Earth Day 2017 is celebrated around the world on Saturday, April 22. The first Earth Day was observed in 1970 when students and faculty members in thousands of colleges, universities, and public schools participated in peaceful activities. (My class picked up litter on the school grounds.) Through the years, environmental groups have pushed for sound, appropriate policy changes in every country in the world. Organic farms, farmer’s markets, and farm to table restaurants are plentiful. Recycling is the norm. In essence, every generation now embraces tenets of this environmental movement as a lifestyle. But sometimes we forget.
- Buy Organic from Local Farmers – Farmers markets and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs are in every area. Frequent your neighborhood market and join a CSA program. You’ll be helping local farmers and enjoying the freshest foods possible.
- Eat Healthy – Minimize the intake of meat and processed food. Instead, eat sustainable seafood. Grow your own vegetables. Preserve the harvest when the season is finished; like your favorite grandma, can those garden-fresh tomatoes to enjoy on a snowy winter day. Hopefully, you’re cooking your own food more than just once or twice a week. There’s something joyful and satisfying about a home-cooked, healthy meal (with a delicious wine for pairing) that is difficult to match at a fast food restaurant!
- Drink Wine from Environmentally Sound Wineries – Ask questions, do your research, and find wine from producers who cultivate grapes grown organically or who utilize biodynamic and sustainable techniques in the grape growing process. Many wineries are moving in this direction and I’m guessing you’ve already tasted their wine. And wouldn’t you know it? I have some recommendations!
Just in time for Earth Day 2017, I received three wines (sent as samples) from Natura Wines, a certified organic winery located in Chile. Using 100% organically grown grapes in each bottle, their wines are vegan-friendly and gluten-free. Emilio Contreras, Winemaker, feels that “using sustainable, organic, and biodynamic agricultural practices result in better balanced, healthier, and more productive vineyards, which, in turn, result in better quality grapes and therefore better wines”.
“The final objective of this type of agriculture is to produce healthier foods without the presence of chemical products. On the other hand, it also aims to reverse the problems generated by conventional agriculture, such as soil degradation, desertification, pollution and contamination, the loss of genetic diversity, and the presence of toxic residues in the harvests, just to mention a few. Each of our vineyards is a faithful reflection of organic practices based on two general concepts: the development of biodiversity and the absence of agrochemicals (pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers).” Natura Wines
Each of the following choices, at only $10 a bottle, will be perfect to open as part of your homage to Mother Earth on Saturday. Pour yourself a glass and pair with a home-cooked meal created with farmers-market-fresh ingredients. Rest assured that you’ll be helping our planet (and your wallet) …with every sip!!
Natura Chardonnay 2016 – Organically grown Chardonnay grapes from the Valle del Bio Bio in the Casablanca Valley are found in this well priced wine. Aromas were fresh and clean with citrus and tropical fruit components of grapefruit, lime and pineapple. On the palate, lively acidity and elements of juicy fruit led to a mouthwatering, acid driven finish. I couldn’t help but think what a luscious pairing the Chardonnay would be with crab, ceviche, or shrimp…sustainably farmed, of course.
Cheers to Earth Day ~ Cindy
