COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABILITY
At SAMsARA, sustainability is more than a philosophy, it’s a responsibility. From solar-powered tasting rooms in Goleta and Los Olivos to vineyard practices in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, our team is committed to reducing our environmental footprint while producing world-class Pinot Noir, Syrah, and more from Santa Barbara County.
100% SOLAR POWERED WINERY & TASTING ROOMS
Both our Goleta Winery and our Los Olivos Tasting Room are powered entirely by solar energy. By eliminating dependence on non-renewable fuels, we reduce our carbon footprint and support California’s transition to clean energy.
As the Solar Energy Industries Association reports, corporate-scale solar installations in the U.S. offset approximately 7.5 million metric tons of CO₂ annually, equivalent to removing 1.6 million cars from the road. By powering SAMSARA’s winery and tasting rooms with solar energy, each glass of wine we pour contributes to a real, measurable impact on carbon reduction.
Source: SEIA “Solar Means Business 2018” report
Reduced, Reused & Recyclable Packaging
- Reduced Packaging: We eliminated foil capsules, historically used to deter insects but now unnecessary.
- Reused Packaging: Guests who reuse wine totes can enter our monthly sustainability contest.
- Recycled & Recyclable Packaging: Our shipping materials are made from 71% recycled content and are 100% recyclable, while bottles and corks are repurposed into art, architecture, or new cork products.
This closed-loop approach ensures our packaging supports both wine quality and environmental responsibility.
THRIFTY WATER USAGE
Water scarcity is a pressing global concern, only about 3% of Earth’s water is fresh, and merely 1.2% of that is accessible as drinking water. At SAMsARA, we are dedicated to minimizing water use throughout our winemaking operations. Every gallon we save helps preserve Santa Barbara County’s watersheds, reduces energy required for water treatment, and lessens our long-term environmental impact.
100% SUSTAINABLY-FARMED VINEYARDS
In 2023, we proudly achieved our goal of sourcing all SAMsARA fruit from sustainably farmed vineyards. Across the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, our growers use regenerative practices that protect soils, reduce chemical inputs, and encourage biodiversity.
By prioritizing careful vineyard stewardship over heavy-handed intervention, we let the terroir speak authentically in every bottle.
Eliminating Wasteful Capsules
In 2022, we surveyed nearly 200 wine club members about removing foil capsules. Over 90% voted yes. Capsules add no functional value to wine preservation, and eliminating them saves material costs while reducing landfill waste.
As wine club member Griffith Davies put it, “Approach it like your winemaking: sometimes less is more.”
Bottle Lightweighting for CO₂ Reduction
Wine bottles account for 29% of wine’s total carbon footprint, according to a study by the California Wine Institute. To address this, SAMSARA implemented two major changes:
- Made in California, not China: By sourcing bottles locally, we eliminate the 7,000-mile import journey and save 3 tons of CO₂ per year.
- Lightweight bottles: Moving from 600g bottles to 468g bottles reduces weight by 22%, preventing an additional 0.7 tons of CO₂ emissions during transport.
These steps lower our environmental impact without changing the bottle’s shape, keeping brand integrity intact.
Source: Washington Post article, “Lighter wine bottles don’t affect quality and are better for the planet”
Why Sustainability Matters at SAMsARA
By integrating sustainability into wine production, packaging, and hospitality, SAMsARA sets an example for Central Coast wineries. From Goleta to Los Olivos, our goal is to make exceptional wines today while protecting the land and resources for tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What sustainable packaging practices does SAMsARA follow?
A: We eliminated foil capsules, encourage guests to reuse wine totes, and use shipping materials made from 71% recycled content that are fully recyclable. Our bottles and corks are also repurposed into art, architecture, or new cork products, ensuring a closed-loop approach to packaging.
Q: How does SAMsARA reduce water usage in winemaking?
A: We actively minimize water use across our winemaking process. Conserving water not only preserves Santa Barbara County’s watersheds but also reduces the energy needed for water treatment and lessens our overall environmental impact.
Q: Are all SAMsARA vineyards sustainably farmed?
A: Yes. As of 2023, all of our fruit is sourced from sustainably farmed vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Our growers use regenerative practices that protect soil health, reduce chemical inputs, and promote biodiversity, allowing the terroir to shine through authentically.
