Saturday, November 5, 2011, at Mary Agatha Furth Center in Windsor, CA, Don Wallace, President of Dry Creek Vineyard, will be presented with a Leadership in Sustainability Award through the Leadership Institute for Ecology and the Economy.  Don will be recognized for his role in sustainable agriculture as the head of his family’s winery in the Dry Creek Valley.  Commenting on the award, Wallace was quick to deflect any attention. “It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by other like minded leaders in the community.   However, my role was only to light the fire for sustainable agriculture.  As the saying goes, it takes a village and sustainable agriculture only works if everyone is pulling on the same end of the rope.” 

For more than 20 years, Don has been actively involved in sustainable agriculture in Sonoma County.   First suggesting sustainable grape growing to the Wine Institute of California, Don’s early adoption of concepts such as cover crops, soil mapping, water emitters and creating a symbiotic, healthy environment for the vineyard, have made him a leader among sustainable grape growers in the wine industry. 

The Leadership Institute for Ecology and the Economy is a Sonoma County non-profit dedicated to ensuring a sustainable future for California's North Coast.  The Leadership in Sustainability Awards is the North Bay’s premier gathering of sustainability leaders and supporters.  This inspiring event is critical for providing the encouragement and recognition to those who work tirelessly to create an economically, ecologically and equitably sustainable future for our community.  Commenting on Don’s award, Tanya Narath, Executive Director of the Institute said, “We are very pleased to honor Leadership Institute Fellow Don Wallace for his pioneering role in sustainable agriculture.  He has successfully integrated economic and environmental needs to create a strong business. Our economy and environment are healthier because of Don’s leadership.”

The purpose of the Leadership in Sustainability Awards is to recognize community leaders who have displayed remarkable achievement or inspiration in the institute’s goal of creating a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable community. It will highlight locally grown, organic, and sustainable food; the striking awards will feature renewable materials; and the event will support local, sustainable objectives wherever possible.

The Leadership in Sustainability Awards Dinner is open to the public. For more information and tickets to the event, visit www.ecoleader.org.