What is a Green Medal and How did O’Neill Vintners & Distillers Earn It?

Wine Institute has announced that O’Neill Vintners & Distillers were awarded the Seventh Annual Winegrowing California Green Medal Leader Award.

This award is presented to wineries and vineyards that have shown excellence in leadership and are committed to sustainability. O’Neill Vintners & Distillers not only lead in grape and wine quality but prove their efforts in sustainable and socially responsible initiates. These strides have generated measurable results, as they believe sustainability shows their commitment to people, the planet, and profit.

“We are thrilled to be presented with this award and honor from the Wine Institute”
– Jeff O’Neill, owner of O’Neill Vintners & Distillers

“As a privately-owned company, we have the autonomy to invest in the future, listen to what consumers expect of us, and harness the energy of our 300 dedicated employees to carry out this critical mission. Congratulations to the O’Neill team and the other award winners this year.”

Their sustainable efforts are ongoing to minimize the use of waste, reduce their carbon footprint, and protect the planet and environment. O’Neill installed BioFiltro’s largest worm-powered winery wastewater system in the world during 2020. This system is capable of filtering more than one million gallons of water per day. Recently, they launched a regenerative viticulture study that will be a three-year research program led by Caine Thompson, O’Neill Vintners & Distillers’ Sustainability Lead. “The study will enhance biodiversity and minimize environmental impact while informing regenerative farming practices and carbon sequestration that others can replicate.”

O’Neill’s Sustainable Efforts

O’Neill’s is also dedicated to their employee and community’s wellbeing. This mission extends to the wine industry and supports any future development of a diverse workforce. In addition, O’Neill is working with an agricultural community that supports more than 200 California grape growers. The main goal is to source 100% sustainability by the end of 2022.

“Our work doesn’t end with this recognition,” said Jeff O’Neill. “It is just getting started.”