California-based Firestone Walker has made great strides to improve its water / beer ratio in production , among other sustainability efforts such as solar energy .
ing create solutions to the climate crisis , farm responsibly to build soil health and support habitats and surrounding ecosystems , and make a positive impact in our local communities .”
ENSURING HEALTHY AGAVE ECOSYSTEMS
The surge in tequila ’ s popularity has led to drastic changes in agave growing , harvesting and distilling practices . The once valued and revered roles of artisanal tequileros have been reduced to meet mass-market demand .
To combat these changes , tequila brand Valor uses traditional growing and harvesting practices , led by local experts . The brand collaborates with local communities and partners in Tequila , Mexico , to make community-informed investments to improve environmental conditions and foster sustainable growth in the region .
Valor currently works with ProNatura , a non-governmental organization ( NGO ) based in Mexico City ; the University of Guadalajara ; and the Public Center of the National Council of Humanities , Sciences and Technologies at Michoacan College to establish water security in San Pedro de los Landeros , promoting the sustainability and well-being of the community .
“ Valor implements sustainable production practices from seed to bottle , allowing agave to completely mature before harvest ,” says Christiane Maertens , the company ’ s founder . “ Our sustainability and impact plans include providing expert technical assistance and training to farmers and producers , ensuring the cultivation of healthy and thriving agave ecosystems while maintaining economic viability .”
USING THE LOST FRUIT FROM WINEMAKING
One winery is shaking things up with how they upcycle their pomace , the solid remains after pressing the grapes . After reading an article from the University of Athens Greece discussing the traditional uses of wine pomace , Peggy Furth , one of the founders of WholeVine Products , was determined to find another use for pressed grapes .
The company worked with experts and researchers at institutions such as the Mayo Clinic , UC Davis , UT Knoxville and Iowa State University to determine the best way to capture and harness the unique benefits of pressed wine grapes — chardonnay in particular . " This culminated in the development of our surprising new superfood — WellVine Coastal Chardonnay Marc — which was first introduced in
“ Our sustainability and impact plans include providing expert technical assistance and training to farmers and producers , ensuring the cultivation of healthy and thriving agave ecosystems while maintaining economic viability .”
– Christiane Maertens , founder , Valor tequila
Vine To Bar chocolate in late 2020 ,” says Scott Forsberg , chief operating officer of WholeVine Products .
Every Vine to Bar chocolate upcycles WellVine Chardonnay Marc into earth-friendly dark chocolate . After pressing , grapes are gently dried and milled using a proprietary process that results in maximum preservation of taste and nutrition . WellVine is then added to the chocolate during blending with the cocoa , cocoa butter and sugar .
“ It actually comprises 15 % of the chocolate by weight , which is a substantial amount ,” explains Forsberg . “ One of the surprising things we discovered when formulating Vine To Bar is that WellVine actually helps to decrease bitterness . •
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