Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/807384
april 2017 / the tasting panel / 59 T rinity Oaks, from Trinchero Family Estates, offers so much more than delicious wines at affordable prices; it also sponsors non-profit organization Trees for the Future and plants one tree for every bottle of Trinity Oaks wine purchased. The brand has planted 17 million trees since beginning the partnership in 2008, but it's about more than planting trees— it's about elevating struggling communities. Dave and Grace Deppner founded Trees for the Future in 1989 and have since grown the company, concentrating on international farmlands where they've found the most success with new plantings and where assistance is much needed. It's about fostering a "forest garden" over an initial four-year period. After a detailed research phase identifying not only a viable community (based largely on water resources but, most importantly, on the number of eager farmers), special- ists trek to the area to teach budding farmers not only how to plant new trees but how to create a biodiverse property as a whole. After "graduating" from the four-year program, farmers have viable crop land, providing nourishment for their families to eat and crops to sell for a living, as well as to provide feed for livestock and wood for fuel. Trees for the Future has a lofty goal to plant 500 million trees, effectively helping 125,000 families, and with Trinity Oaks' pledge they'll reach that initial goal far more quickly. The environment has always been a top priority of the Trinchero family. Established in 1948, the company has grown to include over 45 award-winning wine brands and six spirits categories. Throughout the expansion, minimizing the effect of their agricultural business on the environment has been paramount. All of their vineyards are farmed sustainably; the winemaking facilities practice a zero-waste policy and seek to reduce water usage; and they've made impressive strides with environmentally-friendly packaging. Trinity Oaks produces five affordable varietal wines—Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon—from vineyards concentrated in the Lodi and Monterey regions of California. The Trinity Oaks bottle is intentionally lightweight, recyclable glass, sealed with a plant-based recyclable Nomacorc and plant-based com- postable capsule. The labels and shippers are made from recycled material as well. Dedicated to helping the environment, in turn helping com- munities facing adversity and in need of assistance, Trinity Oaks is setting the bar high for wineries to give back. One tree, one bottle—an impressive and forward-thinking enterprise. For more information, go to onebottleonetree.com. Trinity Oaks produces five affordable varietal wines—Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon— from vineyards concentrated in the Lodi and Monterey regions of California. PHOTOS COURTESY OF TREES FOR THE FUTURE Trees for the Future has a lofty goal to plant 500 million trees, effectively helping 125,000 families. With support from Trinity Oaks, they'll reach that initial goal far more quickly.