The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has added two more names to its list of eco-friendly alcohol producers. Mountain Valley Winery and Tennfold Brewing have officially joined the Tennessee Sustainable Spirits (TNSS) program, announced the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. This initiative champions environmental responsibility among Tennessee's beverage manufacturers, particularly emphasizing resource conservation and reduced operational overheads.
Matthew Taylor, deputy director of TDEC’s Office of Sustainable Practices, conveyed excitement over the inclusion of new members who exemplify an exceptional commitment to sustainable practices. “We love the opportunity to recognize facilities and industries that go above and beyond in their commitment to sustainability and are excited to publicly announce our newest members of the Sustainable Spirits program,” Taylor stated. Operations in the wine and spirits sector are notably water-intensive, thus requiring more vigilance to curtail water waste and ensure eco-friendly waste disposal.
Mountain Valley Winery, nestled in Pigeon Forge, is no stranger to environmentally conscious operations, with Jonathan Ball, the COO, affirming their dedication to sustainable practices. “At Mountain Valley Winery, our commitment to sustainability includes sourcing local small fruits and grapes, and actively reducing our water, electricity, and natural gas consumption,” Ball said. The winery further contributes to clean energy efforts with a solar photo voltaic system atop their building, enabling them to sell surplus power back to the grid.
Likewise, Tennfold Brewing in Nashville has been brewing up not just beers but also sustainable solutions. Chad Mueller, the head brewer, emphasized their long-standing eco-friendly philosophy in a conversation. “Resource conservation and sustainability have always been key parts of our ethos as brewers," Mueller explained. "The TNSS program not only helps us see how our current practices are working, but also gives us guidance and a roadmap on how to execute more sustainable practices.”
Both establishments have been praised for meeting the rigorous standards set by the TNSS program and for serving as examples to similar businesses in the region. With Tennessee's abundant natural resources being a key ingredient in their products, local producers are increasingly cognizant of their role in safeguarding the environment for future generations. As the TNSS program expands, it continues to foster a culture of sustainability that extends far beyond the bottom line, with hopes that more will join the initiative to support a greener future in the industry.
