When somebody says “California,” most people picture LA’s beaches, the Golden Gate Bridge, or Hollywood celebrities. But did you know almost 80% of the state is rural? Over 600,000 of those acres are devoted to growing wine grapes. Here at Etude, our land bridges both Napa and Sonoma Counties, so as you might imagine, we truly live at the heart of it all.
If you ask a winemaker what the key to great wine is, they’ll almost always say “great wine begins in the vineyard,” which makes perfect sense. Grapes are grown by nature, so the quality of the wine is a direct reflection of the quality of the environment in and around those vineyards. That’s why Etude has always put sustainability first. Since our start in 1982, it’s been our job to make sure the vines have everything they need to be the best they can be, and then to get out of the way, so nature can do its job.
What’s our favorite part of making wine sustainably? You! Not only getting to share the wines we make with you at home or your favorite restaurant, but right here in Napa. Unlike your phone and most of the other products in your daily life, you can see for yourself exactly where and how our wines are made. You’re always invited to come and tour Etude, crumble the soil in your hands, meet our people, walk or bike around the neighborhood and enjoy the sun, fog, and fresh country breezes. Wine’s been made in California for over 250 years. It’s not just what we do. It’s in our soul, and so is sustainability.
Our home state has always been at the forefront of the sustainability movement and as farmers, wine growers have always understood that what’s good for the environment is good for the grapes. That blend of innovation and heritage comes together naturally at Etude. We developed our renowned Grace Benoist Ranch in Sonoma around the “Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Practices,” one of the early models for vineyards, and Etude was one of the first to be certified Napa Green Land and Napa Green Winery. Although we grow most of the fruit we need ourselves, we also source from a small group of like-minded, (mostly) family-owned growers that share the same passion for sustainability and quality as we do. These are long-term relationships we cherish (14–40 years) that have helped us all evolve and grow better together.
We know you’re already a supporter of sustainable winemaking at Etude (thank you!). The next step on your journey is a visit to our Napa Valley tasting room! The health and well-being of the land, wildlife, and our community are the foundation of everything we do, because “sustainable wine” is about more than just wine. It’s about the entire “wine ecosystem.” When you visit Etude, you not only get to see our sustainability practices in action, you’ll also become part of our local wine ecosystem. The wine-country sustainability movement has been going strong for generations. So, along with Etude wines, you can enjoy great farm-to-table eateries, eco-friendly inns, shops, artisans, adventures, and more. Whether you’re here for the day or an extended work-cation, you’ll get to soak in the friendly wine-country vibe, help preserve unbuilt rural spaces, and support the historic culture that makes this place so special. You might even grow some new connections with fellow wine-lovers.
Until then, remember that little things can have a big impact, if we all work together. We’d love to learn how you’re including sustainability in your life. Share with our whole community @EtudeWines on Instagram.
PS: Speaking of the little things, it’s easy to overlook them, but when you visit, keep an eye out for insects like ladybugs and lacewings. Despite their diminutive size, they play a vital role in the vineyards, munching aphids, spider mites, and other even smaller pests that can damage the vines. Along with sheep, owls, and other raptors, beneficial insects help us keep balance in the vineyards naturally.