We were proud to present this year’s inaugural First Leaf award to Tom Aspitarte of Martha’s Vineyard of Skamania County for their exceptional first year efforts.
Martha’s Vineyard of Skamania County is a lovely two-acre site on a 20-acre farm along the Washougal River with 16 acres of ecological infrastructure including a beautiful riparian area and woodlands.
During his first year in the LIVE program, Tom asked many questions, engaged in the inspection process cheerfully, and submitted his report to healthily earn his certification in 2024.
He offered his site as an open inspection for his region’s winegrowers, including one Southwest Washington grower who also just got certified for the first time in 2024. He has offered to showcase this work at the region’s Savor tasting event and continues to promote it to his fellow growers.
Thank you Tom and team for your exemplary work.
Napa and Sonoma Fire Relief
Our hearts go out to our neighbors to the south during these catastrophic and tragic fires. If you would like to aid in relief for those affected, the article linked below has a number of reputable organizations as well as some other ways to help. https://sf.eater.com/2017/10/11/16459278/napa-wine...
Wine Environmental Footprint Report Published
A new report has been released to show the environmental footprint of wine. Performed by the Center for Sustainable Systems at the University of Michigan and released by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, this report can help winegrowers make decisions that will reduce their...