Parducci Wine Cellars to receive BRIT’s 2011 International Award of Excellence in Sustainable Winegrowing
 

FORT WORTH, Texas (July 5, 2011) – The Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) announced today that Parducci Wine Cellars, one of the oldest wineries in Mendocino County, California, and recognized as America’s greenest winery, is the Institute’s choice for the 2011 International Award of Excellence in Sustainable Winegrowing.  Presentation of the award will be made at the fifth annual Fête du Vin, Wine Dinner and Auction benefitting BRIT. The event will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2011, at the Fort Worth Club, 306 West Seventh Street, Fort Worth, Texas.
 

In announcing the winery’s selection, Harry Bartel, Chairman of the Sustainable Winegrowing judging committee said, “We are most impressed with Parducci’s strong commitment to the environment.  Using certified sustainable winegrowing practices, 100% green energy, recycling 100% of its waste water, and being carbon neutral, Parducci sets a high standard for itself and the winegrowing industry.  It’s a pleasure to recognize America’s greenest winery with BRIT’s International Award of Excellence in Sustainable Winegrowing.”
 

The purpose of the International Award of Excellence in Sustainable Winegrowing, which was founded in 2010 by BRIT, is to honor the viticulturists (winegrowers) and viniculturists (winemakers) throughout the world who reflect BRIT's core principles of conservation, sustainability, and wise stewardship of the land.  Award recipients receive BRIT’s Sustainable Winegrowing glass sculpture and the right to use BRIT’s Sustainable Winegrowing logo both in print and electronic formats.
 

“Our family owned and operated winery is creating both quality wines and a healthier planet,” says Parducci Managing Partner Tim Thornhill.  “We are committed to sustainable winegrowing practices that yield top quality grapes and wines while protecting the environment and supporting our community and local farmers.”
 

Sustainable Winegrowing award applicants are judged on an 18-point assessment of their organization's accomplishments in sustainable winegrowing, winemaking, and social responsibility practices.  They are also asked to submit a bottle of wine for a tasting by the judging committee.
 

Dr. S.H. Sohmer, BRIT's president and director said, “It is evident that the management of this year’s recipient, Parducci Wine Cellars, has made a long-term commitment to achieving a balance between the environment and their business, without compromising current and future resources.  It is also highly commendable that Parducci shares the knowledge that it has gained with others in the wine industry through various educational programs."
 

The 2010, inaugural recipient of BRIT’s International Award of Excellence in Sustainable Winegrowing was Hall Wines of St. Helena, California.