WOODINVILLE, Wash. (November 21, 2022) – Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, the largest winery in the Pacific Northwest and among the largest premium wineries in the U.S., is proud to announce that A to Z Wineworks has received Silver Status Membership with International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA), a first for an Oregon winery. This honor also includes its affiliated brand REX HILL; both are based at the REX HILL property in Newberg.
A to Z joined IWCA last year, inspired by the group’s efforts to tackle the climate crisis by reducing carbon emissions and becoming Net Zero by 2050.
Highlights of A to Z’s sustainability practices include:
- Improvements in water infrastructure which saved more than 1.5 million gallons from 2021 to 2022
- A commitment to capital investments that include reducing Global Greenhouse emissions next year by adding at least 10 EV charging stations and working toward solar power installations on campus roofs
- Maintaining LIVE and Salmon-Safe certifications, farming all Estate vineyards organically and biodynamically
- Transitioned to ultra-light glass bottles of 438g for the majority of brand volume
- Recognition for the 5th consecutive award year by B Lab as a “Best for the World” B-Corp in the Environment Category
A to Z is also committed to reducing its carbon footprint by 50-percent by 2030.
While A to Z is pleased to lead such efforts in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, the winery hopes this is just the beginning.
“Sustainable practices have been at the heart of our values since the beginning,” said Amy Prosenjak, President of A to Z Wineworks and Oregon Brands for parent Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. “We look forward to other wineries in the region joining us on this sustainability journey so we can work collectively on a solution to this very important issue. The IWCA’s collaborative spirit and commitment is imperative to this essential work of discovering the most efficient and effective ways to reduce carbon emissions as quickly as possible.”
A to Z secured its applicant membership to IWCA in September of 2021, through a third-party audited greenhouse gas emissions analysis across the entire business.
As an IWCA member, A to Z works with like-minded wineries, sharing successes, failures, and innovations, while holding each other to the same greenhouse gas accounting standards.
“We applaud A to Z Wineworks for achieving IWCA Silver-level membership,” said Jackson Family Wine’s Katie Jackson, IWCA Vice-President. “Our membership requirements are intentionally very rigorous and this demonstrates their commitment to climate action. We are looking forward to continued contributions from A to Z Wineworks in advancing the decarbonization of the global wine industry in partnership with IWCA.”
About Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
As the largest winery in the Pacific Northwest, and among the largest premium wineries in the United States, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates is a pioneer in winemaking and vinifera growing. Making its mark right at the repeal of Prohibition, the winery’s illustrious past ultimately evolved into wine distribution in more than 100 countries and 30,000 acres of vineyards across Washington, Oregon, and California.
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates is a collection of exceptional wines from the world’s premiere regions and legendary wine producers, including Chateau Ste. Michelle, 14 Hands Winery, Erath, A to Z Wineworks, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and Col Solare, as well as the exclusive U.S. importer for Marchesi Antinori and Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte.
For a complete list of wineries and more on our rich history please visit www.smwe.com.
About A to Z Wineworks
A to Z Wineworks captures “The Essence of Oregon” by carefully blending wines true to their variety using grapes sourced from vineyards strung through Oregon’s remarkable Western valleys. The company sets the standard for cool climate, food-friendly Oregon Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. In 2014, A to Z Wineworks became a certified B Corporation and has earned Best for the World status every subsequent award year. A to Z is based at their REX HILL property in Newberg, Oregon and is Oregon’s top-selling brand known for dependable, affordable quality. For more information visit www.AtoZwineworks.com.
