Anaba Wines: Making Wine with Wind Power

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A California winery is harnessing the power of the wind to make wine. Anaba Wines [2], named after the anabatic winds, is believed to be the first winery in Northern California to manufacture wine using wind-based power.

Last week, Jonas Energy Solutions installed the 45-foot-tall turbine. Designed for both homes and small businesses, the quiet Skystream 3.7 turbine has unique curved-shaped blades that narrow to a sharp point, reducing drag. Manufactured by Southwest Windpower [3], the turbine quietly, safely and efficiently converts clean wind energy into affordable electricity.

Anaba Wines founder and proprietor, John Sweazey [4], expects the turbine to cut the winery’s electrical costs from between 40 to 75 percent. The wind turbine will first power the winery’s tasting room. Eventually, the turbine will power the winery’s offices, irrigation system, refrigeration units and winemaking equipment. The system is expected to cost about $10,000 once federal and state tax incentives are included.

The image of the stylish turbine will be featured on wine labels. The turbine, installed on one of the busiest intersections in Sonoma Valley, is expected to attract visitors as well. A monitor will be installed in the tasting room for visitors.

If all goes as planned, the winery will add additional turbines in the future. The green winery will also be installing solar panels to harvest sunlight.

Anaba Wines

Besides offering a nice selection of handcrafted wines, Anaba Wines also hosts a variety of events including the Gingerbread Winery Contest and the popular Ugly Sweater Saturdays. As a sponsor of a canned food drive, customers who donate five or more canned food products can take part in the winery’s complimentary wine tasting event. All of the products are donated to the local food bank, Friends in Sonoma Helping (FISH).

Image courtesy of Anaba Wines [5]