If you’re wondering how to make the season more sustainable, the first thing to think about is you! Give yourself permission to create your version of perfect (or perfect enough), not anybody else’s. Then you can focus on what matters most, whether that’s baking amazing cookies or really being present with the people who love you. Being kind to yourself lets everything else fall into place a little bit easier, like food, presents, party decorations, and all the fun stuff that makes the holidays our favorite season of the year. And for that, we’re excited to share tried-and-true tips for making your celebrations more sustainable, whatever your perfect style is.
Let nature be your guide.
Decorate with found objects like stones, leaves, evergreen fronds, and acorns. When the festivities are over, just return them to nature. Or celebrate the ingredients in your dishes by using local, in-season foods in your décor, like squash, cranberries, nuts, citrus, or pomegranates.
Uniquely thrift.
Secondhand stores and re-sale sites are a great source for one-of-a-kind gifts with smaller carbon footprints. They’re also our go-to for party outfits and tableware on a budget. If you fall in love with the butter dish, keep it. Donate or re-sell the rest so you can have the joy of choosing a new look next year.
Shop local.
Help support your neighbors, the small businesses and makers in your area. For friends and family members who don’t live nearby, shop online and have gifts sent to them from sources in their own hometowns.
Share experiences.
Instead of giving objects, make a memory with concert tickets, classes, or ski passes. Schedule time for activities together throughout the year, like walks in the park or a nearby nature preserve. Share indoor, screen-free time with board games or storytelling. You’ll be surprised what you can learn about people you think you already know so well.
Re-wrap.
If you didn’t remember to save the wrapping paper from last year’s gifts, don’t worry, there are lots of great, more sustainable options around. Unbleached brown paper looks pretty on its own or with hand-drawn decorative artwork. Instead of ribbons, tie your gifts with grape, kudzu, or other found vines. Consider making the wrapping part of the gift, like canvas totes and tea towels. Or try your hand at “furoshiki,” the traditional Japanese art of cloth wrapping.
The food less traveled.
Support farmers and ranchers in your area and lower your footprint by choosing fresh, local ingredients for your holiday dishes. If there’s something you really love that can’t be sourced locally, like chocolate, don’t stress. Choose fair trade/sustainably grown to support sustainability in the maker’s own area and enjoy!
Sustainable holiday recipes.
To help with your planning, here are a few of our winter favorites.
Salad with carrot-top pesto: Why compost carrot tops when you can make delicious dressing instead?
Linguine with mussels and tomatoes: Mussels are one of the most sustainable shellfish choices. They not only have lots of protein and omega-3s, but clean the water, helping other creatures, too.
Sweet potato and squash quiche: This recipe makes two quiches. Enjoy them both with your guests now or freeze one for later.
Festive ficus?
If fir trees aren’t farmed in your region, consider decorating a different species, like a cactus or even a thrifted chandelier. You could even take a walk around the neighborhood after supper to admire other people’s decorating efforts instead.
Give back.
Consider broadening your sustainability reach by donating to local charitable organizations to help community members in need. Or volunteer!
Unplug.
It may seem like a small thing, but every watt counts. If you’re travelling, before you go, unplug everything that passively uses power when it’s “off.” Turn down the thermostat to save energy and carpool or take public transit to your destination, if you can.
The after-party.
If you celebrate with a fir tree, consider purchasing a potted tree that you can plant after the holidays or give to someone else who can. Many areas also have tree rental services that keep potted trees in circulation for several years before planting them in their “retirement.” If a cut tree is for you, look for mulching opportunities vs sending it to the curb. You can also use the tree’s trunk and branches to create an insect hotel. It’s an easy DIY project that provides a warm place for bees, lacewings, and other helpful bugs to live.
Thank you.
Looking back on 2025, we’re thankful for so many things. We’ve enjoyed sharing our ongoing journey to protect people and planet while crafting amazing Pinot Noir. And we sincerely appreciate what we’ve heard about your own journeys. Your support means everything. Together we can make a difference.
Next year, we’ll be diving deeper to tell the story of Carneros, the chilliest AVA in California, and the beautiful place we call home. You’re always invited to visit and experience the leisurely daily cycle, from thick fog to warm sun to cool breezes, that’s so nourishing for Pinot grapes, and for the soul. But if you can’t make it to our tasting room, we hope you’ll join us here.
-Cheers!