California Wineries Go Beyond the Tasting Room During Down to Earth Month in April

From terrarium workshops to tractor rides, wineries are inviting consumers to experience sustainability in fresh, unexpected ways

SACRAMENTO, CA - California wine has long been a leader in sustainable winegrowing, and this April, wineries across the state are honoring that commitment in ways that are fresh, immersive and anything but expected. During the 15th annual Down to Earth Month, consumers are invited to experience the people, places and practices behind sustainable California wine through eco-focused events, hands-on workshops and one-of-a-kind winery experiences.

"California has helped define what sustainability looks like in wine, and Down to Earth Month brings that leadership to life," said Steve Gross, interim president and CEO of Wine Institute. "It is an opportunity to celebrate the growers and winemakers who are caring for the land, supporting their communities and creating experiences that connect consumers more deeply to California wine."

From garden parties and vineyard tours to blending seminars and habitat restoration experiences, Down to Earth Month offers a new way to enjoy and connect with California wine. It is also a timely reminder that when consumers choose wine from California, they are often choosing one made with sustainability in mind.

Pedego e-bike tour at Concannon Vineyards. Photo by Ron Essex Photography.

In California, sustainable winegrowing goes far beyond the vineyard row. It includes conserving water and energy, protecting soil and biodiversity, supporting workers and communities and planning for the long-term health of the land.

Today, 90% of California wine is made in a certified sustainable winery, and 65% of the state's total vineyard acreage is certified sustainable through Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing and other recognized programs.

As the world's fourth-largest wine-producing region, California sets a high bar for sustainability in the United States and abroad. Earlier this year in Paris, the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance received the 2026 V d'Or Business Award for Sustainability. The honor recognizes California winegrowers' role in advancing climate resilience.

Consumers looking to make an easy, feel-good choice can look for the Certified California Sustainable logo on labels or use the search tool on the California Sustainable Wine website to find certified wineries, vineyards and wines. They can also visit the California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards website to learn more about wineries being recognized for exceptional leadership, with the 2026 winners to be announced soon.

A Kune Kune pig contributes to soil health at Presqu'ile Winery in Santa Maria. Photo courtesy of Presqu'ile Winery.

Ways to Celebrate Across California

In recognition of Down to Earth Month, wineries are hosting immersive events and activities throughout April, from eco-focused vineyard tours to hands-on workshops. Here are some of this year's offerings:

McGrail Vineyards and Winery, Livermore
The Roots & Renewal Down to Earth Month Vineyard Tour, offered April 12 and 25, takes guests into the estate vineyards to explore the connection between the land, the vine and the wines.

Korbel Champagne Cellars, Guerneville
On April 18, Korbel pairs sustainable sparkling wine with a Sparkling Terrarium Workshop, giving guests the chance to stroll its historic gardens in bloom before creating a succulent terrarium of their own.

Iron Horse Vineyards, Sebastopol
The Earth Day Oysters & Salmon Habitat Eco Tour on April 19 includes a tractor ride through the vineyards, a behind-the-scenes look at fish habitat restoration along Green Valley Creek and freshly shucked oysters paired with sparkling wine.

Benziger Winery, Glen Ellen
On April 25, Benziger celebrates Earth Day with a hands-on Pressed Flower Workshop hosted by Chris Benziger and Cloverdale Creative, blending sustainability, artistry and wine.

Tablas Creek Vineyard, Paso Robles
On April 26, Tablas Creek is offering a Blending Seminar with proprietor Jason Haas and Director of Winemaking Chelsea Franchi, featuring barrel samples and the chance to create a custom blend.

For additional events, visit the Down to Earth Month landing page at DiscoverCaliforniaWines.com.

Benziger Family Winery offers a popular Biodynamic Tractor Tour. Photo courtesy of Benziger Family Winery.

Sustainability You Can Experience All Year

Ancient Peaks Winery, San Luis Obispo County
A naturalist-led Ranch Tour across Santa Margarita Ranch introduces guests to native ecosystems, plants and wildlife, including eagles and other species that call the property home.

Concannon Vineyard, Livermore
The Estate Blocks E-Bike Tour pairs a guided ride through the vineyard with a tasting and a closer look at the winery's sustainable farming practices.

Ironstone Vineyards, Murphys
The seasonal Scenic High Country Vineyard Tour gives visitors an inside look at Ironstone's sustainable winegrowing practices, as well as its winemaking facility and wine cavern.

Wheeler Farms, St. Helena
The Culinary Garden Walk & Tasting features a stroll through organically farmed gardens led by the estate's resident gardener, followed by a tasting of J.H. Wheeler wines paired with seasonal canapés.

Presqu'ile Winery, Santa Maria
Guests are invited on a private off-road tour through 73 acres of sustainably farmed vineyard, where they can taste wines among the vines, learn about regenerative practices and, if luck is on their side, meet the winery's resident Kune Kune pigs before enjoying a seasonal picnic by the lily pond.

Perfect Time for a Picnic in Wine Country

Picnics are making a comeback as a modern way to gather - something easy to pull together that still feels a little elevated. Down to Earth Month i s the perfect time to take advantage of sustainable winery picnic amenities and enjoy the vibrant biodiversity of flowering cover crops that naturally nourish the vineyard floor and invite local pollinators back to the estate. To make your picnic easier, we're offering a free Life's a Picnic e-book with spring recipes and wine pairings.

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About Wine Institute

Established in 1934, Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group of more than 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiates and advocates state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine.

Funding for the project was made possible by a grant/cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.