Show Notes
In this episode of The Good Stuff presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk with Allison Jordan, Executive Director of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance.
Allison Jordan has served as Executive Director of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance since 2007, where she is responsible for leading the award-winning California Sustainable Winegrowing Program and Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing. She joined Wine Institute in 2003, and now serves as Vice President, Environmental Affairs for Wine Institute, a department she established in 2007 to address wine industry environmental and sustainability issues at local, state, federal and international levels.
Allison is also a founding partner in two restaurants, Giordano Bros. in San Francisco, and Monk's Kettle Terra Linda in Marin County. She holds a Master of Public Policy degree from the Goldman School of Public Policy at University of California Berkeley, a B.A. in Psychology from Allegheny College, a Certificate in Wine Business Management from Sonoma State University, and WSET Level 2 from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. She is a fellow with the German Marshall Fund's Marshall Memorial Fellowship Program.
The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) was founded in 2003 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable farming and business practices within California’s wine industry. The CSWA works to enhance environmental stewardship, economic viability, and social responsibility across the industry. Its key initiatives include providing resources, training, and certification for wineries and vineyards to adopt sustainable practices that minimize environmental impact, enhance vineyard and winery efficiency, and ensure long-term sustainability. The organization is known for developing the California Code of Sustainable Winegrowing, a comprehensive guide that outlines practices for sustainable viticulture and winemaking.
CSWA launched Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW) in 2010 after a three-year development period in collaboration with a broad stakeholder group. Offering third-party verification and greater transparency, certification is based on the well-established Code of Sustainable Winegrowing workbook (the Code) and includes a rigorous set of standards. A review by SCS Global Services, a leading third-party auditor, confirmed that Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing adheres to international best practices in certification. The development was led by the Sustainable Winegrowing Joint Committee, comprised of approximately 50 grower and vintner members of Wine Institute and California Association of Winegrape Growers, and sustainability certification standards experts. Since its inception and continuing today, CCSW and the Code have undergone regular revisions and updates with time allowed for peer-review, stakeholder input and public comment.
The Wine Institute is the trade association representing California’s wine industry, established in 1934. It advocates for California wineries and wine grape growers on issues related to legislation, regulations, marketing, and trade. The organization’s mission is to promote and protect the interests of the California wine industry at the local, state, and federal levels, including engaging in policy advocacy, economic development, and public relations efforts.
The Wine Institute also manages several initiatives focused on improving the wine industry’s environmental impact, most notably through its support of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA), which helps wineries adopt sustainable practices. The organization is influential in shaping public opinion, driving industry innovation, and ensuring that California wines remain a significant player in the global market.
The California Green Medal recognizes the leadership of wineries and vineyards committed to sustainability and is presented by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA), California Association of Winegrape Growers, Wine Institute, Lodi Winegrape Commission, Napa Valley Vintners, Sonoma County Winegrowers and Vineyard Team. Four Green Medals are presented in the following categories: Leader, Environment, Community and Business.
Two of the four winners were from Sonoma County in 2024. Gloria Ferrer won the environment award, given to the vineyard or winery that best demonstrates Environmental Stewardship through maximized environmental benefits from implementing sustainable practices. Vino Farms also won the business award, given to the vineyard or winery that best demonstrates Smart Business through efficiencies, cost savings and innovation from implementing sustainable practices.
FIVS (International Federation of Wine and Spirits), founded in 1951, is a global organization representing the wine, spirits, and beer sectors on public policy issues. In 2017, it adopted a "triple bottom line of sustainability," focusing on economic, social, and environmental factors. FIVS advocates for sustainability and other global issues, offering a collective voice for the industry. It has developed common principles for sustainable winegrowing, aiming to create adaptable frameworks for regions worldwide.
And finally, Virginie and Karissa share their Tuesday Night wine picks!
