Getting to know the
energetic McBrides and their innovative eco.love wine has been a treat, and I wanted to share my discovery with all of you. We served their Reisling and Sauvignon Blanc at Jungle Love! and I had the opportunity to ask them a few questions about their eco.love:   

Conservatory Chronicles: What is each of your roles with eco.love?

Andrea: The Sauvignon Blanc is my wine, it's my obsession. I define the overall profile of the wine in a way that expresses the pretty elements of the grape and results in people drinking copious amounts! I also focus on all the creative and digital aspects of the brand along with Robin - the iPhone app, social media campaigns, events - we really touch everything.

Robin: I make the Riesling. It's such a beautiful wine varietal to work with. All the floral aromas expressed by the grape really jump right out of the glass. And then the mouth feel and body is so polished, and easy to drink. How can you go wrong with flowers and honey?!

CC: Consumers will notice a green label certifying your wine as a Carbonzero product. What does this mean?

Andrea: Sustainability is our passion. It is about people and the planet and carboNZero ^Cert™ is a component of sustainability. The CZ program was developed by Landcare Research New Zealand and provides the tools to measure and reduce the impact on climate change by following the 3 Ms: Measure, Management, and Mitigation. We measure our carbon footprint, which covers all Green House Gases with respect to the vineyards, vehicles, and winery operations. Natural gas use, electricity and fuel all emit CO2, through the burning of carbon based fossil fuels, packaging, shipping and distribution. Once everything had been measured we created an emissions profile, and focused on areas to reduce energy consumption. We directed efforts towards finding energy efficient alternatives, saving on electricity and fuel. Mitigation is where we 'offset' the effect of CO2 emissions our company releases into the atmosphere. To do this we purchased carbon credits towards the restoration of natural wetlands.

Robin: We are really proud of this, it takes time and patience and the commitment to be better ever year. CZ is really our badge of honor, and an indicator to people that they can make good green choices. Hold on, DELICIOUS green choices! 

CC: Yes! On Wednesday, we served the Riesling from South Island, NZ and the Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, NZ. What brought your attention to the New Zealand areas?

Andrea: Robin and I are half sisters, both born in LA, but I was raised in New Zealand wine country and she was raised in Monterey, CA. Our first wine adventure together is NZ; it's so pure and untouched and the wines are good solo or with food. 

Robin: Our grapes are grown in the major growing region of Marlborough and Nelson at the top of the South Island. It's what we have a lot of experience in, so it was an easy choice. 

CC: Do you see other companies and vineyards in America considering sustainability?

Andrea: There is a company in Mendocino called Parducci paving the way for US wine companies.  

Robin: Also Newton Vineyards in Napa. The industry is starting to move in the right direction.

CC: What are other ways our reading wine consumers can make sustainable choices, or learn about other sustainable products?

Andrea: Ecofabulous. They do a great job joining sustainability & style.

Robin:  I like Care2 Healthy and Green Living. Great tips and articles.