When I first set out to create Anaba, I knew it wasn’t enough to just make great wine. I wanted to build something lasting, something that our community could enjoy for generations to come. And that meant that sustainability had to be at the heart of our choices.
Anaba became a pioneer in embracing green energy. In 2009, we became the first winery in Northern California to harness the power of the wind with a 45-foot wind turbine. We’ve since installed a 167.4 KW solar electric system, making Anaba Wines 100% powered by renewable electricity. This commitment extends to our visitors, with four EV chargers available at our winery for guests to use for free.
While it’s easy to see the turbine and solar panels, sustainability at Anaba is more than just visible energy sources. It’s about every step we take to minimize our environmental impact:
- Electric equipment: Our forklifts, which are integral to our operations, run on 100% electric power.
- Water conservation: We’ve removed grass from our patio and carefully monitor well water usage to ensure we’re using water efficiently.
- Composting & recycling: We compost organic waste and recycle everything possible, ensuring we minimize landfill waste.
And our on-site pond, where wastewater is diverted, acts as a habitat for migrating birds and endangered black toads, while also providing water for irrigation—ensuring we leave no drop wasted.
As proud as we are of our efforts, we know there’s always more to do. Sustainability is a continuous goal and here’s how we keep moving forward:
- Packaging: We’re reducing the weight of our bottles, reducing the use of foil capsules, and using natural corks that are compostable.
- Regenerative agriculture: In our estate vineyards, we plant cover crops like Crimson Clover and Daikon Radish to help improve soil quality and water retention, and we farm organically.
- Local sourcing: We source organic and local ingredients for our kitchen to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting food.
Sustainability is the foundation of Anaba and always will be. As we grow, we’re determined to keep it at the forefront of every decision. We’ve made incredible strides, but we’re always questioning what more we can do to be better stewards of the land.
This Earth Day, I invite you to join us in our journey. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or just discovering Anaba, know that every bottle you enjoy is made with a commitment to the planet. Your support helps us continue to innovate and improve.
Together, we’re making a positive impact. Your support allows us to push the boundaries of sustainability in wine and set an example for future generations.
With gratitude,
John Sweazey
Founder & Proprietor – Anaba Wines