SANTA BARBARA, CALIF. May 18, 2007 – A new wine tour company has emerged with a focus on sustainability from its core company philosophies to the featured wineries and vineyards that it visits.  Sustainable Vine Wine Tours, based in Santa Barbara, CA, has recently begun winery and vineyard tours in one of the world’s premium wine producing regions - the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley.  These tours focus on winemakers who engage in sustainable agriculture and cultivate according to organic and biodynamic standards.  It’s a growing trend for viticulturalists, who claim to improve their wine quality when they take the environment into more careful consideration.

Sustainable Vine’s owner, Bryan Hope, feels that it’s important to support companies who are engaged in positive business practices.  This is why he has chosen to direct business to winemakers such as Alma Rose, Ampelos, Beckmen, and Presidio, who have committed to a higher level of environmental stewardship and who continue to make outstanding wines.   Sustainable Vine is also committed to evaluating its own footprint and is constantly looking to improve its own business practices.  Supporting sustainable farmers, using biodiesel in the company’s tour vehicle, working with a local deli that provides an organic lunch, and becoming a member of 1% For The Planet are a few of the things that Sustainable Vine has committed to in its quest for environmental consistency.  As a member of 1% For The Planet, Sustainable Vine donates 1% of revenues to local environmental organizations.  For each tour, a portion of the fee goes toward groups like The Surfrider Foundation or The Environmental Defense Council. “I’m so excited to offer an entertaining experience that also has real meaning”, states Hope.  “I’m hopeful that consumers realize their level of power when it comes to a purchase, no matter how big or small.”

Sustainable Vine Wine Tours operates scheduled tours from Santa Barbara and the surrounding areas.  The educational tours highlight the region’s rich wine history and the sustainable aspects of some of today’s best wine producers.  Tours include door to door service, wine tastings, an organic picnic lunch, and a gift certificate towards the purchase of wines.  For more information visit www.sustainablevine.com.