Steelhead Vineyards Announces Partnership with 1% for the Planet

SONOMA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Steelhead Vineyards has entered into a partnership with 1% for the Planet, an alliance of businesses that support environmental causes. The Sonoma-based winery becomes one of a network of companies worldwide that donate one percent of sales through 1% for the Planet. Steelhead Vineyards has been a longtime supporter of conservation efforts through sales of its wines, and this new partnership with 1% for the Planet builds on the winery’s commitment to environmental causes.

“They're using generosity as a tool with which to build their business and enabling valuable environmental work along the way. We're excited to welcome them to the 1% family.”

"Steelhead Vineyards is a great addition to the network. By signing on to 1%, it shows they’re really walking the walk in their sustainability efforts,” says Terry Kellogg, 1% for the Planet CEO. “They're using generosity as a tool with which to build their business and enabling valuable environmental work along the way. We're excited to welcome them to the 1% family."

Members of 1% for the Planet contribute one percent of revenues directly to any of the approved non-profit environmental organizations in 1%’s network. Non-profits are chosen based on referrals, track record and environmental focus. Over 3,000 non-profits worldwide are included in the 1% program.

“A commitment to the environment has been part of our mission from the beginning,” notes Katy Leese, co-proprietor of Steelhead Vineyards. “We were impressed with the commitment and reach of 1% for the Planet, and we are excited to partner with them to support conservation organizations. We’ve worked closely with Trout Unlimited for many years, and that support will continue under this new program.”

Steelhead Vineyards was founded by Quivira Vineyards as a tribute to creek restoration and biodiversity on its Dry Creek Valley estate. In 2002 the first vintage was released to recognize these efforts. This began a unique partnership with Trout Unlimited to maintain and improve the delicate equilibrium between water and land in Sonoma County. Since then, Steelhead Vineyards has grown into an award-winning, nationally distributed wine led by consulting winemaker Hugh Chappelle. In partnering with 1% for the Planet, Steelhead Vineyards is broadening its support of non-profit organizations focused on the environment, which will receive one percent of sales of Steelhead’s Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Steelhead Red blend.

“We’ve been averaging at least one new business member a day, and have nearly 1,400 members in 48 countries. 1% members have contributed over $100 million of critically needed funds into the hands of environmental non-profit groups to date,” comments Kellogg. “We are thrilled by the support we have gained as it proves the environmental ethic is trickling upward to larger corporate entities. The shared belief that you can do well as a business by doing the right thing with respect to the environment is clearly apparent. There’s a paradigm shift happening here and it’s happening organically.”

Based in Sonoma, California, Steelhead Vineyards makes wines from some of the top vineyards and appellations in the North Coast. Additional information on Steelhead vineyards is available at www.steelheadvineyards.com.

About 1% for the Planet

Started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder and owner of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, owner of Blue Ribbon Flies, 1% for the Planet is a growing global movement of over 1,350 member companies in 48 countries that donate one percent of their sales to environmental organizations worldwide. Each day, more than one new business joins the 1% for the Planet movement. As a network, the 1% community has become a frontrunner in funding the work of environmental groups around the world. To learn more about 1% go to: www.onepercentfortheplanet.org

About Steelhead Vineyards

Steelhead Vineyards was founded in 1998 to honor the Steelhead trout that are native to Wine Creek and Dry Creek in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley. In 2002 the first vintage of Steelhead Red was released – a juicy Zinfandel blend – as a tribute to the restoration efforts and on-going commitment to the biodiversity of Sonoma County. From its beginning, Steelhead Vineyards has had two goals: to use its resources to create outstanding wines and to maintain and restore a balance with the surrounding environment. Steelhead Vineyards crafts wine from Sonoma County and throughout California’s North Coast with consulting winemaker Hugh Chappelle. Additional information is at www.steelheadvineyards.com