Michael Sutton’s Post

Happy Arbor Day!! Originally founded as a 'thing' in 1872 by Joy Morton, the tag line "The Champion of Trees" is a fitting reference to those who seek to preserve the integrity of our global forests. As the great oak forests of France warm, succumb to insect infiltration or disease, the coopers of France have been forced to source trees 200 miles north of the historic forests their cooper grandfathers sourced. Although none of the tree species used for barrel oak are currently on the watch list or endangered, it is obvious that the appetite for oak in beverage production as well as the increasing challenges of supply are driving concern, both in France and America. Over a year ago, I had a conversation with Silvia Alvarez-Clare regarding this topic. My statement was that we certainly have enough information to look forward 20 years and see that don't have to wait until these trees are threatened. After all, it takes 200 years to produce the growth of the trees we use for fine oak barrels.........and the average lifespan of a barrel in a winery is 5-7 years. Someone out there has to be good at math (simply math!). Interviewing cooper Stéphane RADOUX over the last year, his statement of supply concerns has driven him to establish a company to specifically address the issue with 100% sustainability in the philosophy of beverage oak. EBX - Solutions de Tannins Oenologiques uses a low temperature osmosis extraction process to produce a pure and smooth oak extract (yes, it's a tannin but very different from typical heat-extracted tannins). The purpose is to replicate the cool temperatures of the barrel cellar and only extracting the compounds that naturally draw from barrels in the cellar environment. These are critical philosophy components of sustainability as 'natural resource conservation is the heartbeat of a good sustainability strategy. After all, if we're using and/or generating more 'heat', how does this lower our impact on resources? If we're using more water, energy, labor, space, and time, how does this equate to responsible sustainability practices? It obviously does not....but who's asking the hard questions? So much more to learn and so much more to do to be "Good Stewards" of our earthly home. #resourceconservation #techtalk4wine #winemakersforum #oak #barrels Doug Manning Tim Hanni MW Bill Brinkle Wade Myers

Every sip of wine tells a story—a story written in the soil, nurtured by the climate, and enriched by the life that thrives within and around the vineyard. The interplay of volcanic soils, cool breezes, and vibrant ecosystems creates a symphony of flavors unique to each region. It’s not just about growing grapes, it’s about respecting the land that gives them life. Sustainable practices in winemaking are about more than preserving the environment—they’re about honoring the delicate balance that gives wine its character. By protecting these natural habitats, we not only safeguard the future of wine but also celebrate the intricate dance between nature and craftsmanship. How do you see sustainability shaping the future of wine? Let’s get into the conversation about protecting the roots of what makes wine so extraordinary. #naturalwine #sustainability #biodynamic #terroir #winemaking #wineculture #futureofwine

Curious what a regenerative transition actually looks like? Join us 8/29 for The Porto Protocol Foundation's webinar on regenerative viticulture. Caine Thompson of O'Neill Vintners & Distillers will share his experience, along with the support of Anne Jones of The Regenerative Viticulture Foundation and Charlie Dubbe of Agrology. We've shared data on Caine's regenerative transition in the past and we're excited for new in-depth insights from Caine and his team. Learn how O'Neill uses real-time feedback and data to guide their practice changes and what they've learned about the positive impact regenerative farming has on soil health. #soilhealth #viticulture #farming #climatesmart #measurement

Happy Earth Day Everyone! While not a specifically "wine" Holiday, this Holiday is very important to Wine. We've had the opportunity to meet and speak with winemakers and vignerons, who not only make delicious wine but, through their farming methods and beyond, are looking out for planet Earth! Our documentary project "Can Wine Save the Planet?" will tell their stories. These stories, we hope, will inspire other vineyards, wineries and farms to take up these agricultural methods that work in harmony with the planet. Biodynamic and Regenerative Agriculture methods create healthy soil, which sequesters carbon and mitigates climate change. But these methods go further, incorporating biodiversity and looking out for all the humans involved in the process. Check out our Earth Day article and learn about the vineyards we are working with and the team of contributing writers who are a part of this project! There is also a short video introduction to the project! Have a wonderful Earth Day! https://lnkd.in/gqmCNE9z

Pacific Northwest winemakers, like Corey Schuster, combat smoke taint from wildfires with innovative strategies, including special grape coatings. This collaboration and adaptation are essential in preserving the region's unique wines amid climate change. Thoughts on these resilient efforts? #WineIndustry #Innovation #ClimateChange. Join the discussion! Original article: https://lnkd.in/e9yZa-Cx

Engaging in meaningful conversations is always inspiring, especially when it involves a bit of trash talk! My latest article in Edible Marin & Wine Country Spring issue explores the "Conversations Worth Having" at Barndiva in Healdsburg. If you're intrigued and want to learn how to walk the talk, check out the article online or in print. Let's keep the conversation going! #EdibleMarin #WineCountry #ConversationsWorthHaving #Barndiva #Sustainability

Learn more about IWCA - International Wineries for Climate Action and its members. A carbon-cutting wine-buying guide JancisRobinson.com https://bit.ly/3xMJHjU #stsupery #IWCA

What Are Ecological Wines? 🌿🍷 Now more than ever, every choice matters. Ecological wines grow in vineyards where nature sets the pace. No pesticides or chemical herbicides are used, only sustainable practices that protect biodiversity and the natural balance of the environment. 🍇 In the winery, these wines are producer with a more natural approach, limiting the use of additives and preserving the essence of each grape. The result is an authentic wine that reflects its origins and the care poured into every detail. Why choose ecological wines?🌿 👉 They respect the planet by preserving biodiversity and reducing environmental impact. 👉 They support small producers committed to sustainable practices. 👉 They connect with you, offering a genuine and conscious experience. At VinNatura, we invite you to explore our selection of ecological and sustainable wines. With every bottle, you’re supporting a model that’s more respectful of nature and those who respect and care for it. 🍷 Learn more at VinNatura.com #EcologicalWines #Sustainability #DiscoverVinNatura #GalicianWines #NaturalWines

🌿 Winemaking & The Environment: Striking the Balance 🍇 Winemaking has environmental challenges—water usage, energy consumption, and soil health—but innovative vineyards are stepping up. In the UK, Camel Valley Vineyards is a standout example, reducing its carbon footprint through solar energy and sustainable farming practices that minimise the use of pesticides. Similarly, Chapel Down Group is pioneering water conservation, recycling up to 90% of the water used in their winemaking process. 🌍 Globally, Jackson Family Wines in California is committed to reducing its carbon emissions by half by 2030 through energy-efficient technologies and reforestation efforts. 🌱 In France, Chateau Maris has built the world’s first winery out of hemp bricks, creating a carbon-negative building. These examples prove that winemaking can be both environmentally responsible and innovative. 🍷 With a focus on sustainability, these wineries are not just making better wine—they’re creating a better future for the planet. #SustainableWine #EcoFriendlyWinemaking #EnvironmentalImpact #WineAndNature #GreenVines #InnovativeWineries #CamelValley #ChapelDown #JacksonFamilyWines #ChâteauMaris

Ready for some untraditional seafood? At least, for many European palates. Møreforsking is again participating in the national science day festival (#Forskningsdagene). The festival is for anyone who wants to create excitement and understanding of research, how research happens, and what role it plays in society. Now, what I usually do is showcase weird animals from the ocean, but also uncommon seafood. In particular, this type is freely available on all Norwegian rocky shores. The truffle seaweed Vertebrata lanosa (Yes, I know I said Truffle kelp in the video!) is easily found on the Knotted Wrack (Ascophyllum nodosum). Limpets and periwinkles are tasty, but forgotten seafood. Charred shells of these were found in our local stone-age dwellings and even in Viking burials. After WW2 kids in Kristiansund often picked and boiled periwinkles as cheap snacks. They are a popular atraction on our stand! Do you have any seafood species that are now forgotten? #seafood #sustainability #scicomm