Sustainable Sips

In the wine industry, sustainability transcends mere trendiness; it serves as a guiding principle that continuously molds the winemaking terrain. At RPM Restaurants, we embrace this philosophy, diligently selecting and serving wines from vineyards committed to sustainable or biodynamic methods.  

In contemporary winemaking, sustainability, organic, and biodynamic farming practices are the cornerstone principles. Organic farming involves cultivating grapes without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, fostering soil health and biodiversity in the process. Biodynamic viticulture takes things a step further, integrating holistic techniques such as composting and lunar cycles to enhance the vitality of the vineyard. Sustainability stands as the overarching ethos, embracing environmental stewardship, economic viability, and social equity to safeguard the enduring prosperity of wineries and their local communities. 

Wineries globally are committed to employing diverse initiatives ranging from energy-efficient facilities to community engagement programs. These efforts aim to harmonize ecological integrity with economic success, emphasizing responsible land management, bolstering local economies, and ensuring equitable treatment of workers. 

Consider Domaine Vacheron, one of Sancerre’s elite properties as an example. Here, they allow the terrier to express itself, cultivating different plots with minimal intervention, allowing nature to shine through in every sip. Antica Terra Wines, under the leadership of visionary Maggie Harrison, goes a step further by selling their leftover fruit, embodying a commitment to waste reduction and resource maximization. 

Yet, it’s not merely about the present – it’s about honoring the past while embracing the future. Winemakers such as Jean Louis Chave, Cathy Corison, Steve Matthiasson, and Lee Hudson have long championed these principles, recognizing the significance of sustainable practices even before they became mainstream.

As we confront the challenges of climate change, every winery must heed this call to action. By prioritizing sustainability, we can ensure that the art of winemaking continues to thrive for generations to come, all while safeguarding our planet’s precious resources. Ultimately, in the world of wine, true excellence is achieved by harmonizing humanity and nature.

While sustainability is gaining traction in the wine industry, it has been a fundamental aspect of RPM’s wine programs since their inception. Our objective has always been to exclusively partner with wineries that align with our philosophy.