Created a large composting program that incorporates all of the stems and seeds from the winery's crushed grapes, known as pomace. This material is composted for more than a year before being spread throughout the vineyards as natural fertilizer and used as mulch around trees and plants throughout the property.




Signed a contract in May 1999 with PG&E Energy Services to purchase 100% renewable energy for all winery and visitor center operations. Fetzer is the only winery purchasing 100% renewable (green) energy.
Found new ways to reduce energy consumption. Working with Pacific Gas & Electric, a simple insulated concrete wall was devised and built to separate cold stabilizing wine from warm-fermenting wine, resulting in a power bill reduction of $5,000 per month. Temperature tank controls were computerized and upgraded to allow better control and the ability to completely shut off the system as needed. Also, a new natural gas-powered cogeneration unit was recently installed in the red barrel room, which produces both hot water for the barrel washing operation and electricity for the heating/cooling and lighting of the building.
Become the only winery in the United States to buy corks direct from the source in Portugal and ship them in large containers, thereby eliminating packaging. The corks are processed and de-dusted at the winery, imprinted with the brand name, and lightly coated with paraffin/silicone. This hands-on quality control plays a role in reducing "corked" wines and is environmentally friendly.