WOODRIVER CELLARS WINERY TO PARTICIPATE IN SUSTAINABLE FUTURES WINE BOTTLE “HARVEST” RECYCLING PROGRAM

Woodriver Cellars Commitment to Sustainable Practices Grows With Launch of Earth Day Recycling Program Partnership

Eagle, Idaho, April 22, 2009 – Woodriver Cellars (www.woodrivercellars.com) celebrates Earth Day today by announcing its partnership with Sustainable Futures, a non-profit organization committed to harvesting, cleaning, sorting and reusing wine bottles in Idaho’s Treasure Valley. Woodriver Cellars is the first winery to participate in the Sustainable Futures program and sees this partnership as an enhancement to its own commitment to producing wine using sustainable environmental practices. 

“Woodriver Cellars is proud to participate in such an eco-friendly program,” Woodriver Cellars General Manager Kristin Dudley observed. “What to do with used wine bottles is a problem for any winery. To have an organization like Sustainable Futures to help us with this issue is a tremendous asset for us, and for the planet. While the timing of our new partnership falling on Earth Day is very cool, our commitment to sustainable practices is ongoing, not only because it’s the right thing to do but, according to our winemaker, Neil Glancey, it’s the best way to produce great wines. We are happy to be able to rely on Sustainable Futures to help us be even more sustainable going forward.”

Sustainable Futures Community Resources Coordinator Dana Robinette explained, “Idaho imports about 6 million wine bottles into the state annually for use by wineries. Our research indicates that less than 25% of those are recycled. That’s where we come in. We believe that we are closing a ‘loop’ of waste in that regard. Sustainable Futures is also believes in the value of all human beings as resources and, as such, we employ State of Idaho prisoners through a work release program in order to provide them with an opportunity to gain a green vocational education and give them the hope and skills to participate in life after their release. Wine bottles can be reused up to 12 times through our recycling processes. Bottles that are chipped, broken or otherwise not reusable can be turned into other glass products which we sell to sustain our efforts. We thank Woodriver Cellars for their participation and encourage other local wineries to join us in our efforts.”

To learn more about Sustainable Futures, visit www.sustainable-futures.us.

About Woodriver Cellars

Woodriver Cellars is the best kept secret among Idaho’s fine wineries. Located at an optimal 2,200 foot elevation at the heart of the Snake River Appellation and using sustainable environmental practices, Woodriver Cellars has gained a reputation for creating unique, award-winning wines from what many call the best grapes in Idaho. Celebrated winemaker Neil Glancey takes advantage of Woodriver vineyard’s optimal rocky, Bordeaux-like soil and limits harvests to two tons per acre to produce memorable wines with intense fruit flavors that stay in the minds of wine lovers long after they have finished a bottle. Woodriver Cellars limits its wine production each year and, as such, Woodriver Cellars wines are available only select at restaurants, the winery or via its website, www.woodrivercellars.com. For more information or to order directly over the phone, call Kristin Dudley at (208) 286-9463.

Media Contact:

Julia Angelen Zunich
Z Group PR
(909) 275-5804
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