There’s much to love with the A to Z wines. What’s refreshing – besides their very well-crafted, varietally accurate, delicious wine – is that first and foremost they operate as a force for good. Consider these stats:
- 100% of A to Z workers are paid well above the local living wage.
- Each full-time employee receives full health benefits, paid time off to do volunteer work and tuition assistance to further his/her career.
- Over 50% of management are women and individuals from under-represented populations.
Because of their dedication to creating a sustainable environment where employees thrive, in 2014 A to Z became the first winery to achieve its B Corporation certification, which puts it in the same company as Patagonia, Ben & Jerry’s, Kleen Kanteen, and many other progressive organizations. Since then, they’ve garnered the B Corp’s “Best For The Word” award, four years running.
To attain a B Corp status, an organization must actively and consistently prove that all of its decisions are guided by the goal of operating as a sustainable, healthy business for the good of its workers, the community, all of its suppliers and distributors, and the environment: They must meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. In essence, they balance purpose and profit, believing that the more successful their business is, the better they can do for the world.
And all of this is on top of the fact that their wine really is consistently terrific, which is no surprise given that A to Z was started in 2002 by Oregon wine industry veterans from several of the USA’s most highly regarded wineries, including Eyrie, Domaine Drouhin Oregon, Archery Summit and Chehalem. Their multiple award-winning wines are blends of locally-sourced, Oregon-grown fruit from sustainably managed farms, and we love them.
If all of this isn’t enough to get you to try them, we’ve put our line of A to Z wines on sale for the month of September. We want you to put your money where your conscience is, and drink well.
Here’s what’s in store:
2016 Chardonnay
They say it’s America’s best-selling unoaked Oregon Chardonnay, and with this flavor, we buy it. It’s full of citrus, honeysuckle and melon flavors, with a rich, ripe and round texture that’s balanced with a crisp freshness. It’s incredibly food-friendly, too. $13.99 compare to $16.99
2017 Riesling
Oh heavens, where to start. Luscious honeysuckle, lime, elderflower and floral aromas lead to mouth-watering honey, limoncello and pear flavors, all richly textured and ready for pretty much whatever food you want to throw at it – we especially like it with spicy dishes. See the bee on that beautiful bottle? That means that a portion from the sale of each bottle will go to support bee health research. $13.99 compare to $16.99
2017 Rosé
Crisp. Juicy. Lip-smacking. Smile inducing. Think ripe strawberries, watermelon, and raspberry mixed with herbal aromas. We’re stocking up on this one for Thanksgiving dinner. $13.99 compare to $16.99.
2015 Pinot Noir
What a vintage – it’s widely considered one of Oregon’s best ever. Dark fruit aromas abound out of the glass, leading to red and blue fruit flavors, all balanced with dusty tannins, a juicy acidity and a mineral finish. $17.99 compare to $21.99
2016 Bubbles (Rosé)
A blend of Pinot Noir with a touch of Chardonnay. This lovely sparkler has juicy ripe fruit aromas that lead to raspberry, watermelon and white flower flavors all softened with a hint of creaminess. $13.99 compare to $16.99
2017 Pinot Gris
Mouthwateringly amazing, with peach, apricot, pineapple and lychee aromas meeting citrus flavors, crisp acidity and soft tannins. One of the most versatile food wines in our shop for sure. $13.99 compare to $16.99
Cheers & Enjoy!
Published in September 2018, prices subject to change
