As a company, Jackson Family Wines has been hard at work recreating ourselves as a more sustainable enterprise for the past five years, and even though we know that there is a lot more left to do, it’s great to step back and acknowledge the progress we have made.  Last week we were named 2013 Green Company of the Year by the drinks business, Europe’s leading drinks trade publication!

It’s a huge honor to be recognized in this way!  Not only did we win the Green Company of the Year, but we were also nominated in two other categories as finalists for the Sustainability Award of the Year and the Environmental Award of the Year. The Green Company of the Year award was given based on our implementation of environmentally sensitive practices in all aspects of our operations and for our overall impact on energy savings, waste reduction and conservation. We were selected from a record number of international nominations, including wineries in Spain, New Zealand and South Africa.

“My family and I are honored to receive this award from the drinks business, especially considering the efforts of other wine companies worldwide,” said Barbara Banke.  “We hope to serve as an example of what is possible and inspire others to make preservation of the environment a top priority. Doing the right thing is beneficial in so many ways, both for the future of our business and our community at large.”

Just to recap, here are the main accomplishments we highlighted for the awards committee – you can read up about any of these projects on our blog.

• Cogenra – our combined solar hot water and electricity system at our production facility, Kittyhawk, is the largest rooftop Cogenra installation in the country
• In 2011 we won the EPA Green Power Leadership award for our its comprehensive energy management program including process improvements and upgrading energy efficient equipment.
• We purchase Wind Power Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) for 100% of our electrical consumption, and on behalf of all our employees home usage.
• 100% of our Estate vineyards are certified under the Certified CA Sustainable Winegrowing and Sustainability in Practice programs.  We are the largest participant by acreage in both programs.