Ridge Vineyards Awarded Inaugural Robert Parker Green Emblem

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

July 2021

Consumers are searching for wineries that make additional efforts to enact sustainable practices. Robert Parker makes it easy for consumers to search for sustainably made wines by offering filters for certified organic or biodynamic. They’ve recently created a new level of recognition for sustainability in the wine industry: the Robert Parker Green Emblem.

We’re excited to announce that
Ridge Vineyards has been recognized for environmentally friendly practices in the inaugural Robert Parker Green Emblem selection!

What is the Robert Parker Green Emblem?

The Robert Parker Green Emblem is “given in recognition of the most extraordinary cases of sustainable efforts in our wine industry. Green Emblem wineries are those that extend their efforts far beyond the requirements for organic and biodynamic certification.”

How Many Wineries Were Awarded the Green Emblem in its Inaugural Year?

The emblem was given to a total of 24 wineries, only five of which are located in the United States. Once a winery is recognized, all wines—current and future—carry the distinction. The emblem is earned by producers who set an example for long-term environmental health and encourage the community to act sustainably. “They are true ambassadors for sustainability, leading the charge to make our industry and our planet a better place for current and future generations.”

How Did Ridge Earn the Green Emblem?

At Ridge, we are committed to sustainability and farming our vineyards organically. We are the largest grower of organically certified grapes in Sonoma County and in the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation. As of harvest 2021, we have 379 acres of certified organic winegrapes at Monte Bello (109 acres) and at Lytton Springs, Geyserville, and East Bench (270 acres total). Lytton Springs and Geyserville are now 100% certified organic, and Monte Bello will also be 100% certified organic by harvest 2022.

All of the vineyards that we farm are certified by the Fish Friendly Farming Environmental Certification Program, which acknowledges agricultural properties working to restore fish and wildlife habitats and improve water quality. As a result, the Sonoma County Winegrowers have recognized our Sonoma County vineyards as Certified Sustainable.