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To respect the land and
achieve the highest quality wine, Steve Beckmen began
farming his Santa Ynez Valley Vineyard in Santa Barbara
County 100 percent biodynamically in 2006. Based on the
pioneering 1920s work of scientist Rudolf Steiner,
biodynamic farming offers a proactive and holistic
approach to farming. By treating vineyards as complete
and self-replenishing systems, biodynamic farming
naturally builds soil life and vitality, while defending
against pests and disease. Often confused with both
organic and sustainable farming practices, biodynamic
farming meets the criteria of both, while focusing on a
unique set of eight naturally derived non-chemical soil
and plant treatments. Beckmen produces a full line of
exceptional estate-grown Rhone varietals, and in 2007,
was selected as one of the "Top 100 Wineries" in the
world by Wine & Spirits magazine. |
At 3,000 feet in
elevation, the unique microclimate of Ventura County's
Cuyama Valley produces some truly exceptional wines.
Located fifty miles north of Ojai on Highway 33, the
region borders the backcountry of the Los Padres
National Forest, and its extreme temperature
differentials rival those of the Napa Valley. Vinter
Larry Hogan and his wife Karina have been growing grapes
here for more than three decades. Stone Pine Estate
grapes were planted and tended by the Hogans, who
produce about five hundred cases a year under the Stone
Pine Estate and Sagebrush Annie's labels. Their wines
have won numerous awards and honors, including a double
gold at the 2007 San Francisco International Wine
Competition. The Hogans also offer wine tasting at their
distinguished restaurant, Sagebrush Annie's, where Larry
and Karina prepare delicious home-cooked selections. |
New
Belgium Brewing, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and other
Belgian-inspired beers, began in a tiny Fort Collins
basement in 1991. Today, they produce 8 year-round
beers while taking pride in their commitment to
environmental stewardship. Belgian brewmaster Peter
Bouckaert continues his imaginative blend of brewing
delicious beers with loads of character and aspiring
ingredients. New Belgium is a member of 1%
For the Planet, an alliance of more than one thousand
companies across the globe that donate 1% of their sales
to nonprofit organizations working to protect the
environment. |
