Raising a glass to toast the holidays shouldn’t compromise your health or take a toll on the environment. However, in 2008, Pesticide Action Network (PAN) Europe tested wines made by world famous vineyards and discovered that each wine sampled contained an average of at least four pesticides; one bottle actually contained ten known pesticides.
Pesticides negatively impact farmers’ health as well. A PAN-Europe report suggests vineyard farm workers had a higher incidence of allergic rhinitis, respiratory problems, cancers, and other health effects. What’s an adult-beverage-seeking lad or lass to do? Sip sustainably, of course!
Looking to recycle your empty wine bottle? Then, enjoy these 7 sustainable wines and spirits that are sure to please even the most seasoned wine spectator.
Wine
In a European study of six different organic wines, five of the wines tested contained no detectable pesticide residues, providing further validation that pesticide-free wine production is possible. Here are four brands to look for when shopping.
- Bonterra – Bonterra Vineyards in California was one of the first major vineyards to commit to organic and sustainable wine growing in 1990. Using no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, their practices meet or beat USDA regulations. They incorporate a Biodynamic® approach and their water is not fluoride treated.
- Sterling Vineyards Made with Organic Grapes Additional to the Sterling collection are wines “made with organic grapes,” which indicates that grapes are free from artificial fertilizers and synthetic chemicals. Offerings include a Chardonnay (2007) and Sauvignon Blanc (2007).
- Green Fin – A white table wine made with organic grapes from California is sold exclusively through Trader Joes stores for $3.99 a bottle by the Bronco Wine Company. The label describes the wine as follows: “This Green Fin White Table Wine is made entirely from organically grown grapes.” According to the bottle, the label and production are “environmentally friendly.” They also specify the paper label is recycled.
- Frey Vineyards – America’s first organic winery, Frey Vineyards, uses certified organic grapes and Biodynamic® agriculture; a method of organic farming that is guided by the seasons which treat the farms as a unified solid organism. Frey wines contain no added sulfites (a synthetic food additive/preservative linked to headaches, sniffles, and other allergic reactions in some people).
Vodka
Vodka is created by fermenting and then distilling the simple sugars from a mash of pale grain (including rye and wheat) or vegetal. Derived from crops, the importance of consuming organic vodka goes without saying. Also, stick with local or American made brands since there is a higher carbon footprint to consume imported spirits.
- VeeV – VeeV, the wheat-based vodka, is infused with 100% all-natural ingredients including Acai and is a certified carbon-neutral company. Still not green enough? VeeV even donates $1 per bottle sold to the Brazilian rain forest.
- Square One – Distilled from 100% certified organic American rye, Square One Organic Vodka boasts a very green packaging process. The face label of the bottle is made from bamboo, bagasse (sugar cane pulp), and cotton and the bottles are packed in chlorine-free shipper cartons.
- Prairie – Prairie Organic Vodka, is distilled from corn as they say, from seed to glass. They don’t use herbicides and create old-fashioned prairie fires to naturally control unwanted weeds. They rely on native birds and bats to consume the insect populations, turning their fields into complete ecosystems. Note: They also offer 100% organic certified gin and cucumber flavored vodka.
Got a favorite brand? Let us know in the comments below. As always, sip – and shop – responsibly!
Feature image courtesy of Raul Lieberwirth