Continue reading to discover what the SLO CAL Sustainable Wine Trail has to offer and what all the certifications really mean. Then take to the wine trail to raise a glass and see if you can taste the difference!
Sustainable Winery Certifications
Regenerative Organic Certification
A distinction coined by Patagonia®, that evaluates three key pillars (soil health, animal welfare and social fairness). Tablas Creek Vineyard in SLO CAL was the first winery certified at this level in America and is currently serving as a global model for others, such as the local Villa Creek Cellars and Robert Hall Winery.
Demeter Certified Biodynamic Wineries
A global standard that proves a grower uses biodiverse practices including soil husbandry and livestock integration. These wineries already adhere to organic practices and additionally respect the interconnectivity of the planets and the four elements of earth, fire, air and water. Days are divided according to the lunar calendar into best times for fruiting (best time to harvest), rooting (best time to prune), flowering (leave the plants alone) and leafing (best watering days). Also unique are the practices of making compost tea, burying dung in cow horns to later dig up and distribute around the vineyard at a later date. That's right. Don't ask us why. We're just the messenger. Those in SLO CAL that adhere to these practices are the Verdad Sawyer Lindquist Vineyard (known as Slide Hill) in SLO Coast region, and Castoro Cellars, MAHA Villa Creek and Ambyth Estate in the Paso Robles wine region (find the full list on the SLO CAL Sustainable Wine Trail).
Organic Certification
This certification proves products are pesticide- and synthetic fertilizer-free. Certifications vary globally, and the USDA imposes bottling regulations, such as sulfites—which is why many do not display organic on their wine bottles—although the farming practices were certified organic. Organic seals on bottles are also displayed in the natural side of merchants, which is dissuading to many high-quality wines that might be segregated in stores. Those vineyards certified around SLO CAL include Booker Winery, Seven Oxen Estate Wine, Halter Ranch Vineyard, Jada Vineyard and Turley Winery (full list on the trail).
Certified Sustainable
Available from a variety of certification boards, such as SIP “Sustainability in Practice” or CSWA “California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance.” These verification standards include water management and energy efficiency regulations. Many wineries are certified at this level, including SLO Coast's Center of Effort (SIP), Cadre Wines (SIP) and Talley Vineyards (SIP). And from the Paso Robles wine region DAOU Family Estates (SIP & CSWA), Cass Winery (CSWA), and Villa San-Juliette (SIP). Discover even more certified sustainable wineries on the SLO CAL Wine Trail.
LEED Certified
This refers to green architecture, and the SLO CAL wine region boasts two such buildings. Look to the Paso Robles region for Shale Oak Winery and Niner Wine Estates for these tasting rooms and landscapes for gold and silver certifications, respectively. At Niner Wine Estates, a bank of solar panels provide energy to charge up your electric car while you sip (always remember to drive responsibly). There are a whole host of other EV charging spots in SLO CAL Wine Country you can read more here.
Stay A While
Why not stay a while? SLO CAL has a variety of great lodging options near wine country, but for those who really want to sleep amongst the vines, check out these vineyard villas:
- Allegretto Vineyard Resort – Find a serene paradise in the rolling hills of Paso Robles at Allegretto Vineyard Resort. Enjoy a glass (or two) of wine while taking a vineyard tour, on horseback, in a private poolside cabana or post-spa service. Guests can savor some of the finest regional wines including Allegretto’s own private label. Allegretto truly transports visitors to a Tuscan-inspired getaway without even leaving the U.S.
- JUST INN – Enjoy the natural beauty of California’s Central Coast in style at JUST INN, an on-site hotel at JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery. Guests can choose to stay in a JUST INN Suite, at the Vintners Villa (a french country townhouse) or rent out the 12,000 square foot JUSTIN Chateau - all of which are surrounded with vineyard views. An overnight stay includes a bottle of JUSTIN wine, breakfast and complimentary tasting and turndown service.
- Geneseo Inn – Located on the Cass Winery estate, surrounded by 145 acres of breathtaking vineyard views (especially at sunset). Enjoy one of eight apartment suites in the vines with amenities like the vineyard breakfast, a farm-to-table organic garden-supplied way to start your day. There are also a host of activities provided on the operation, like horseback riding, beekeeping lessons, cooking classes and much more!
- CaliPaso – Hidden in the east side of Paso Robles, find a haven with one of seven luxurious private residences at CaliPaso. The elegant architecture will transport you to Europe while you indulge in the oak-soaked countryside accommodations, just minutes to whatever SLO CAL town you have eyes for that day!
However you prefer to experience SLO CAL, sip confidently knowing your beverages were responsibly sourced and the fruits of our SLO CAL labor can be enjoyed for generations to come.
