April is a time for spring vibes, rejuvenation, and Earth Day! The old saying goes, April showers bring May flowers, and I always find April an interesting time of year because it’s when gardens get planted, animals come out from hibernation, and things begin to get a bit prettier in prep for summer. In April we also celebrate Earth Day and have been since 1970 on April 22nd. This annual event demonstrates support for environmental protection and also highlights companies giving back to the earth, working with the land, and doing things to make the world a better place.

If you’re seeking to sip some sustainably produced wines in celebration of Earth Day, then you’ve come to the right post. What a better way to honor Mother Earth than to enjoy some wines that are sustainable or organic, and the one winery that always comes to mind for earth day is Viñedos Orgánicos Veramonte! They are a leading producer from Chile and are 100% organic and sustainable wines that you can easily find across the USA and for around $14 a bottle which is a steal for the quality of these wines.

The winery is located in the Casablanca Valley of Chile and they’re true believers in cultivating healthy, living soils that naturally balance with nature to produce the most incredible vines for the best wines. They practice minimal intervention and work with nature to help their vines, not the other way around and it truly shows through each sip you take. They use zero chemicals, make their own compost, they allow the ideal animals to help “mow the grass” aka sheep get to graze, and they even have efficient water to use as renewable energy to reduce CO2 emissions. Honestly if you think of all the work that goes into crafting their wines, it’s amazing they can keep the prices the way they do, but they want us to always enjoy great crafted wines and that’s what I constantly choose them.

I got the opportunity to taste through the 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, the 2022 Chardonnay, and the 2021 Pinot Noir. All were fantastic, especially paired with some sustainable bites from Patagonia Provisions who sources, works with, and sells organic, sustainable, and delicious food products. The Sauvignon Blanc is complex and has hints of white peach, herbs, and mineral notes. On the palate it is great with a nice mouthfeel and a nice clean finish. The Chardonnay has lively aromas of pear, apples, and melons which are reminiscent of the warmer climate and gentle sea breezes. The lemon curd and toasty oak arrive on the palate and follow through to the finish; it’s a lovely chardonnay! The Pinot Noir is silky and expressive with raspberries, cherries, strawberries, and balance. The tannins are present but smooth and the finish is long and silky, so perfect for grilled meats and also some of the fun snacks from Patagonia Provisions!

Don’t have time to celebrate Earth Day? Well, I will be featuring these wines at The Lodge at Woodloch in May, June, and July! In May there will be a special tasting for guests discussing Chilean wines and why Veramonte needs to be on your must buy list. We will also enjoy the wines in the Garden Dinners which are separate from regular dinners, but so worth it!

There’s still time to order these from online or pickup at one of your retail stores, and celebrate #EarthDay2024. Always remember, eat what you like and drink what you love, please pair responsibly!