Sustainable Winemaking at Stoller Family Estate with Melissa Burr
Stoller is committed to leadership in sustainable winemaking practices through energy efficient systems, and the mission to reduce negative environmental impact.
Not only do our scenic hills provide a breathtaking backdrop for wine tasting, they also foster traditional gravity flow winemaking. Gravity flow utilizes the natural pull of the earth to perform the heavy lifting in transporting the wine from crush to cellar. This method reduces the need for pumping and therefore conserves energy while maintaining the consistent quality of our grapes.
We love being a company of “firsts.” In 2006, Stoller became the world’s first LEED Gold certified winemaking facility. But, we didn’t stop there. We were also the first winery in the Northwest to become energy neutral, with more than double our estate’s electrical needs harnessed from our south facing roofs through our 1,200 solar panel electric system.
We use natural ventilation and lighting, efficient heating and cooling systems, and an efficient building envelope to reduce energy use. Located below grade on one of our many knolls, the barrel cellars are kept cool by the earth itself and stabilized through our concrete structure. Our office space also utilizes efficiencies where switches, motion sensors, and timers are used to conserve energy.
To reduce transportation impacts and support our local economy, we employ regional materials and local fabricators whenever possible. To conserve natural resources, we use materials with a high percentage of recycled content. Reclaimed wood from Northwest Portland dawn our beams and columns on porches and stair treads. In addition, 96 percent of our construction waste was recycled back into the manufacturing process as reusable materials.
Our B Corp, LIVE, and Salmon Safe certifications embody our dedication to environmental sustainability. These certifications hold us to the highest standards of social and environmental performance, sustainable building, and erosion prevention.