VASCM: Free Sustainability Self-Assessment Workshop March 13 For the SC Mts.

[Mary Lindsay]

You are invited to attend:

Sustainability Self-Assessment Workshop, Thursday, March 13
8:30am - 12noon at Bargetto Winery in Soquel (directions below)
Led by an instructor from the Sustainability Alliance (a joint program 
of CAWG and the Wine Institute)
No Charge.  Lunch provided.

*Please RSVP to Mary Lindsay *(you can reply to this message or call 
408-984-7242) so that we can plan seating and lunch accordingly.  Space 
is limited.

The VASCM has arranged to bring this self-assessment workshop to our 
area so that you can benefit from this program.  Sustainable vineyard 
practices have grown statewide due primarily to this program sponsored 
by an alliance of the Wine Institute and CAWG.  Sustainability for 
vineyard and winery operations is good business practice, resulting in 
economic benefits and improved quality and operations; as well as being 
environmentally responsible.

 It has been a few years since we last held a basic Sustainability 
Self-Assessment Workshop.  Since then we have brought in workshops 
addressing some of the specific Sustainability issues, like IPM, 
Ecosystem Management, and Energy Conservation. We have a lot of new 
members now who have not done the basic workshop, and even for those who 
have it might be time to re-assess. So we thought it would be a good 
idea to schedule another of these basic workshops (see the description 
below for more about what the workshop is all about and the topics 
covered).

This workshop is for:

? Growers and winery operators who have not already done the 
self-assessment.
? Growers and winery operators who have already done the 
self-assessment.  If it has been at least a year or two since you took 
the workshop, this will give you an opportunity to make further 
improvements, learn new material, and track your progress.  There are 
new topics, including:
    - Air Quality
    - Erosion Control
    - Education i.e. worker heat stress
    Plus, updated resources.

You will receive a 500-page binder of material that will take you 
through the self-assessment.  *If you already have a binder, please 
bring it with you. Also bring any new content that has been mailed to you.*


Directions to Bargetto Winery (easy access from Hwy. 1):
 From Highway 1, take the Porter Street/Bay Avenue Exit, head east 
(toward hills) 1/2 block to Main Street. Turn right on Main and continue 
for one mile to BARGETTO WINERY.


***More About The Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Practices
And The Operations Assessment Workshop*

Sustainability for vineyard and winery operations is good business 
practice, resulting in economic benefits and improved quality and 
operations; as well as being environmentally responsible. Sustainability 
addresses the pressures of growing grapes and making wine in an urban 
environment, meeting increasing population demands, legal, environmental 
and other requirements, while still producing a quality product. You can 
benefit from improved grape and wine quality, reduced costs, increased 
real estate and business values and viability, enhanced relations with 
your neighbors, community and employees. The Wine Institute and CAWG 
(California Association of Winegrape Growers) developed a Code of 
Sustainable Winegrowing Practices to encourage and educate winegrape 
growers and winery managers in sustainability strategies, and created 
the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance to implement the program.

This workshop is an opportunity for you to learn about the best 
practices implemented by other growers and wineries, the benefits of 
sustainability, and how you can apply them to improve your farming or 
winery operations. Workshop participants receive a free 500-page 
self-assessment workbook covering a broad range of operational topics 
including: soil management, pest management, ecosystems management, 
water and energy conservation, materials handling, human resources and 
community relations.

The workbook serves as a valuable tool for you during the workshop to 
identify strengths and areas for improvement in your operations. An 
instructor from the Sustainability Alliance conducts the seminar.

Sustainable practices have been adopted by major wineries in regions 
throughout the state, and have become the focus of a current public 
relations campaign launched by CAWG. 

You can find more information on sustainability and the workshop at 
www.sustainablewinegrowing.org as well as on the VASCM website at 
www.VASCM.org (including a description of the sustainable practices of 
our local vineyards).