San Francisco, Calif.—The owners and managers of California vineyards and wineries are being encouraged to apply for the inaugural "California Green Medal: Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards." The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, California Association of Winegrape Growers, Wine Institute, Lodi Winegrape Commission, Napa Valley Vintners and the Vineyard Team collaborated to develop the awards as a means to showcase some of the state’s leaders in sustainability in winemaking and grape growing.

Sustainable vineyards or wineries can apply for an award from four categories: 

• Leader Award, given to the vineyard or winery that demonstrates success and innovation in all of the below three areas of sustainable winegrowing.

• Environment Award, given to the vineyard or winery that best demonstrates environmental stewardship through maximized environmental benefits from implementing sustainable practices.

• Community Award, given to the vineyard or winery that is a "good neighbor and employer" using the most innovative practices that enhance relations with employees, neighbors and/or communities.

• Business Award, given to the vineyard or winery that best demonstrates smart business through efficiencies, cost savings and innovation from implementing sustainable practices.

The deadline for award applications is Jan. 31, 2015. Visit www.greenmedal.org for more information or to apply.