Benziger wins green award

Here in Sonoma County, we’ve known Mike Benzinger, founder of Benzinger Family Winery in Glen Ellen, to be an eco-pioneer.

Benziger iPhone app is now available. Explore their wines & commitment to being green.

Last week, however, a national organization recognized him as well.

The organization, Natural Resources Defense Council, presented Benzinger with one of four 2010 Growing Green Awards—kudos given to leaders in sustainable agriculture around the country.

In particular, Benzinger was recognized in the “Water Steward” category, and was honored for a wetland and pond treatment system that allows the winery to recycle an average of 2 million gallons of water each year. The award also recognized how the winery decreases water usage with new grape-sorting technologies, water sensors and cover crops that reduce runoff.

Of course for many of us here in Sonoma, Benzinger’s commitment to green is nothing new.

The winery recently launched an eco-friendly packaging program that includes lighter bottles and new labels made from recycled material. The bottles weigh 30 percent less than traditional wine bottles, which amounts to nearly 290,000 pounds of glass saved each year.

Lighter bottles also require less automobile and airplane fuel to ship—a reality that indirectly reduces the winery’s footprint as well.

Finally, the winery recently announced that its operations are now carbon neutral, thanks in part to an investment in an equivalent carbon reduction through a California-based truck stop electrification project.

Benzinger is setting examples all Sonoma County businesses should follow. Show your support by stopping by.