Organic Leaders in Napa–Clif Family, Grgich Hills and Opus One–Honored with RISE Green Awards; Corison To Give Keynote

Just posting the press release issued today recognizing green leaders...three out of six awards went to wineries with certified organic estates.

RISE Climate & Wine Symposium Announces RISE Leadership Award Winners

The RISE planning committee is pleased to announce the six winners of the 2025 Leadership Awards. Winners will give an empowering "TED Talk" at RISE.

Apr 10, 2025

The six-event RISE Climate & Wine Symposium is quickly approaching, with the launch event on Tuesday, April 29, and continuing to provide inspiration via 65 expert speakers through Thursday, May 8. One powerful element of each RISE event is the presentation of awards to regional wineries providing exceptional leadership on each of the Six Pillars of Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership. These community exemplars then have the opportunity to give their version of an empowering "TED Talk" at the event.

On April 29, Pine Ridge Vineyards will receive the award for leadership in Water Efficiency & Savings, spotlighting their transition to dry farming. On April 30, the team at Domaine Carneros will be recognized for their leadership in Energy Efficiency & Savings for their cutting edge microgrid and investments in renewable energy with a clear ROI. On May 1, Violet Grgich of Grgich Hills Estate will accept the award for Soil Health & Biodiversity leadership with their holistic approach to regenerative farming, and economic analysis showing the financial value of collaborating with nature.

"Domaine Carneros is thrilled to receive the RISE 2025 Energy Leadership Award, recognizing our recent advancements with our solar microgrid, an innovative approach to energy efficiency and resiliency," says Remi Cohen, CEO. "RISE is an essential gathering where industry leaders share breakthrough solutions to our most pressing challenges. With many on our team attending, we're eager to connect, collaborate, and continue advancing. Join us in this vital conversation shaping our industry's future."

On May 6, Doug Boeschen will join to receive the award for leadership in Social Justice, Diversity & Inclusion for Boeschen Vineyards' commitment to worker disaster insurance and hazard pay. 

On May 7, Clif Family Winery will reveal the results of their packaging emissions inventory and be awarded for leadership in greening their Supply Chain & Waste Prevention. 

During the final event of RISE on May 8, Opus One will be recognized with the leadership award for Climate Action & Regenerative Agriculture for their whole system approach including producing biochar, transitioning to no-till, empowering their team, replacing their water-intensive berm, investing in ecosystem restoration, and more.

Violet Grgich, President of Grgich Hills, shares, "As an honored recipient of the RISE award for Soil Health & Biodiversity leadership, I look forward to joining my fellow winegrowers at this year's symposium. RISE gives us an invaluable and not-to-be-missed opportunity to join together to affect positive change in light of the existential threat of climate change on our Valley and beyond. Together, we'll pioneer a brighter, better, and greener future."

RISE brings together industry leaders with carefully curated expert speakers you'll rarely or never get to connect with here in Napa, including Mark Arax, author of "The Dreamt Land", Dr. Jonathan Lundgren, leader of the 1000 Farms Initiative, and Jermaine Stone, creator and host of the Emmy-nominated Street Somm, using hip-hop to bring new audiences to wine.

Industry icon Cathy Corison, who together with her daughter Grace Corison Martin, will give a RISE keynote, observes, "Napa Valley is staged to be a leader worldwide as stewards of the land and our community--we must support our living web. RISE is a unique opportunity to come together to collaborate and share resources. On May 7th, we'll be discussing our multi-generational approach to leadership. Join us."

Now is the time to come together and take bold action--are you ready to be inspired? Don't miss these action- and impact-oriented conversations, and the chance to connect with leaders from across the globe. Visit www.risegreen.org to learn more.

Symposium Dates & Location: April 29, 30 & May 1 and May 6, 7 & 8 | Charles Krug Winery | Carriage House | 2800 Main St, St Helena, CA

Thank you to our Exclusive Event Sponsors: Napa Valley Vintners; MCE Clean Energy; Lallemand Plant Care

risegreen.org

Bokisch Vineyards Introducing Lo Xalet Sparkling Cava April 12 in Lodi Celebration of First Cava from California (And It's Organically Grown)

PRESS RELEASE

Bokisch Vineyards is proud to unveil Lo Xalet, our first-ever sparkling Cava, crafted in the traditional method with 9 months of aging. Made from a classic blend of 3 Catalan varieties: Xarel·lo, Macabeo, and Parellada, Lo Xalet is a true reflection of our Spanish heritage and winemaking passion. 

April 12th they are celebrating at a sold out event at the winery.

Indulge in an unforgettable evening of Spanish tapas, live music, and a toast as we celebrate the unveiling of our first-ever Cava at Bokisch Vineyards! This exquisite new sparkling wine is hand crafted from the traditional Catalan grapes grown by Markus Bokisch —Xarello, Macabeo, and Parellada—this Cava is a true tribute to our passion for Spanish winemaking.

The name Lo Xalet holds deep personal significance, honoring Markus Bokisch’s family home in Spain— the place where his love for Spanish culture and traditions first took root.

“This sparkling wine is a culmination of 25 years of hard work establishing new Spanish varieties in California. My dream has always been to create a Cava from our own home-grown Catalan varieties. I’m so excited to share this special sparkling wine with you."

Lo Xalet will be available exclusively to our wine club members starting May 3rd. This limited-edition release embodies the spirit of celebration and the rich traditions of Cava-making, bringing a taste of Spain directly to our members.

The Story Behind Lo Xalet

Markus Bokisch’s family Xalet (a Catalan term for a seaside home) is nestled in his hometown of La Ra`pita, two hours south of Barcelona. Overlooking the Mediterranean, this beautiful retreat has been a cornerstone of his family's history. Though Markus’ parents immigrated to San Diego when he was young, he spent every summer back in Spain, living with his grandmother and extended family at the Xalet. It was in this home that all of the family celebrations occurred and where Markus’ deep connection to Spanish culture and winemaking was formed.

Now, with the release of Lo Xalet, we invite you to share in this history and raise a glass to the traditions that inspire us.

About the Wine

Made from a classic blend of Xarel·lo, Macabeo, and Parellada grapes from Bokisch's estate Miravet Vineyard, this dry sparkling white is crafted in the traditional method for a refined and vibrant character. With 12% ABV, it delivers crisp acidity and lively bubbles that elevate its delicate citrus and green apple notes, paired with hints of almond and fresh bread. The wine’s crisp, refreshing finish embodies the essence of classic cava, offering a perfect balance of fruit and minerality. Price: $60

“The moment we tasted it, I was thrilled because it really took me back to Spain and our years of living in the Cava producing town of Sant Sadurni d’Anoia.” Liz Bokisch

Bokisch Vineyards Winery, Tasting Room, and Hospitality Grounds are located at 18921 Atkins Road in Lodi, California.

NEW Common Ground Film Launches on Netflix April 22 (EARTH DAY)

 

A New Organic Wine Club Concept: Live Tasting Series Subscription with Organic Producers

I have long admired Organic Wine Exchange as the best online place to shop for organically grown wines. Proprietor Ann Arnold writes about a new program she is starting which I hope will help people find affordable, everyday wines from organic vines. Most are imports, but some are from US.

I wish I could say that wine.com or Cellar and Vine (from Safeway) were good ways to explore organic options, but neither has a filter for organic. 

The usual exemplary (for organic food) natural grocers in the East Bay are pathetic when it comes to wine - Berkeley Bowl does not have a single organically grown rosé or sparkling wine. The same goes for Monterey Market. Amazon, as well.

BAY REA LOCAL IN PERSON SHOPPING - PICK UP IN PERSON

The best local place to shop for organically grown wines is Good Earth in Mill Valley (Tam Junction) or their store in Fairfax. They let you order online for pickup at their store and their selection is VERY VERY GOOD. Everyone from Grgich Hills to Cantina Orsogna (one of my favorites - it's a biodynamic coop in the Abruzzo). 

ONLINE SHIPPING TO YOUR HOME

If you want to get connected to a reliable retailer online who does deliver, try Organic Wine Exchange.  

As Ann writes in an email blast, 

"The first Third Thursday Virtual Tasting on March 20th was super successful! It must have been the alignment of the Spring Equinox and all the good vibes.

I am excited to continue this series on a monthly basis. Next month we will be joined by Jeff Morgenthal, who is the importer of Gran Fondo wines and we will explore a variety of European selections from Italy, France and Spain.

Would you like to taste the wines with us next month?  If so, on the next Third Thursday Virtual Wine Tasting (April 17th) we will have wines to send to you if you would like to join in the shenanigans!

You can bring together a group of friends and family to share the wines with you, or just open a couple bottles and save the rest for later.

Perks:

1 Interact with myself and the winery/importer co-host live

2 Receive an after email discount code for the wines presented

3 Aquire the recording of the zoom video for revisiting at a later time. 

See Jeff Morgenthal’s bio and the wines we will be tasting here

I realize not everyone likes reds and/or whites, so I have created a few options. Either way, you will be able to hear about all the wines! Prices will vary between $52 - $159 (+ tax and shipping) depending on the wines for that month, and how many bottles we taste.

• Full Wine Tasting Subscription: 4-6 bottles 

• Red Only Wine Tasting Subscription: 2-4 bottles

• White Only Wine Tasting Subscription: 2-3 bottles

Our last option is the Information Only Tasting Subscription for $15 a month. This means you can listen in on the full Zoom and still receive the discount code to buy wines from this tasting and receive a recording.

The recording will be helpful for those who:

1 Don’t want to open all their bottles at once

2 Could or don’t make the date and time of this tasting

3 Would like to host their own wine tasting at a later date

Choose your Wine Tasting Subscription option

Psst. Get 15% off your first TWO shipments for our Monthly Virtual Wine Tasting with code: VIRTUAL15X2

Your first tasting purchase will have to be received by the first week of the month to give us time to get the wines to you. If you live in or near CA, you have until the 2nd week of the month.

Keep in mind your subscription does not bind you to participating every month. If you only want to do one tasting and or pick and choose the tastings you want to participate in, you can always put you subscription on hold for as long as you need to, and come back when you’re ready.