There are countless reasons to drink local wine. Not only does the quality of Ontario wine rival most imports, but it is also the more planet-friendly choice. When we talk about sustainability in the wine industry, the conversation is usually about whether regenerative farming methods are used in the vineyards. Next, we discuss environmental considerations within the winery itself—things like building design, heating and cooling, and water usage. However, we are much less likely to talk about the wine bottles.

The easiest way for a winery to reduce their carbon footprint is to put their wine in bottles that weigh less. As much as half the weight of a case of wine comes from the bottle; the carbon footprint from shipping those heavy bottles around the world is substantial. In Canada, the LCBO requires their suppliers to use light-weight bottles for many of the wines in their stores. As one of the largest wine buyers in the world, they are forcing the entire industry to change. However, higher-priced wines still get a pass, with the heaviest bottles found in the Vintages section.

Stratus is a local winery that not only employs sustainable growing and winemaking practices, but they have also embraced light-weight bottles at all price points. Next time you are in the LCBO, pick up a bottle of their 2019 Gamay and compare it to an imported competitor at the same price. Then buy it because it is an exceptionally well-made and delicious wine AND the best choice for the environment.