In a remarkable triumph for sustainable practices and environmental responsibility, Brooks Wine has been honored with the prestigious title of Green Company of the Year 2023 by The Drinks Business. This esteemed award recognizes companies that have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the environment by implementing and improving sustainable business practices, ultimately reducing their carbon footprint.
A Legacy of Environmental Stewardship
Situated in the heart of Willamette Valley, Brooks Wine has been a trailblazer in the wine industry for over 25 years. Known for its dedication to environmental accountability, transparency, and education, the family-owned winery has consistently raised the bar for green initiatives.
Since its full conversion to Biodynamic practices in 2004, the vineyard and winery have proudly held Demeter Certified Biodynamic status since 2014. Brooks Estate, a no-till vineyard, utilizes dry farming techniques, emphasizing a holistic winemaking approach beyond traditional practices.
Innovations Towards Sustainability
Brooks Wine has been at the forefront of sustainable packaging, switching to lightweight, locally sourced bottles in 2010. Not stopping there, the winery is gearing up to launch a bottle recycling program within the next year, demonstrating a commitment to closing the loop on its product life cycle. In 2019, discontinuing tin capsules further showcased the company’s dedication to minimizing unnecessary waste in landfills.
In 2019, Brooks achieved B Corp certification and joined 1% For The Planet, committing to donating 1% of total annual sales to Kiss the Ground, a nonprofit dedicated to regenerative agriculture. Collaboration with Kiss the Ground extends beyond financial support, with Brooks actively participating in community education programs to foster sustainability.
Global Impact Through Partnerships
Brooks Wine’s impact extends beyond its vineyards. In 2021, a partnership with Ecologi was forged, contributing to global climate-positive solutions, particularly emphasizing tree-planting initiatives. Since then, Brooks has played a significant role in planting over 60,000 trees worldwide, avoiding 937.08 metric tons of CO2 emissions.
By 2022, Brooks achieved carbon neutrality by combining carbon offsets and developing the world’s first winery website built with digital sustainability—Earth First Ecommerce.
Recent Strides Towards a Greener Future
The past year has seen Brooks Wine intensify its commitment to environmental protection. In February, establishing a Green Committee, comprising employees from every department, marked a strategic move to reduce the winery’s carbon footprint further. Quarterly meetings ensure a collective effort toward continuous improvement.
The winery’s food program, centered around the estate garden, exemplifies a commitment to sustainability in daily operations. All scraps, food waste, grape skins, and seeds leftover from fermentation are composted on-site. Excess produce and flowers not used by the winery are made available to the public in the Brooks farmstand, fostering community engagement and minimizing waste.
In May, Brooks received a grant from the Xerces Society for hedgerow planting, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing biodiversity. Successful recertification as a B Corp in June 2023 and a 2-point increase on the impact assessment showcases the winery’s ongoing dedication to ethical business practices.
Shortly after, Brooks was awarded a USDA grant for solar panel installation—a landmark project estimated to generate 75% of the winery’s energy annually. This initiative is a testament to Brooks Wine’s commitment to becoming a more self-sufficient entity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and actively mitigating climate change.
Global Recognition and Future Commitments
In October 2023, Brooks Wine submitted its application for membership with the Porto Protocol—an organization uniting global wine industry stakeholders committed to environmental advocacy. This move solidifies Brooks Wine’s position as a global leader in collaborative responses to climate change within the wine industry.
As we celebrate Brooks Wine being named Green Company of the Year 2023, it’s not just an accolade; it’s a testament to decades of dedication, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of a sustainable future. Brooks Wine is a beacon for the industry, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps and join the global movement towards a greener, more sustainable tomorrow.