Sustainable living is no doubt a hot topic, and perhaps literally so in the picturesque region of Monterey County. Since it spans more than 90 miles, the region typically experiences a wide temperature spectrum—hence the “Blue Grand Canyon” and “Thermal Rainbow,” terms used by locals to describe aspects of the unique geography and climate. Two miles deep and 95 miles long beneath the Monterey Bay, the Blue Grand Canyon plays a major role in determining annual rainfall and water temperature, while the Thermal Rainbow refers to the vast 55-degree variation that the region can experience throughout any given day as winds travel away from the water.
Because many of the region’s agriculture crops and 42 wine varietals rely on these environmental conditions, climate change is undoubtedly a pressing concern for Monterey County residents. To that end, numerous community efforts have sprung up to address the issue; chief among them is Citizens for a Sustainable Monterey County (CSMC), founded five years ago.
“Climate change will definitely affect Monterey—if we have warmer winters, we won’t have as much water in the reservoir to irrigate our crops, not to mention rising sea levels, which could mean erosion of the coast,” explains Denyse Frischmuth, president of the CSMC’s Board of Directors. “Unless we change our practices to become more sustainable, we could be on a collision course with disaster.”
Since its creation, CSMC has grown to include 1500 members and seven local action groups in cities like Pacific Grove, Marina, Salinas and Big Sur. Each group plans and presents local film screenings, expert panels and community programs on topics like organic gardening and sustainable forestry. Also tops on the priority list is lobbying local governments to adopt change-making environmental agreements, which four towns have done to date. Says Frischmuth, “Our goal is to create communities that are resilient in the face of peak oil, climate change and economic destruction.”
Also of note is that the CSMC has become one of 76 “Transition Initiatives” in the U.S., an offshoot of England’s grassroots Transition Network geared to support communities’ sustainability efforts. “Coincidentally, we were founded at the same time as the Transition movement; we became aware of it a year ago and realized we had common goals and approaches,” shares Frischmuth.
Overall, Frischmuth is happy with the shifts the Monterey County region is making but stresses that further change is crucial: “We are making inroads, but definitely not as fast as we’d like; all of this should have happened yesterday. But over the past five years, we have achieved a lot.”
Change It through the Grapevine
As more tourists discover Monterey’s thriving wine country, its long-time inhabitants are also adopting a strong focus on sustainability. Numerous wineries have joined forces with the “SIP” (Sustainability in Practice) certification program, now in its third year and run by the nonprofit Central Coast Vineyard Team (CCVT). To qualify, local growers must meet a set of rigorous criteria—from water quality to soil conservation practices—that are then verified by an independent third party. Once given the green light on their commitment to green practices, these vineyards then proudly display the SIP seal on their wines and in their tasting rooms.
“The program looks at the whole farm, as well as the three Ps: people, planet and profit,” explains Kris O’Connor, the CCVT’s Executive Director. “Farmers are by nature good stewards of the soil, so many of the practices were already in place [at the certified establishments].”
Rich Smith of Soledad-based Paraiso Vineyards agrees. According to Smith, sustainability and farming logically go hand in hand, as it directly affects the longevity of the land. Says Smith, “When you plant a vineyard, you expect it to have an economic life of 20 to 30 years. If you’re going to take advantage of the resources and not provide for their future, you will put yourself out of business. The long-term nature of agriculture almost forces you to think sustainably.”
Paraiso is just one of 40+ SIP-certified vineyards within the Central Coast that have established themselves as leaders in the sustainability sector, along with J. Lohr and Hahn Family Wines. In February 2009, J. Lohr’s Paso Robles location incorporated a three-acre solar tracking array offsetting 75 percent of its energy usage—the largest initiative of its kind in North America. Early adapters Hahn and Paraiso have also made strides; among Hahn’s efforts are natural pest management and social equity benefits for workers, while Paraiso has turned its attention to healthier soil and cover crops.
Outside the wineries, the Central Coast Vineyard Team is also doing their part to raise public awareness. According to O’Connor, the certification program’s motto of “SIP The Good Life” has helped draw attention and add appeal. “Instead of watching people’s eyes glaze over, the saying is a good entry point when we’re pouring wines or talking to people at an event,” says O’Connor. And what better way to get dialogue started than over a fabulous Monterey County wine?
Get Involved
If beautiful scenery, great wines and a sustainable ethos aren’t enough of an inducement to visit the Central Coast, check out one of its eco-friendly events. Coming in 2011:
Eco-Farm Conference
Pacific Grove, CA
January 26–29, 2011
Earth Day Food and Wine Festival
Templeton, CA
April 15–17, 2011
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