Toast to Earth Day With One of Our Favorite Eco-Friendly Wines

What makes it eco-friendly: Etude embraces sustainable practices, including taking care to maintain the native flora and fauna on and around the winery's estate. This includes hundreds of California oaks, live oaks, and California bay trees, as well as native owl and fish populations.

Why we like it: This Chardonnay fits cleanly into the buttery Chardonnay archetype. That said, it's mild enough that it won't fully overwhelm those who are wary of oaky Chardonnays. Think rich, buttery popcorn with a touch of char.

Buy it: 2011 Etude Chardonnay

What makes it eco-friendly: Benziger prioritizes restoration of the land and biodiversity on its winery's estate. Additionally, this wine was made with grapes grown using (certified) sustainable practices.

Why we like it: Generally speaking we find wines from the 2009 vintage to be particularly tasty (it was a strong growing year), and this bottle is no exception. Simply put, this is what we like a Cabernet Sauvignon to taste like. It's food friendly, with soft tannins and smooth finish.

Buy it: 2009 Benziger Cabernet Sauvignon

Why it's eco-friendly: The grapes are farmed sustainably, and it's vegan.

Why we like it: Grassy with notes of lemon zest, this uncomplicated white has good acidity and would be a great picnic or party wine and is a great value (it retails for about $11).

Buy it: Look for it at Whole Foods Market (it's exclusively sold there).

What makes it eco-friendly: The bottle's cork is sustainably grown, its label is made with 100 percent recycled paper, and the bottles are made using clean-burning natural gas.

Why we like it: Like Dave Matthews Band — The Dreaming Tree is Dave Matthews's line of wine — this wine is superapproachable and will appeal to a broad range of consumers. A light-bodied, well-rounded red, it has a long, mouth-watering finish and a sweet aroma of ripe strawberries.

Buy it: 2010 The Dreaming Tree Crush

What makes it eco-friendly: In partnership with Trees For the Future, Trinity Oaks' One Bottle One Tree program funds planting a tree for every bottle of wine sold. Additionally, Trinity Oaks' bottle labels and marketing materials are made from 100 percent post-consumer-recycled paper, and the corks are recyclable.

Why we like it: The lemonade of wines, this bright, honeysuckle-perfumed white is tart, clean, uncomplicated, and a great palate cleanser. It's perfectly suited to day drinking.

Buy it: 2012 Trinity Oaks Pinot Grigio

What makes it eco-friendly: Etude embraces sustainable practices, including taking care to maintain the native flora and fauna on and around the winery's estate. This includes hundreds of California oaks, live oaks, and California bay trees, as well as native owl and fish populations.

Why we like it: Notes of honey, soy sauce, beef jerky, and the campfire make this smoky, medium-bodied Pinot Noir an ideal pairing for grilled meats.

Buy it: 2011 Etude Pinot Noir

What makes it eco-friendly: Estancia's winery is partially powered by solar energy, and its tractors run on biodiesel fuel.

Why we like it: This Coastal California wine has a real sense of place (terroir in wine speak). A briny funk gives way to a wine with strong minerality and a soft, creamy finish.

Buy it: 2012 Estancia Chardonnay