Winemakers in Oregon are definitely producing world-class wines; however, their mission goes beyond the bottom line. Many wineries in Oregon are actively and sincerely focusing on sustainability in their wine making systems and procedures by seeking LIVE certification: Low Input Viticulture and Enology. Certification means that the winemaker has reduced the overall amount of raw materials used in production – from water, and fuel, to fertilizer and chemicals. LIVE is one of two sustainable certification agencies in the United States – the second is Salmon Safe and deals with issues of watershed health. Approximately 300 LIVE certified wineries are in the Pacific Northwest, with new vineyards joining daily.

Protection

The certifications assure consumers (and the planet) that the enterprises are maintaining strict sustainability practices in growing grapes and wine production in order to maintain a healthy ecosystem. Research finds that by following LIVE guidelines, the wines in the bottles offer a stronger sense of the terroir with an undiluted, tender-loving-care quality that strengthens the link between the fruit and the land.

Read the full article at wines.travel.