WWIF obtained a grant from the Washington State Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, totaling $128,250 to create educational resources for Washington wineries to improve sustainable practices by learning from “model wineries”. With this funding, WWIF was able to accomplish the following:
- Identified three “Wineries In Practice” volunteer wineries to track and compile data for comparisons with energy, water and solid waste reduction, and associated cost savings
- Disseminated results and feedback from “Wineries In Practice” volunteers to provide “real life” examples of the value of Winerywise™ education applications for other wineries
Using Winerywise™ resources, wineries are able to evaluate their current practices and formulate action plans to:
- Reduce energy and water consumption
- Employ conscientious waste management practices
- Practice environmentally preferred purchasing
- Support responsible site development
- Foster human and community resources
Winerywise™ makes available best practices that will not only help protect Washington’s natural resources but also demonstrate cost savings associated with their implementation.