Up, up and away, tomorrow is Earth Day! And there’s no better way to celebrate than with wine crafted thoughtfully to help preserve the planet.

As the most sustainable wine region in the world and one of California’s most diverse natural destinations, wines from Sonoma County are on deck for Earth Month. We’ve included a few insider tips, so you can add this natural wonderland to your travel bucket list.

Spring fling, anyone?

ALEXANDER VALLEY

Jordan Vineyard & Winery is getting lots of buzz for its new sanctuary pollinators. During Jordan Earth Week Vineyard Hikes, guests can enjoy the display along with picnics. Deemed the world’s largest, these sanctuaries create habitat for native bees and Western Monarch butterflies. A Certified California Sustainable Vineyard & Winery, Jordan showcases a natural habitat for wildlife, fish and gardens for the chef’s cuisine. Toast with a glass of the beautiful chardonnay!

Eco-conscious Accommodations: Nearby Montage Healdsburg Hotel & Spa is the newest and most luxe in the area, so save up for this splurge. Staying green is top priority here, from the stunning architecture of the 258-acre property, to the Spa Montage organic products, the Yoga Lawn, and on-site organic vineyards. Its Gloss Moderne Clean Luxury Collection of guest room amenities are vegan with recyclable packaging. Lots to love.

RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

Flowers Vineyards & Winery is known for its bright and clean tasting boutique wines. The winemaker lets Mother Nature do what she does best: organic farming in the vineyards for healthy soil and minimal intervention in the cellar to showcase purity of the fruit. Chardonnay and pinot noir are the flagship wines, outstanding in the field of fine wine.

Eco-conscious Accommodations: Contemporary, still-new Harmon Guest House in Healdsburg features numerous environmentally friendly elements: a solar system to reduce heat, a car-charging station, all LED lighting, a high-efficiency irrigation system and more. Don’t miss the amazing rooftop terrace bar with views of Fitch Mountain—the only one in town!

Benovia Winery is a family-owned winery that has employed green and sustainable practices since day one. Besides dry farming, erosion control and water conservation, it uses solar energy to power 90% of operations. Known for award-winning pinot noirs, winemaker and co-owner Mike Sullivan produces pinot of rosé, richly textured chardonnays, elevated zinfandel and sparkling wine. Sign up for the wine club for luxury at your doorstep.

Eco-conscious Accommodations: Experience the wine country lifestyle at Vintners Resort & Spa, a tranquil, four-diamond, 78-room luxury California certified green hotel and spa located in the heart of Sonoma County.

SONOMA VALLEY

Benziger Family Winery’s entire portfolio carries a third-party certification of green farming practices. Each certified sustainable, organic and biodynamic vineyard is tended with eco-responsible methods. Benziger sauvignon blanc, organic reserve pinot noir and chardonnay are a few beauties to try. If you visit, take the open air-tram tour around the unique property.

Eco-conscious Accommodations: Charming Kenwood Inn & Spa is a snapshot of an Italian village. The picture is complete with majestic fireplace rooms, fountains, fruit trees, two natural pools and a koi pond. Intimate and romantic, reserve for fine alfresco dining.

As a member of the Sonoma County Winegrowers, sustainability is imperative for Rams Gate Winery. In addition to sustainable farming, the Sonoma Valley winery is a certified Fish Friendly Farming® site.  In the glass, anticipate elegant pinot noir, pinot blanc, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay. Visiting the stunning hillside estate, away from it all, is magical.

Award-winning MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa in the town of Sonoma sports a dreamy, scenic setting and a reimagined culinary program. Sustainable features are many including energy-efficient mechanical and electrical systems, and sustainably sourced organic food and spa products, to name a few.

NAPA VALLEY

It’s worth a trip nearby to the “other” valley for ADAMVS Winery’s organic and biodynamic wines. Stroll the vineyards, hit the Tasting Room (try the 2016 sauvignon blanc), or order a box of library wines with handmade items from the property: ADAMVS fig jam, honeycomb, Castelvetrono olives, Fiscalini Cheddar, Marcona almonds tossed in estate olive oil, and more, plus seasonal recipe pairings. Delightful!

BE IN THE KNOW

If you Go: Whether Sonoma County or Napa Valley, consider Pure Luxury Transportation for airport rides and winery visits throughout the wine country. Sit back and rely on a safe, seamless and ultra-clean journey.

Buy Wines: Check the website of each winery for the best option. Or try Spec’s; Total Wine & More; Houston Wine Merchant. (Note: the latter will order wines if they don’t carry it and can locate it.)

Cover photo courtesy Harmon Guest House

Robin Barr Sussman ([email protected]) is a freelance culinary and travel writer who studied at the Culinary Institute of America Greystone, Calif. As a chef for Sonoma County wineries, her specialty was food and wine pairing. Sussman is a columnist for Houston Modern Luxury Magazine, Prime Living and Houston House & Home. Her work also appears in Texas Monthly, Fodor’s and Private Clubs Magazine.