Month: October 2021

Oct 29, 2021

Fetzer Vineyards Named a Top Importer of the Year by Wine & Spirits Magazine

Company is included among respected cohort of fine wine importers in the United States

Fetzer Vineyards, a leading marketer of multi-origin wines and spirits from the United States, Chile and Argentina, was named a top importer of 2021 by influential wine publication Wine & Spirits magazine. This is Fetzer Vineyards’ first inclusion on the esteemed “Importers of the Year” list, which appears in the publication’s Winter 2021 Issue. It follows the company’s 2018 addition to its portfolio of iconic South American brands Don Melchor, Marques de Casa Concha and Casillero del Diablo, as well as the wines of Bodega Trivento, the world’s leading Argentine wine brand.[1]

The Wine & Spirits editorial team characterizes U.S. importers included in its 2021 list as those who “stake their business on finding wines you’ll want to drink,” and notes that “these 11 importers found the most we want to drink out of all the wines we tasted last year.” The publication tastes thousands of wines each year in a rigorous blind tasting process, and its inclusion of Fetzer Vineyards on its list solidifies the company’s standing as one of the most respected importers in the U.S. In addition to the praise for its imported wines, Fetzer Vineyards is commended for “Best Buys” originating from its California portfolio, including Bonterra.

Concha y Toro, imported by Fetzer Vineyards and a Wine & Spirits Top 100 Winery of 2021, is also prominently featured in the Winter 2021 Issue. Profiled in “The Top 100 Premier Cru,” a feature highlighting the wineries that have appeared most frequently over the three and a half decades of the Top 100 list, Concha y Toro is the second-most-awarded winery among a global list of esteemed vintners.

“We are very proud to be included on this year’s Wine & Spirits Importers of the Year list, alongside great company,” said Giancarlo Bianchetti, CEO of Fetzer Vineyards. “We’ve achieved this milestone thanks to the combined efforts of many over numerous years of focused work. We share this tremendous recognition with our extended team including our suppliers and trade partners.”

About Fetzer Vineyards

Fetzer Vineyards is an award-winning purveyor of multi-origin wines and spirits, selling in over 50 countries worldwide. Founded by Barney Fetzer in Mendocino County, CA, in 1968, and part of global powerhouse Viña Concha y Toro, Fetzer Vineyards today remains driven by excellence, innovation and longstanding commitments to the environment and responsible business practices. With a focus on crafting wines made from sustainable, organic and Biodynamic® grapes, Fetzer Vineyards is a leading U.S. marketer of wines, the nation’s primary importer of South American wines, and the United States’ largest Certified B Corporation winery—a testament to the company’s dedication to the transformational goals of regenerative business.

In addition to its flagship Fetzer label, the Fetzer Vineyards portfolio features Bonterra Organic Vineyards, the 2016 Wine Enthusiast American Winery of the Year; 1000 Stories, California’s original Bourbon barrel-aged wine; Casillero del Diablo, the #1 Chilean wine brand (750ml) in the U.S.; and Trivento Reserve, the #3 selling Malbec in the U.S. The Origins Collection—an esteemed portfolio of super-premium to super-luxury offerings centered on terroir-driven wines from Chile, Argentina and the U.S.—showcases South American icons Don Melchor and Trivento Eolo Malbec, alongside Bonterra’s single-vineyard, biodynamically farmed wines and the award-winning craft whiskies of Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. www.fetzervineyards.com.

[1] IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, 2020: Bodega Trivento 2020 global sales

Oct 21, 2021

Fetzer Vineyards Announces “Outstanding” New B Corp Score of 130, Further Elevating Legacy of Purpose-Driven Business Practices

Longstanding commitments to regenerative agriculture and climate-smart practices land Fetzer Vineyards in the top 5% of companies of its size in the B Corp Environment category, and the “Outstanding” category for B Corps globally

HOPLAND, Calif., October 21, 2021 – Fetzer Vineyards, the largest winery certified as a B Corporation in the United States and a leader in regenerative winegrowing, today announced a milestone in the company’s longtime dedication to responsible business practices: a new B Corp score of 130. This new score, which reflects a remarkable 37% increase from the company’s previous score, puts Fetzer Vineyards in the “Outstanding” category for B Corps globally, an elite group of purpose-focused businesses verifiably recognized for using business as a force for good.

Fetzer Vineyards demonstrated especially remarkable growth in its B Corp Environment score during its B Corp recertification, building on performance last assessed in 2017. Thanks to the likes of organic and regenerative farming practices, climate-smart operations, resource conservation and more, Fetzer Vineyards’ tally of 75.4 Environment points puts it in the top five percent of Environment performance for a company of its size among global B Corps.

Fetzer Vineyards' New B Corp Score of 130

Fetzer Vineyards has long been a purpose-driven business, catalyzing change for good since its founding in 1968. It was the first recipient of the California Green Medal Leader award (2015), which recognized the winery’s legacy of pacesetting commitments to sustainable practices and leadership in the California wine industry. In 2017, Fetzer Vineyards was commended at COP23 by the United Nations Climate Change secretariat, which recognized the winery’s work toward a climate positive future with a Lighthouse “Momentum for Change” Climate Solutions Award, the only winery in the world to receive this honor.

Other leading achievements in 100% green energy use, zero waste certification and more have followed, along with early adoption among wineries of B Corp certification and best practices. Today, B Corps are widely recognized across industries for transparency and accountability.

“For more than 50 years we have continuously worked to improve both our environmental and social impact,” said Giancarlo Bianchetti, CEO of Fetzer Vineyards. “On the heels of declaring a Climate Emergency last year, it is imperative to demonstrate progress toward our goal of accelerating our efforts to do better for people, communities and planet. Our latest B Corp score reflects these efforts, and we will continue to advance our actions to build on this momentum.”

To qualify for B Corp certification, a company must complete the rigorous B Impact Assessment (BIA) and obtain a minimum of 80 points on its 200-point scale. Anyone may take the BIA, and the average company scores approximately 50 points, well below the threshold for certification. During the BIA, businesses are rigorously assessed and measured in five areas: workers, community, governance, environment and customers.

Fetzer Vineyards first became a Certified B Corp in 2015, achieving an initial score of 80.2. The winery increased its impact efforts and overall score to 95.1 on its second assessment, in 2017. In the years since, Fetzer Vineyards has continued to advance its efforts across an array of focus areas, with noteworthy progress in worker benefits; policy advocacy for social and environmental standards; ethical marketing; and climate-friendly business practices.

Today, there are more than 4,000 Certified B Corporations across 77 countries and 153 industries, unified by one common goal: transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities and the planet.

“We are excited to be a part of this incredible community, and to build on progress as we develop and execute ambitious, forward-thinking initiatives that will help us achieve our goal of climate positive operations by 2030,” said Jess Baum, Director of Regenerative Development & Sustainability for Fetzer Vineyards. “The BIA gives us a great framework to ensure we’re looking at improvement across impact areas, and we are committed to diving deeper and doing better across our business as we move into our next chapter.”

Debut of Fetzer Vineyards’ new score follows a recent announcement from Viña Concha y Toro, Fetzer Vineyards’ Chilean-based holding company, which celebrated its own B Corp certification—along with certification for each of its winery holdings not previously certified. These include Fetzer Vineyards imports to the U.S. Concha y Toro, Viña Cono Sur and Bodega Trivento. Where consumers are concerned, it also crucially means that every single bottle of wine Fetzer Vineyards makes or markets now hails from a B Corp, rendering the company’s entire U.S. portfolio of wines from California, Chile and Argentina certifiably grounded in good.

To learn more about Fetzer Vineyards’ B Corp certification and impact work, visit fetzervineyards.com/impact and follow @FetzerVineyards on LinkedIn for relevant updates.

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ABOUT FETZER VINEYARDS
Fetzer Vineyards is an award-winning purveyor of multi-origin wines and spirits, selling in over 50 countries worldwide. Founded by Barney Fetzer in Mendocino County, CA, in 1968, and part of global powerhouse Viña Concha y Toro, Fetzer Vineyards today remains driven by excellence, innovation and longstanding commitments to the environment and responsible business practices. With a focus on crafting wines made from sustainable, organic and Biodynamic® grapes, Fetzer Vineyards is a Top-12 U.S. marketer of wines, the nation’s primary importer of South American wines, and the United States’ largest Certified B Corporation winery—a testament to the company’s dedication to the transformational goals of regenerative business.

In addition to its flagship Fetzer label, the Fetzer Vineyards portfolio features Bonterra Organic Vineyards, the 2016 Wine Enthusiast American Winery of the Year; 1000 Stories, California’s original Bourbon barrel-aged wine; Casillero del Diablo, the #1 Chilean wine brand (750ml) in the U.S.; and Trivento Reserve, the #3 selling Malbec in the U.S. The Origins Collection—an esteemed portfolio of super-premium to super-luxury offerings centered on terroir-driven wines from Chile, Argentina and the U.S.—showcases South American icons Don Melchor and Trivento Eolo Malbec, alongside Bonterra’s single-vineyard, biodynamically farmed wines and the award-winning craft whiskies of Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. Learn more at: www.fetzervineyards.com

Oct 18, 2021

Fetzer Vineyards Releases 2021 Harvest Report

Smaller crop with great quality spotlights the importance of teamwork for Fetzer Vineyards

Fetzer Vineyards

Mendocino County, Calif. Oct. 18, 2021 – As the end of harvest season in the North Coast nears, Fetzer Vineyards has released its harvest report and video to shine a light on the growing season, the harvest, and what to expect from the 2021 vintage.

Read Fetzer Vineyards’ 2021 Harvest Report in its entirety.
Watch Fetzer Vineyards’ 2021 Harvest Video.

Summary
This year’s growing season was marked by lower-than-average rainfall and a historically warm summer, which led to lower volumes of fruit and smaller berries than in an average year. Despite stressful growing conditions and the challenges presented by the ongoing pandemic, the resiliency of the vines and the collaborative nature of Fetzer Vineyards’ winegrowing, winemaking and operations teams led to a successful harvest. Fruit from estate ranches in Mendocino County as well as fruit from partner growers throughout California arrived to the winery with bright acidity, balanced flavors and excellent quality.

The wines show notable vibrancy and dynamic varietal character, a result of the unique growing conditions and careful handling in the vineyard and cellar. Naturally abundant acids in the 2021 grapes complement the vintage’s ripe flavors, creating wines with vibrant aromas and flavors, and mouthwatering freshness on the palate. This is ideal for Fetzer, Bonterra and 1000 Stories brands, which aim for delicious wines crafted with early enjoyment in mind. Acidity is also a key to longevity, so collectible wines from Fetzer Vineyards’ California portfolio have the potential to age well and gain greater complexity with time.

Oct 14, 2021

Fetzer® Wine Flips Thanksgiving Script, Creates New #Friendsgiving Traditions

California classic cultivates the ultimate 2021 Friendsgiving with 360 campaign

Fetzer®, the iconic California vintner with the nation’s #1 Gewürztraminer, has announced its biggest-ever Thanksgiving campaign ahead of the brand’s key selling period. Developed with creative and media agency Cutwater, “Here’s to #Friendsgiving” offers a 2021 take on Fetzer’s traditional Thanksgiving campaigns, as America’s most diverse generation yet comes to the table with new ways to connect – and new foods to favorite – this holiday.

The campaign draws inspiration from the reality that this year’s Thanksgivings will look different, amidst a time of ongoing social distancing and shifting cultural norms. Many of us are creatively reconsidering how we celebrate and forge connection, and the kind of cuisine we bring to the table. Representing a historic cohort of backgrounds and ethnicities, Millennials in particular are looking to change up tradition with cooking and customs of their choosing come November.

Fetzer’s new campaign highlights the possibilities this moment affords, offering a suite of assets underscoring the beauty of celebrating differently—be it with a meat-free Thanksgiving, a socially distanced potluck with friends, or any other inspired riff on the traditional occasion.

“The Fetzer brand was founded more than 50 years ago on the idea that it should be easy to enjoy a great-quality bottle of wine with a meal. While we still make good on that promise, we’re taking a page from our consumers and reconsidering how this classic holiday looks, with one of our biggest investments ever in a holiday campaign,” said Rachel Newman, Vice President of Marketing for Fetzer.

The 360-degree “Here’s to #Friendsgiving” campaign will come to life across the U.S. beginning November 1, delivering a coordinated mix of social media programming, digital ads, influencer activations and consumer sweepstake at point of sale (POS) to drive home the message that Thanksgiving is what you make of it. To that end, engaging POS asking “What will you bring to the table?” will invite consumers to define their own traditions, and share them on social media.

Ensuring continuity with broader marketing initiatives, the campaign name itself is a seasonal, social take on the brand’s year-round tagline, “Here’s to Tomorrow.”

More than two-thirds of Millennials, a key audience for Fetzer, are concerned about consuming healthy foods, and fully 45% are likely to consider a meat-free Thanksgiving this year.[i] A historically diverse cohort, they are purchasing and preparing a more diverse array of foods than any preceding group of Americans. Campaign visuals highlight these trends.

“Our inherent drive to connect can’t be confined to a particular definition of tradition. Even during a time of significant change like this year, connection – and the ways we create it – is the great equalizer and ties us all together. This campaign looks to celebrate that and is part of the long history of tradition around the table that Fetzer stands for, seen in a new light,” said Hilary Butler, Sr. Brand Manager for Fetzer.

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About Fetzer
Part of the largest certified B Corp winery in the U.S., Fetzer is building a better tomorrow by making quality wines with a conscience and putting people and planet first. Embodying the B Corp ethos to use business as a force for good, Fetzer crafts delicious, go-to wines that minimize environmental impacts and elevate social responsibility. Winemaker Margaret Leonardi—the first woman to lead winemaking for Fetzer in its 50-plus-year history—balances a thirst for innovation with a dedication to quality in every glass of Fetzer wine. Her acclaimed collection of any-occasion offerings includes the #1 Gewürztraminer in the U.S., a beloved California Chardonnay, a trio of bright whites—Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Riesling—a richly textured Merlot and a bold Cabernet Sauvignon. Every sip is a step toward a more sustainable future. Learn more at fetzer.com.

[i] Source: NUMERATOR Psychographics/ WKS 52 wks W/E 05.09.21 / Ipsos Retail Performance – Vegan trends / Deli Market News-Vantage Point Media, LLC 2019.