Parducci Wins Governor's Award

Parducci Winery and its parent company, Mendocino Wine Company (MWC), received the 2007 Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA) in the category of Climate Change. The annual GEELA is California's highest environmental honor. This is the first year the Governor's Award has recognized a company for "innovative and forward thinking approaches that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on public health and our vast natural resources." Partners Paul Dolan, Tim Thornhill and Tom Thornhill will be on hand to accept the citation tonight during a ceremony at the California Environmental Protection Agency headquarters in Sacramento.

Parducci Winery, the oldest family-owned winery in Mendocino County, is the first in the United States to achieve carbon neutrality. Parducci partnered with the Climate Action Registry to calculate emissions of greenhouse gases. The winery and vineyards then took measures to mitigate and offset those emissions. Mitigation includes a solar installation, a wind energy installation, conversion of company vehicles and farm equipment to bio-diesel, and the implementation of energy-efficient practices based on an energy audit in partnership with Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Parducci offset its remaining carbon footprint by partnering with three companies: Three Phases Energy Services, Bonneville Environmental Foundation and Native Energy.

Founded in 1932, Parducci Winery was purchased in 2004 by Mendocino Wine Company (MWC), a partnership of the Dolan and Thornhill families. Mendocino Wine Company produces Parducci Family Farmed and Paul Dolan Vineyards organic wines. The family vineyards are certified Organic by CCOF and certified Biodynamic by Demeter. The partners and their employees are committed to responsible land stewardship, sustainable viticulture and business practices that yield superior grapes while protecting the environment for future generations. More information is available at the company website: http://www.parducci.com/.

Established in 1993, the Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award is California's most distinguished environmental honor recognizing individuals, organizations, and businesses that have demonstrated exceptional leadership in building public-private partnerships while making notable contributions in conserving California's environment. Information can be found at the EPA website: http://www.calepa.ca.gov/Awards/GEELA.