Generational Winery's Commitment to Sustainability Grows More Than Grapes

LangeTwins' Aaron Lange speaks to the importance of holistic sustainability in viticulture

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Oct 24, 2016, 03:00 ET

LODI, Calif., Oct. 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2016 harvest has come to a close at LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards, marking the end of a three-month, around the clock sprint for Aaron Lange, VP of Viticulture Operations, and the entire vineyard team. The family's 2,200 certified sustainable acres produced average-plus yields and high quality fruit, which winemakers predict will take minimal handling to produce a memorable vintage.

Aaron Lange, VP of Viticulture Operations, surveys LangeTwins' 2,200 acres of certified sustainable vineyards during the 2016 harvest. The harvest began early due to a dry spring and summer, and produced high quality fruit many expect to create a memorable vintage.

There is little rest for Lange, whose daily responsibilities span his work as Chair of the California Association of Winegrape Growers, being a proud father of three, and ensuring that LangeTwins' commitment to quality and sustainability is maintained for future generations.

"Defining sustainability doesn't have to be complicated," explained Lange. "With every decision we make – from our environment and employees, to our community and family – we strive to reduce the negative impacts and increase the positive impacts."

This dedication is not only about growing more grapes. The holistic approach is evidenced throughout Lange's lifetime in the vineyard, notably by his initiative to repurpose 20 acres of the winery's land for use in a habitat restoration project in partnership with Audubon of California and Center for Land-Based Learning. The project gives students the opportunity to learn real world conservation skills by aiding in planting and maintenance of the habitat through the area's Student and Landowner Education and Watershed Stewardship Program.

"Educating the next generation about stewardship to the land – like my father, Randy, and Uncle Brad taught my siblings, cousins and myself – will always be needed," continued Lange. "It's important to be connected to where your food comes from, even if you aren't the one producing it."

For its pioneering efforts in the industry, LangeTwins was awarded the 2014 Platinum International Award of Excellence in Sustainable Winegrowing by the Botanical Research Institute of Texas and the 2006 Leopold Conservation Award for its work in riparian habitat restoration.

"The best part of all is you can taste the passion for the land in the wine," says winemaker David Akiyoshi. "And this season's vintage is a testament to the work Aaron and the team do every day."

About LangeTwins Winery and Vineyards
For five generations, the LangeTwins family has been a sustainable winegrape grower in the Lodi appellation of California. The LangeTwins Winery produces a collection of brands including LangeTwins Reserve, LangeTwins Estate and Caricature.

For more information visit www.langetwins.com, or connect with us via www.facebook.com/LangeTwins, @LangeTwins and www.instagram.com/langetwins.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161022/431521

SOURCE LangeTwins Winery and Vineyards