The founders of Sokol Blosser Winery were among Oregon’s first pioneering vintners, planting their first vines in 1971, and more than three decades later they are still leading the way.

In 2002, Sokol Blosser built an underground cellar that became the first to earn the prestigious LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for its design. Oregon Tilth certified the estate vineyards as organic in 2005. The tractors run on about 20 percent biodiesel fuel. Their labels and boxes are made from unbleached paper. Best yet, the winery is still family owned, with Susan Sokol Blosser and her grown children Alex and Alison running the winery’s day-to-day business. And all are avid proponents of sustainable businesses, speaking often at growers’ meetings, industry events and to retailers about how to practically implement these ideas.

Sokol Blosser winery produces several Pinot Noirs, including single-block lots from the family’s favorite sections of their estate vineyard, a Pinot Gris, and two fun blends that have quickly become customer favorites. The Evolution is a white wine blend that Susan invented to pair with fusion and Asian cuisine that can often be tricky to match. And the Meditrina is a lush red named in honor of the wine goddess that’s deceptively easy-to-drink.

You can learn more about Sokol Blosser at http://www.sokolblosser.com.