Imagine in a few years going to buy a bottle or glass of Sonoma County wine anywhere in the world with the confidence of knowing that the wine was certified as having been grown and made with the best sustainable practices. The grape growers and winemakers of Sonoma County are well on their way to that goal. In fact, the plan is to become the nation's first 100 percent sustainable wine region by 2019.

The progress made toward 100 percent sustainability over the last 36 months since the goal was first announced has been nothing short of remarkable: 85 percent of the county's vineyard acres have completed the sustainability self-assessment—the first step in achieving certification.  In addition, 60 percent of the vineyard acreage in the county—more than 34,000 acres—has been certified sustainable.

Further, more than 1,220 vineyard properties in Sonoma County are sustainable as a result of either having completed the sustainability self-assessment, or having attained third-party certification. A total of 42 wineries are now certified sustainable.

“Our county's grape growers and winemakers have long been at the forefront of creating and utilizing sustainable practices in the vineyard, in the winery, and in running their businesses, so this is the next natural step in their continued evolution,” said Karissa Kruse, president of Sonoma County Winegrowers, an organization representing 1,800 winegrowers throughout the county. “Sustainability is critical to ensuring the success and preservation of agriculture in Sonoma County for the next 100 years and beyond.”

This extensive and evolving commitment is a bold effort that has generated international media attention and quickly established Sonoma County as the global leader for sustainable winegrowing.

In 2015, one year after committing to 100 percent sustainability, Sonoma County Winegrowers developed a 100-year business plan to provide a roadmap to preserve agriculture in the region well into the 22nd century. The 100-year plan was written as a living document to preserve the region's agricultural heritage for future generations. 

Last year, Sonoma County Winegrowers turned its attention to the socially responsible component of sustainability with the relaunch of the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation (SCGGF), an organization that provides resources and support for agricultural employees and their families. The Foundation works with various community-based organizations and government agencies to identify existing resources, leverage available support, and create new programs to assist local agricultural employees and their families in the areas of health care, affordable housing, child care, and education.  This collaborative effort is currently working to help local farmers and their families get access to dedicated, affordable housing, which is at a crisis level in Sonoma County.

This year, Sonoma County Winegrowers is establishing the Sonoma County Center for Ag Sustainability to identify and focus on its most challenging current and future problems. The goal is to develop the most innovative strategies to ensure its continued success and the preservation of agriculture in Sonoma County.

Clearly, Sonoma County Winegrowers is relentless in preserving its local agricultural roots. This group lives in—and loves—being a part of Sonoma County, and is committed to maintaining the spectacular rural beauty that defines this region, both locally and around the world.

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Find your passion in Sonoma County, located only 30 miles/50 kilometers north of San Francisco and featuring more than 425 wineries, 100-plus organic farms, and 50 miles/80 kilometers of stunning Pacific Ocean coastline.

For a free visitors guide or information on hotels, wineries, events, spas, attractions, and dining in Sonoma County, visit www.sonomacounty.com or call +1-707-522-5800.