Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/992999
106 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } JUNE/JULY 2018 ADHERING TO SUSTAINABLE winegrowing means a producer must con- stantly update its production methods and operations to improve environmental health and social impact while also remaining economically viable. Research shows consumers are 92 percent more likely to buy a sustainable wine, with 63 percent of them willing to pay a higher price for it, according to the Sonoma County Winegrowers. In response to this increased market demand, the Sonoma County Winegrow - ers committed to becoming the nation's first 100 percent sustainable winegrow- ing region by 2019. They also conceptualized a logo, finalized at the beginning of this y ear, to distinguish Sonoma County's Certified California Sustainable Wine- growing (CCSW) wines from their industry peers. As a Certified California Sustainable producer since 2015, Ferrari-Carano owns 24 vineyard ranches, which total 1,900 acres across six appellations. It volunteered as the first winery to put the green "Sonoma County sustainably farmed grapes" logo on 24,000 cases, and in August 2017, the company also finished updating its Alexander Valley production facility to meet the California Green Building Standards Code. A younger Don Carano and Ferrari- Carano Director of Vineyard Operations Steve Domenichelli inspect their vineyards with care. Pushing Beyond Sustainability PHOTOS COURTESY OF FERRARI-CARANO FERRARI-CARANO LEADS THE GREEN CHARGE IN SONOMA by Rina Bussell Ferrari-Carano's Black Angus steer graze on the estate grounds.