Napa Valley’s Sustainable Wine Movement
March 8, 2022
No Comments
We sat down with CEO of Napa Green Anna Brittan to get down to earth on sustainable wine and how the program works. Vineyards of
The Napa harvest is one of the most exciting times of the year where I live. I’m perched above the Napa River, sitting on the second floor of my writing nook listening to the somewhat irritating popping of the bird cannon in the distance. The cannons have been going off on the Napa side of Carneros for several weeks. This is a sure sign that véraison (the French term describing the ripening color of grapes) has arrived and the Napa harvest and fermentation are near. The grapes need to be protected from voracious birds. The most famous for their impact on the vineyards are starlings who migrate to Napa in time for véraison. Smart birds! There you have it, the need for annoying bird cannons.
“This was probably the highest Napa rainfall on record.”
Napa Valley’s rainfall was unprecedented in 2016 and early 2017. Record levels of rain and snow occurred in most of the northern California regions. Good news for most as the drought was corrected. Some saw limited damage from fallen trees, some erosion, but most vineyards did well because the wet weather departed before spring set in.
This massive amount of rainfall was an indication to farmers to get to the vineyards as early as possible come spring. Not only would the vines have to be trellised, but if the farmers went in while it was still muddy there was a danger of root damage. The roots of the vines while muddy would not yet had time to set. The winter also foretold some of the challenges spring and summer would bring. With all of the nourishment the vines received from the rains, the result would be high maintenance vines with intense canopy growth. Labor costs would be higher in the vineyards because pruning the vines would have to be done more frequently to allow the fruit set to receive adequate sunlight.
“2017 is actually a very classic Napa Valley vintage.”
On August 7th, 2017 at 6 am Mumm Napa began their first harvest of their Green Island Vineyards with their prized Pinot Meunier. This is a celebratory experience for everyone at Mumm. From the recognition of those departed and instrumental in Mumm Napa success since the 70’s to the weighing of the grapes and the sabering of champagne, this is a big deal. The first of 19 tons of Pinot Meunier grapes arrived from their Green Island Vineyard where it is harvested for their sparkling.
(VIDEO) Winemaker, Ludovic Dervin of Mumm Napa on the 2017 Harvest
A big part of the team is present on site at Mumm Napa waiting for the impending arrival of the first grapes this first day of harvest. We met with Mumm winemaker, Ludo Dervin to ask him some questions about this unprecedented year. This harvest is an exciting one for many reasons. Napa has sustained some of the most difficult drought conditions in recent history and 2016-2017 held an unprecedented year of rainfall. The drought conditions have been abated that the concern for money especially those not so well experienced in farming was white with all this water the rainfall, and the flooding due to the vines and the Vineyards.
“Mumm is the French heritage. We emulate the same winemaking techniques that Champagne Mumm does in France“.
Dervin says, “The rains occurred at precisely the right time and they stopped when we needed them too.” The maintenance of the vineyards was double or maybe even triple what they had experienced in the past. He added, “The fruit came out fantastic this year. Very well-balanced and also showing great signs of acidity in this Napa harvest.
We sat down with CEO of Napa Green Anna Brittan to get down to earth on sustainable wine and how the program works. Vineyards of
Use the Best Dark Chocolate Made for Wine Pairing. Chocolate and wine pairing has never been easier. #Sponsored With an intriguing history, chocolate has garnered
Bouchaine Winery is the spot to discover great Burgundian varieties made in Napa Valley’s Carneros region. Modern winery meets social hour. Bouchaine Vineyards tasting room
Popped over to @arthausnapa then @feastitforward fora fabulous pre-game of the @norahjones concert. Then over to the concert.
Hanging with my girl @wineartlife having a magnificent time.
Love a good summer concert! Do you have any summer concert plans? Share them below!
#TheWineSiren #KellyMitchell #wine #winecountry #napavalley #greatmusic #norahjones #concert #summerfun #girlsnightout #goodvibes #instafun
Taking a page out of goodwill, good sense and mighty initiatives the experts, keynotes, and educators for @napathrives together for an phenomenal evening @tressaboreswinery . Incredible people with powerful transformational initiatives. Thank you @abrittain & @reyeswine.mw for your hard work and to @tressaboreswinery for hosting this incredible evening.
#TheWineSiren #sustainablefarming #napavalley #winenapa #climateaction #Betterfarming #carboninitiatives #netzero #transformativelearning #kellymitchell #wine #winegrowing #portoprotocol #climatesolutions #buysustainable #loweremissions #winelover #winelife #winedinner #viticulture
How do you feel when you’ve dined impeccably?
Culinary adventures are always exciting. But when you book one restaurant mistakenly and it ends up being an exceptional surprise you win in both regards. Serendipity!
Such was my experience at the @ritzcarltonwaikiki ‘s #LaVie restaurant.
From the ESCARGOT + GRENOUILLE · frog legs meuniére. petit gris snails. green garlic aïoli to the…
LUDOVICO CHICKEN BALLOTINE · roasted foie gras. lentils du puy. perigord truffle jus.
And the MAUI VENISON NOISETTE · braised cabbage. maui onion brûlé. bearnaise mosseline.
-LA VIE RULES exceptional dining and impeccable service in Honolulu!
Paired with @faillawines and yes! They are on the @ritzcarltonwaikiki ‘s menu! #pinotnoir #sonomacoast
#TheWineSiren #KellyMitchell #wine #wineanddine #luxurydining #winetravel #beautifuldestinations #travelblogger #hawaii #waikikibeach #deliciouseats
#instatravel
There are some things worth highlighting in a very particular way.
Here I give you @faillawines . I first heard about them a few years ago.
Today I found them on Hawaii shelves when looking for a pre-dinner sip before we’d venture out for one of a few celebrations and our return to the island, our home for over three decades.
This 2019 Sonoma Coast Failla is an extraordinary example of what fruits will bare with the influence of the rugged Sonoma Coasts winds and diurnal shifts. Brilliant ruby hue, exquisitely alive, smooth on this long lusty finish. An example of a great Sonoma County Pinot Noir.
60% estate grown fruit from Russian River Valley, and 40% from single vineyards outside of the estate. 30% whole cluster & native yeast.
#TheWineSiren #KellyMitchell #Wine #SonomaCounty #SonomaCoast #beautifulwine #beautifuldestinations #RussianRiver #SonomaCoast #Sonomacoastwine #pinotnoirlover #winetime #greatwine
Dark skies, pouring rain and thunder were no match for the spirit of the people of Boise, Idaho when it comes to #winetasting.
Some very delicious surprises here from @rollinghills_urbantastingroom to @3100cellars delicious Brut made in the traditional method to @hatranchwinery ‘s red blend. All poured at #savorIdaho ‘s @idahobotanicalgarden . It was a feast for the eyes and palate.
The gardens are lush and picturesque, just 2.4 miles from the city center.
The perfect place to taste and enjoy the fruits of #idahowine
Have you been to Idaho #winecountry?
The best way to see #snakeriver territory is with @snakeriverwinetours Sam’s booth was full all day because she embodies the spirit of the people here. Warm friendly, no pretense and unabashedly candid.
Make new friends discover delicious Idaho Wine and get out of your comfort zone. Adventure awaits!
#SavorIdaho #TheWineSiren #KellyMitchell #wine #winetasting #drinkidahowine #Sponsored
When I left the mainland for Hawaii over 42 years ago, I had no idea how much I missed and how much I would embrace my return to the mainland.
So I jumped at the chance to visit Idaho and learn more about their wineries, the Ava’s and the people of the fastest growing #wineregion in the United States. It was also intriguing to note that the 43rd parallel where a vast majority of wine is grown in Idaho is the same parallel in Europe as #Provence, #Tuscany, #riasbaixas .
When I arrived in #Idaho a few things struck me… The lack of significant traffic, the amount of newcomers (90% of the people I’d met had been in Boise have lived here less than 2 years), and the warmth of the locals.
It’s a throwback to Napa in the early 80’s. An emerging wine region, with exceptional passion and drive behind it. The wineries in the area I visited ( #sunnyslope )were very much a kinship of support of one and other. The countryside is absolutely stunning.
From night one, dining at Chandler’s Boise, a contemporary steakhouse with an exceptional wine list, well versed Sommelier and a cool jazz vibe, to a day trip with @snakeriverwinetours and 4 lovely wineries . And Boise itself, one of the most walkable rich in history cities in the United States.
I’d no idea I’d taste wine that was not only diverse but also well represented in many facets of style, depth and production. There is so much to explore in the name of Idaho Wine. Stay tuned!
#TheWineSiren #KellyMitchell #wine #Idahowine #drinkidahowine #savoridaho #winelover #Wineadventures
#Wheretowine #Winedestinations #winelover #winetravel #travelblogger
Learn about new products, wine travel tips and the latest on wine, food and fab.
2 Responses
Wonderful article, interview, and photos! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much Cat. I am honored you took the time and I appreciate your comments very much. Love to see you at Live in the Vineyard or Yountville Live one day soon!