Nestled in the heart of Tennessee, the Rocky Top Wine Trail has been a favorite destination for wine enthusiasts seeking scenic beauty and exceptional wines. But there’s more to our trail than just our wine. We take great pride in our commitment to sustainable practices that help protect our environment and reduce our carbon footprint.
Solar Power
At Mountain Valley Winery in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and Hillside Winery in Sevierville, Tennessee, we’ve made significant strides in reducing our reliance on traditional energy sources. We’re proud to boast solar panels that help us harness the Tennessee sunshine, converting it into clean and renewable energy. By doing so, we not only reduce our carbon emissions but also contribute to the conservation of our planet’s resources.
A Sustainable Approach to Water Usage
Water is a precious resource, and at Mountain Valley, we recognize the importance of using it wisely. Through our concentrated efforts, we achieved a remarkable 50% reduction in water use by 2023. This not only saves water but also demonstrates our dedication to responsible winemaking practices.
Filtration Solutions
Wine production can generate a significant amount of waste, particularly through filtration processes. However, we have taken a proactive approach to minimize this environmental impact. Our Cross Flow Filtration System reduces filtration waste by 75%, ensuring that less waste ends up in landfills and that more of our resources are put to good use. The process used before cross flow created more waste in terms of wine and filtration sheets, benefiting the environment in more ways than just one.
Turning Waste into Feed
Each year, during harvest, we collect grape skins that are typically discarded and sent to a cattle beef farmer as supplemental feed for the cows. By doing so, we divert approximately 400,000 pounds of waste from landfills annually. This not only reduces landfill waste but also contributes to local agriculture and supports our community.
Rescuing Imperfect Peaches
In addition to grapes, we also care about the environment and our local community when sourcing ingredients for our wines. We purchase Tennessee-grown peaches that may not meet the beauty standards required for grocery store shelves. These peaches usually are thrown out, which results in a substantial amount of food waste of perfectly edible food. By rescuing over 40,000 pounds of imperfect peaches annually, we not only reduce waste but also support local farmers and promote sustainability.
Sip Sustainably with Us
We believe that exceptional wine should go hand in hand with responsible and sustainable practices. When you visit our trail, not only will you enjoy the exceptional wines, but you’ll also be supporting a sustainable future for our planet and our community.
