I’m no hippy. The circular dancing, patchouli stink, and ultra-expensive patchwork clothing (did you know you can make hemp out of rope, man?!?!) have never appealed to me. That said, I truly care about where food, wine, clothing and other consumer products come from.

I worked in the natural and organic industry for a few years and even loved some of the companies I worked with. When I learn how great a company or organization is to their employees and the land, I’m simply more apt to buy their products. That isn’t to say that some companies don’t just slap an “eco-friendly, we love everyone” kinda label on their item, because a whole lotta them do. Later, you come to find out that A) the item is gross, on a par with the gustatory sensations found in dirt or sawdust. B) the whole earth-muffin thing is hog-wash (in aroma if nothing else) and it was all a marketing scam C) Tom’s of Maine or D) all of the above.

Strike a balance between quality products and ethical practice? That is applaudable, I say. Such is the case with Parducci Vineyards. Parducci is family owned and operated, running on 100% green power.Their grapes come from local family farms and were the first U.S. carbon-neutral winery utilizing solar & wind power in addition to conserving water. Check it out: www.parducci.com/Parducci-Green

Enough of the warm fuzzies, let’s get up in this bottle! I love how Sustainable Red is a blend that contains 6% “miscellaneous”. WTF? What’s clear is that this is a well-crafted mix (not a ‘they’re cooking our garbage’ blend of entrails)- a tried and true Cali table wine. It has the usual red berry fruit flavor due to the Merlot, Syrah, and Petite Sirah influences, yet the Zinfandel adds some deep color and spice to the mix. Nothing unsavory, but with a balanced smack resulting in a charming daily sipping wine.

Drink it throughout the week, either alone, maybe with pasta and spicy arrabiata sauce, or even grilled pork chops sprinkled with bleu cheese. This red is smooth with a soft finish.

Smooth wines can enable indifferent people or those who are just starting to enjoy wine to start enjoying wines more, dig? There comes a time, and I assure you, there will come a time for you, when a smooth velvety wine may not do the trick. You know, like when you are new to having sex with someone: it’s euphoric; you nearly cannot stop it’s so pleasing. Then, after some time, it becomes a little monotonous. You wonder if it’s time to start experimenting with fuzzy animal costumes or salted, cured meats.

I think I’ve said too much.  Let’s get back to the wine. If a smooth wine is what you crave, but one with a little more character, check out the Sustainable Red. Drinking this is not only good for you but it’s great for the environment. And after all kids, don’t you get more pleasure out of something when it’s giving you a buzz? Maybe I do have more in common with hippies than I thought.