Conservation, green and solar energy for Fetzer vineyards

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Conservation, Green and Solar Energy Mean Energy Cost Stability for Fetzer Vineyards

HOPLAND, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 13, 2001

As many of California's businesses scramble to discover ways to lessen the impact of an out-of-control energy market and skyrocketing energy costs, those with alternative energy programs and comprehensive energy conservation programs in place stand at a great advantage.

In the wine industry, Fetzer Vineyards, a winery leading the charge for sustainable business practices for the past decade, uses a combination of ambitious energy reduction programs, photo-voltaic solar panels, and 100% Green (renewable) energy purchasing to produce over three million cases of wine each year.

``Our contract for 100% renewable energy continues as usual with Enron Energy Services, so our costs are stable for the green energy we are purchasing,'' explains Patrick Healy, environmental manager at Fetzer. ``We have more conservation programs coming on-line in 2001 that will result in dramatic usage reductions this year in spite of plans to increase production.''

Fetzer also reaps the energy benefit of 90 photo-voltaic panels on the company's rammed earth Administration Building, which have generated 56,000 kilowatt hours of electricity in the past year, running at 98% efficiency. The electricity generated by the panels fully powered the Administration Building in 2000.

``We have been working to reduce our energy usage for some time now at Fetzer, and though we have made dramatic progress, this situation renews our commitment to do even more,'' said Fetzer President Paul Dolan.

``It is unfortunate that it takes a crisis of this cost and magnitude to make people aware of the critical importance of the limited resources we have and the need for conservation, but we hope that some businesses will see the advantages of making these changes that will benefit everyone.''

Located in California's Mendocino County, Fetzer Vineyards was founded in 1968 by the Fetzer family and is now part of the Brown-Forman Wine Group. Throughout the last decade, Fetzer has played a leading role in organic vineyard farming practices, as well as being a leader and pioneer in solid waste reduction and innovative recycling programs. Noted for producing some of America's most popular and award-winning wines, Fetzer has also received numerous awards for its environmentally responsible business practices. To learn more about Fetzer Vineyards, please visit www.fetzer.com.

Contact:

Fetzer Vineyards Sara Cummings, 800/945-9463, ext. 7426 Sara_Cummings@B-F.com

-- Swissrose (cellier@azstarnet.com), February 13, 2001

Answers

Green wine. Right on.

-- spider (spider0@usa.net), February 13, 2001.

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