J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon Earns Sustainable Certification in California

J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon Achieves Certified California Sustainable Designation

In an impressive move towards sustainability, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines proudly announces that its recently launched 2022 J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon will now feature the Certified California Sustainable seal. This wine is not just another addition to the market; it is the top-selling Cabernet Sauvignon in Paso Robles and has become an icon in the industry over its 35-year legacy.

With over 36 wines in its portfolio, J. Lohr showcases a commitment to sustainability by presenting more than 20 million bottles bearing the Certified California Sustainable seal by the year 2025. This certification is indicative of a wine being produced from at least 85% grapes sourced from certified sustainable vineyards and manufactured in a winery adhering to environmentally-friendly practices—an initiative spearheaded by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA).

Allison Jordan, executive director of CSWA, states, "The Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing logo on J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon demonstrates that sustainable winegrowing practices can effectively be applied at scale while meeting rigorous environmental, social, and economic standards."

The 2022 vintage of J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon is being rolled out in both national and international markets, available in retail settings as well as restaurants and online platforms. Noteworthy this year is the introduction of a reusable stainless-steel keg option, specifically designed for on-premise sales. This innovative packaging reduces waste while significantly lowering carbon emissions compared to conventional single-use bottles.

J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines fully integrates the 'Three Es of Sustainability'—Environmental Stewardship, Social Equity, and Economic Feasibility—into its operations. This approach is evident across various initiatives focused on water conservation, energy optimization, soil health, and protection of air and water quality. Since 2010, the company has effectively trimmed its vineyard water usage by up to 15%, employing modern practices such as deficit irrigation and aquifer usage benchmarking. The winery has also successfully decreased the gallons of water needed to produce a gallon of wine from 3.5 to just 1.3.

Focusing on renewable energy, J. Lohr derives most of its power from sustainable sources. A robust 756 KW solar photovoltaic tracking array at its Paso Robles facility meets up to 84% of the winery's electricity needs, while a 920.7 KW flat mount system in Greenfield, Monterey County generates nearly all of its electrical consumption.

The commitment to sustainability is deeply embedded in the values of the second generation of the Lohr family, who diligently work to uphold this important legacy across their 4,000 estate acres and the three Certified California Sustainable wineries associated with the brand. Over the years, J. Lohr has earned various accolades for its sustainability endeavors, including the prestigious 2020 Green Medal Leader Award. The company has retained its Certified California Sustainable Vineyard and Winery status annually since the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance initiated its certification program in 2010.

With such achievements, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines continues to solidify its standing as a pioneer in sustainable viticulture, being among the first 17 vineyards and wineries statewide to obtain the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing distinction.

In 2024, the company was one of only 26 national and international entities to be honored with the Sustainability Leadership Award from the Business Intelligence Group. Steve Lohr, Co-owner, President, and CEO, expressed pride in this milestone: "Sustainable winemaking has been at the heart of J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines since our father Jerry Lohr planted our first estate vineyard in Monterey County over 50 vintages ago. We are incredibly proud of this milestone for our classic J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon—an iconic wine that captures the essence of Paso Robles and our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and quality."

J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines has a rich history spanning over 50 years, founded by Jerry Lohr. As a family-owned and operated winery, it grows, produces, and bottles an extensive range of internationally celebrated wines from over 4,000 acres of Certified California Sustainable vineyards located in key regions including Monterey County, Paso Robles, and Napa Valley's St. Helena. The company's offerings include eight tiers of award-winning wines, including the J. Lohr Signature Cabernet Sauvignon and the J. Lohr Cuvée Series, all reflecting the estate's exceptional fruit quality. More information can be found on their website, jlohr.com.

The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) is a non-profit organization created by the Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers, dedicated to promoting sustainable practices, fostering industry commitment, and managing the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing certification program which aligns with international sustainability standards.