259: Proactive Wine Farming and Wine Tourism with Anna Brittain of Napa Green

How can we, as wine consumers, support environmental change in the wine industry? What is proactive farming as it relates to growing vines for wine? Does wine tourism have a positive or negative impact on the environment?

In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with sustainability expert Anna Brittain.

You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks

Highlights

Why is good soil health foundational to vineyards, both from the wine and sustainability perspectives?

What is proactive farming?

How can the wine industry increase its emphasis on social justice and diversity and inclusion?

Why do climate action and regenerative agriculture make the ultimate umbrella for sustainability efforts in the wine industry?

What is the environmental impact of wine tourism?

What can we do as consumers to advocate for or induce change in the wine industry?

Are there commonalities between different wine regions and the climate challenges they face?

What is Domaine Carneros doing differently as a dedicated sustainability leader?

What does Anna love about Domaine Carneros Taittinger and what foods would it be best paired with?

Which breakfast foods could you pair with the classic St. Supéry Cabernet Sauvignon?

Why does Anna believe we need to focus on improving quality and sustainable practices in the wine industry rather than expanding?

What are Anna’s favourite childhood foods to pair with wine?

What is Anna’s favourite wine book?

Why would Anna love to share a glass of wine with Brené Brown?

Why is it crucial to take action on climate change in the here and now?

Key Takeaways

Anna has some concrete steps for how we, as wine consumers, support environmental change in the wine industry. Every bit helps, and the need is urgent. We all have purchasing power - we vote with our dollars, and they send strong signals to the industry to advocate for change.

I found her concept of proactive farming as it relates to growing vines for wine fascinating.

She also has an interesting take on wine tourism’s impact on the environment.

Join me on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Live

Join the live-stream video of this conversation on Wed at 7 pm ET on Instagram Live Video, Facebook Live Video or YouTube Live Video.

I want to hear from you! What’s your opinion of what we’re discussing? What takeaways or tips do you love most from this chat? What questions do you have that we didn’t answer?

Want to know when we go live? Add this to your calendar: https://www.addevent.com/calendar/CB262621

About Anna Brittain

Anna Brittain has worked locally, nationally and internationally on environmental management and policy with organizations ranging from the environmental economics think tank Resources for the Future in Washington, DC to the International Union for Conservation of Nature in Hanoi, Vietnam. She has spent over 12 years facilitating and growing sustainability in the wine industry, with expertise in communications and certification standards.

To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/259.