Grow Local, Go Local!

Did you know that Ponte Winery is a drop-off location for the Inland Empire’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)? CSAs can be found nation-wide and are partnerships in which a consumer buys shares in a farm’s harvest. In return for the investment, the consumer receives a box, or share of fresh fruits and vegetables each week throughout the season. The Inland Empire CSA is unique because it is made up of two farms, De Luz Farm and Nursery, that grows many tree crops such as citrus, avocado, and guava, and Sage Mountain Farms who provides The Smokehouse Restaurant with most of its organic produce such as potatoes, lettuce, beans and carrots. The winery serves as a CSA pick-up location every Tuesday from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

“Being a member of the CSA is fun and educational for my family,” explains Direct Sales Manager Ragan Erickson. “We are thrilled to support their efforts because they are providing our community with an affordable and earth-friendly way to purchase organic fruits and vegetables.”

Not only do CSA supporters receive a weekly box of produce, but the CSA also sends recipes for almost everything in the box so you can try new dishes every night with your produce. By supporting your local CSA, you are reducing fuel emissions since the vegetables do not have to be trucked in from afar. You are also keeping your dollar in the local economy.

Many Ponte Winery associates have already signed up as CSA members and we’re hoping we can inspire you to find a CSA in your local community to support, too. If you pick up your produce at the Restaurant, why not stay for a glass of wine and an appetizer?

As always, we thank you for your continuous support on our “green” endeavors here at the winery. You can learn more about Ponte Winery’s green efforts in our Sustainability section at www.pontewinery.com.

For more information about the Inland Empire CSA, visit www.InlandEmpireCSA.com. To find a CSA near you, visit www.localharvest.org/csa.

Buon appetito, al fresco!