"Cork stoppers that come from responsibly managed forestlands are the only choice for wineries that want to have a positive environmental and social impact," said Jamie Lawrence, European Forestry Division Manager for the Rainforest Alliance.

"Willamette's commitment to supporting responsible cork production in rural communities in the Mediterranean is commendable and progressive, fitting of a world-class winery that focuses on making sustainable choices."

The Rainforest Alliance was responsible for awarding FSC certification at each step throughout the process, beginning with certifying the world's first cork forest in 2005, later certifying the cork manufacturing facilities, owned by the Amorim Group, and now certifying Willamette Valley Vineyards to help achieve this global first in the wine industry.

The use of cork is essential to protect the environment as wineries are increasingly using plastic stoppers and aluminum screw caps due to concerns about tainting, oxidation and leakage.

However, ensuring that forests are managed responsibly and are also economically viable plays a crucial role in conserving them and maintaining the culture of cork farming that has existed for thousands of years. Cork is renewable and biodegradable, and not a single tree is cut down to harvest cork. The bark of the cork oak tree renews itself and can be stripped off every decade to extract cork without damaging the trees.
Starting with the 2006 vintage Pinot noir that was bottled in July 2007, the winery will use only FSC-certified cork stoppers in all its bottles. The wine is currently available to consumers in the United States, with plans to distribute in the United Kingdom in the next couple of years.

"We think about every aspect of how we can walk as softly as possible in pursuing our goal of making world-class Pinot noir," said Jim Bernau, founder and president of Willamette Valley Vineyards. "The question is: What is the best choice for the long-term health of the planet? The clear answer is natural cork that comes from a responsibly managed forest."