Award Winner
Fetzer Vineyards

Fetzer Vineyards has made a variety of creative and innovative changes to reduce their electricity bill. In 2005-2006 Fetzer began using electrodialysis for some wines, reducing the amount of time needed for fermentation. PG&E documented a 95% reduction of energy use when this procedure is used. In 2008 Fetzer implemented light-weight bottles to reduce glass consumption as well as energy used to make the bottles. During the same year, Fetzer installed high-efficiency lighting in their winery buildings and insulated tanks in the winery, which together will save over 300,000 kWh. To augment their energy savings, Fetzer installed a 899 kW solar system in 2006. Fetzer conserves water as well, using moisture monitoring tools to adjust and minimize irrigation.