Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/118688
CONSERVATION "If Earth Day can get more people aware that we all share one home," says Wente Family Estates' Fifth Generation Winemaker, Karl Wente, "then it is definitely a great thing." The Sustainable WENTE FAMILY ESTATES CELEBRATES "FARMING FOR THE FUTURE" WITH EARTH MONTH Family by Breanne DeMore / photos by John Curley W hen you're a Wente, sustainability is simply in your blood. "This all started as a homestead that my great-great-grandfather wanted to cultivate for his children and grandchildren," says Fifth Generation Winemaker Karl Wente. CEO and Fourth Generation Winegrower Carolyn Wente agrees: "We started out as farmers and were raised with this great respect for the land and our surrounding communities." But the Wentes don't just talk the "green" talk. Wente Family Estates was one of the first to receive Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing certification with respect to vineyard, winery and company practices. And they didn't stop there. The Course at Wente Vineyards achieved designation as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary in 2010. The family also established an on-site organic garden for its restaurant and catering businesses." In everything from their water recycling and soil management to their material handling and purchasing, sustainability is important in every step of the process. "When you start at the beginning and are focused on how you manage the land, the water, the cover crops, etc., it eventually has a long-term effect," says Karl. "And here we are, 130 years later, still paying it forward to our future generations. And 1 16 / the tasting panel / april 2013 hopefully, that is just the beginning." The Wentes hope that these long-term effects ripple out past just their family and their business. "It's not just about 'greening' everything," explains Carolyn. "As people start to understand the reactions that their actions have, I think it will become more about all of us as a community, and less about sticking just to the land." With April being Earth Month, Wente Family Estates is once again showing how they truly live their "Farming for the Future" philosophy. "Thinking of Earth Day ad Month always makes me smile," says Carolyn. "We have really tried to be innovative and want to show the community how important this is to our family." Go to www.wentevineyards.com for more information and check out some of these wonderful activities happening all month! April 20 – 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Audubon Tour & Tasting April 21– 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – Garden Tour & Tasting Month-long specials at The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards and at all Wente Family Estates' tasting rooms C M Y CM MY CY CMY K