Have you ever had organic or eco wine? What even IS eco-friendly wine? You may be surprised at the eco wine options available these days.
Happy Earth Day!
You guys. I love Earth Day. Yes, I’m an Oregonian, and I’ve been recycling since the 80’s, and my tree hugger roots may make my love of Earth Day a little more passable and not so hippie dippy weird, but really: I love it. It’s a great opportunity to take stock in how we live, and map out ways how we can live better, together (you can click over here to see my Earth Day party inspirations and printable, and here for my DIY Recycled Paper Tassel Garland).
This year’s Earth Day happens to coincide with Wine Wednesday, and since Snoqualmie sent me their latest ECO wines to try, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to share some of my current favorite eco-friendly wines made from organic grapes: Snoqualmie ECO wines.
Eco Wine
I have to admit that even just five years ago, I found a lot of eco or organic wines to be too mouthy, too earthy, with not enough fruit flavor and lacking the smoothness I generally like in my wines. But over the years, winemakers have really refined the organic wine industry, and not only is it easier to find organic wines, but they are also producing some amazing tasting eco-friendly wines.
ALL of Snoqualmie’s wines are made using earth-friendly techniques and use sustainable packaging. The ECO wines are crafted from certified originally grown grapes using organic practices. I’ll share more sustainable practices and eco-friendly facts later in the post, but first I can’t wait to share with you the latest Snoqualmie ECO wines line.
Snoqualmie ECO Wines
Current available ECO wines include the 2012 ECO Chardonnay, the 2012 ECO Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2012 ECO Riesling, and the 2012 ECO Gewürztraminer.
I am extra excited to share with you my surprise favorite from this group.
2021 ECO Chardonnay
I am normally a red wine drinker. LOVE red wines: rich cabs, tempranillos, Oregon Pinot Noirs, bold Washington Cabernets… but the 2012 Snoqualmie ECO Chardonnay ($13) took me by surprise. It is an absolutely perfect spring wine. Truly.
I enjoyed a glass of the 2012 Chardonnay with the Curry Chicken Salad I recently made, and it was absolutely delicious! Next time, I will try cooking with a little of this wine as well for added flavor.
2021 ECO Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2012 ECO Cabernet Sauvignon ($13) is my second favorite of the Snoqualmie organic line. It’s softer than traditional Washington Cabernet Sauvignons, but in a wonderful food-friendly way. I also picked up subtle notes of strawberries and other fruits. It’s a delicious organic Cab, and I’d definitely recommend picking up a bottle for your upcoming BBQ when the weather clears up.
Fast facts about Snoqualmie ECO Wines
- Their grapes are certified organic by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (ECO tier).
- They use weather stations and soil moisture-measuring probes to monitor water use and eliminate wasted water in the vineyards; as you can imagine, there is great potential for water waste when you’re farming a vineyard.
- ECO glass bottles are among the lightest in the industry, which results in a 13% reduction in carbon emissions.
- ECO wine labels are on 100% post-consumer waste materials stock.
- Corks and labels are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, and corks are also certified by the Rainforest Alliance, an international group committed to conserving biodiversity through sustainability.
The ECO line also includes the 2012 ECO Riesling and the 2012 ECO Gewürztraminer. I have not had a chance to try these yet, and to be honest I am not a huge fan of either Riesling or Gewurztraminer, so I am eager to hear your opinion if you are normally a fan of both varietals and you try them. Please let me know!
What I love about the wines I have tried so far from Snoqualmie’s ECO wine line is that they bring forward creative, unexpected flavors while still somehow staying true to the grapes of each varietal and terroir. And, at $13 or under per bottle, these are awesome wines to bring as hostess gifts to your next spring party.
These wines sound so good, I’ll have to try some! I mean, if it’s good for the environment and all… :)
Thanks for the great recommendations.
Thanks for the great earth- and wallet-friendly recommendations, Marlynn.
P.S. As an eastside girl, I am morally and ethically obligated to take umbrage with your characterization of “hippy dippy” as “weird.”
Organic good tasting wines at that price? I’m impressed!
I have had organic wines, but haven’t sought them out for being organic. If I try these I will let you know!