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Enjoy the long days of spring at a California winery this April, with immersive experiences that go beyond the tasting room.
Now in its 15th year, Down to Earth month brings sustainability to life at participating wineries throughout the state with habitat tours, eco-focused workshops, and other one-of-a-kind winery events.
Nearly 30 individual wineries are hosting more than 40 events—and the list is growing, according to the Wine Institute, which is promoting the month-long initiative. In addition to festivals and passport weekends, approximately 150 more wineries are taking part.
Activities will be held across the state’s winegrowing regions from Napa Valley and the Sierra Foothills to the Central Coast and Southern California.
As the world’s fourth-largest wine-producing region in the world, California has helped define sustainability in the global wine industry, said Steve Gross, interim president and CEO of Wine Institute, in a media release.
Earlier this year, the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance received the 2026 V d’Or Business Award for Sustainability, which recognizes California winegrowers’ role in advancing climate resilience.
Gross said Down to Earth Month “is an opportunity to celebrate the growers and winemakers who are caring for the land, supporting their communities and creating experiences that connect consumers more deeply to California wine,” said Gross in a media release.
According to the California Wine Grape Growers Association, 90% of California wine is made in a certified sustainable winery, and 65% of the state’s total vineyard acreage is certified sustainable.
To be considered sustainable, California winegrowing goes beyond the vineyard row, and includes things like conserving water and energy, protecting soil and biodiversity, supporting workers and communities and planning for the long-term health of the land.
From habitat tours to tea blending
As the California wine industry contends with lower alcohol consumption rates that have led to some well-publicized closures, events like those featured in Down to Earth month highlight the striking beauty and diversity of the state’s vineyards and wineries.
Here is a look at some of the events happening in April. A full list and interactive map can be found here.
McGrail Vineyards and Winery, Livermore The Roots & Renewal Down to Earth Month Vineyard Tour, offered April 12 and 25, takes guests into the estate vineyards to explore the connection between the land, the vine and the wines. Korbel Champagne Cellars, Guerneville On April 18, Korbel pairs sustainable sparkling wine with a sparkling terrarium workshop, giving guests the chance to stroll its historic gardens in bloom before creating a succulent terrarium of their own. Iron Horse Vineyards, Sebastopol The Earth Day Oysters & Salmon Habitat Eco Tour on April 19 includes a tractor ride through the vineyards, a behind-the-scenes look at fish habitat restoration along Green Valley Creek, and freshly shucked oysters paired with sparkling wine.Benziger Winery, Glen Ellen On April 25, Benziger celebrates Earth Day with a hands-on Pressed Flower Workshop hosted by Chris Benziger and Cloverdale Creative, blending sustainability, artistry, and wine.Tablas Creek Vineyard, Paso Robles On April 26, Tablas Creek is offering a blending seminar with proprietor Jason Haas and Director of Winemaking Chelsea Franchi, featuring barrel samples and the chance to create a custom blend. Presqu’ile Winery, Santa Maria Guests are invited on a private off-road tour through 73 acres of sustainably farmed vineyard, where they can taste wines among the vines, learn about regenerative practices, and, if luck is on their side, meet the winery’s resident Kune Kune pigs before enjoying a seasonal picnic by the lily pond. Ancient Peaks Winery, San Luis Obispo County A naturalist-led ranch tour across Santa Margarita Ranch introduces guests to native ecosystems, plants, and wildlife, including eagles and other species that call the property home.Edible Garden Tour and Tea Blending, Paso Robles An hour-long guided walking tour that ends with an opportunity to pick your favorite herb(s) and make a blended tisane (herbal tea), salt, or other garden take-away at Justin Vineyards & Winery.
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