Paso Robles, the charming town at the heart of California's Central Coast wine country, is not only renowned for its exceptional wines but also for its commitment to sustainable practices. At Uncorked Wine Tours, we take pride in showcasing wineries that prioritize environmental care and eco-conscious winemaking. Let’s explore six extraordinary sustainable wineries that embody the spirit of sustainability in Paso Robles!
The very name 'AmByth' resonates with a promise of eternity in Welsh, setting the stage for a remarkable narrative that began two decades ago. With a vision deeply rooted in nurturing the land, AmByth Estate embraces a homeopathic approach to farming. Stepping beyond the bounds of conventional practices, they embarked on a trailblazing path to become Paso Robles' first winery to produce Demeter Certified Biodynamic wines. This distinction isn't merely a badge; it's a commitment to treating the vineyard as a living, breathing ecosystem, harmonizing the synergy between plants, animals and soil. Roaming chickens bring life to the soil, aged composts breathe vitality into the earth, while the herds of cows and sheep aerate the soil with their hooves and are used as weed control. The estate's natural landscape thrives as bees pollinate the fruit and nut trees. AmByth Estate’s commitment to minimize water consumption allows the vineyards to thrive without irrigation. The result? Grapes of unparalleled concentration that speak volumes about nature's resilience and the artistry of dry farming. AmByth Estate stands as a testament to eco-friendly viticulture, producing wines that encapsulate the essence of ‘forever’ in every sip.
Buckle up, wine enthusiasts, because we're about to embark on a journey to a place where wine flows and sustainability glows! Picture this – a winery that not only crafts exceptional wines but also wears the crown of the 2020 Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance’s Environmental Winery of the Year. This Winery embodies responsible winemaking through their alternative power systems and Electric Monarch Tractors. Castoro Cellars has been harnessing the mighty rays of the sun for the past two decades, dancing with solar power since before it was cool. Their Last installation in 2015 allows the estate to generate 1,042,403 kWh annually. The energy from these panels allows them to diminish their environmental footprint and promote sustainable agriculture to other growers in the area. Castoro has also embarked on a new leap towards sustainability with their Electric Monarch Tractors. These bad boys run on electric power, leaving a trail of zero emissions in their wake. Castoro Cellars not only pours excellence into their wines but also sparks a sustainable revolution, paving the way for a greener tomorrow in winemaking for generations to come.
Halter Ranch is leaving a “Green” legacy in the hills of Paso Robles. Tucked within the expansive 2,700 acre estate, is a commitment to sustainable practices. 90% of these rolling hills are devoted to preserving the pristine biodiversity of the west side of Paso Robles. Amongst the ancient oak trees, manzanita, and fragrant sagebrush are herds of Tule elk, mountain lions, and coyotes. Halter Ranch’s dedication to the environment extends far beyond its natural beauty. In a stride toward energy efficiency, a solar field of 1,026 panels blankets the landscape, offsetting 100% of winery operations and 58% overall operations. Halter Ranch will also soon be proud owners of new electric powered tractors to cut down emissions and diesel dependence. But wait, there’s more! The Estate has a Rainwater harvesting system stationed on the roof, nestled in the floors, and strategically positioned around the facility to capture every raindrop. This system acquires all the water needed during the winemaking process. Cheers to Halter Ranch - where wine is more than a drink, it’s a journey towards a more eco-conscious world!
Oso Libre is deeply rooted in rugged, limestone hills exposed to lots of sun rays accompanied by the coastal breeze making it the perfect place for sustainable farming. Oso Libre has a unique squad of vineyard workers that’s turning heads. Sheep, alpacas, and grass-fed angus are the stars of the show, roaming the vineyards with purpose. Not only do they add a charming touch to the landscape, but they excel at weed abatement, contributing to the winery's commitment to natural practices. Enough about the fluffy farm friends, this winery is also a powerhouse of energy efficiency. The wind and sun join forces to give the winery more energy than it needs - over 100%! With their Wind Energy Conversion Facility in conjunction with the 77 solar panels soaking up the sunshine, Oso Libres carbon footprint is 0%. Every Vine that stands at Oso Libre proudly wears the SIP (Sustainability in Practice) certification, showing their commitment to environmental stewardship, habitat conservations, and equitable treatment of their staff. Let's go SIP some delicious wine!
Sitting within the Adelaida District is Tablas Creek's 270 acre, limestone-rich vineyard. Taking pride in crafting grapes full of intensity and character, Tablas Creek focuses on dry-farming and keeping their crop levels moderate. This estate has been in the organic game since 2003 and has been practicing biodynamic techniques since 2010. The goal of this practice is to use the waste of one part of the operation to fuel the other parts, creating more capacity for self-renewal and keeping the vineyard sustainable. While gazing at the vines, you can find a mobile flock of 150 sheep and alpacas weeding and fertilizing the estate. You'll see hundreds of fruit trees that are used to make a natural compost from the prunings, and perhaps the coolest natural pest control is the 39 owl habitats on the vineyards that keep the pest and varmints at bay.
Tablas Creek is the first vineyard in America to be Regenerative Organic Certified, meaning that their farming practices involve a dynamic range of sustainable techniques including no-till farming, cover cropping, strategic livestock integration (like mob grazing), and establishing pollinator havens for bees. Not only does the Regenerative Organic Certification place a strong emphasis on fighting climate change but it actively fights for the social rights of farmworkers. It ensures that workers are receiving a livable wage, are educated on their rights, and have clean and safe working conditions. With every glass, you're not just tasting wine; you are sipping on the story of a sustainable legacy!
Let’s step into the vines at Bon Niche, whose French-inspired name means “the good place.” This quaint and attractive winery is SIP-certified and produces an estate Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. At this beautiful 7-acre vineyard, the art of winemaking takes center stage, crafting flavors of wine that guests love. Sustainable practices include owl habitats and vermicompost. But Bon Niche's secret to perfection is more than their sustainable vines, it’s their oh-so-cute crew of farm animals including goats, Kunekune pigs, barn cats, and sheep! These lively companions tend to the land and get rid of pesky weeds.
If you’re looking for ways to enjoy life that don’t hurt the earth, take a wine tour that includes some of the leaders of sustainable winemaking here in Paso Robles with Uncorked Wine Tours!