NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Canada — Stratus Vineyards, one of the Canada's newest wineries, announced today that it has been granted LEED Canada (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification by the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC). Stratus is the first winery in Canada to meet this standard.

In announcing Stratus' achievement the CaGBC acknowledges the importance of the winery building as it relates to the pursuit of winemaking excellence in concert with a mindful stewardship of the land. "Your efforts have resulted in a building that will protect our common resources and environment over its entire life," said Ian Theaker, LEED program manager.

"We've worked without compromise to develop a winery model that is capable of producing world-class, hand-crafted wines in an environmentally-responsible manner," said Stratus Winemaker, J-L Groux. "To be LEED certified just in time for our official opening next month is an achievement we are very proud of and look forward to sharing with thousands of guests expected to visit the winery this summer," he added.

"Stratus Vineyards recognizes the growing demand from a concerned public that the wine community contribute to the ever-increasing need for responsible environmental behavior," said Charles Baker, Director of Marketing and Sales. Not only do the ownership and management at Stratus sincerely embrace this concern, they have helped set the pace within the global wine industry.

In order to qualify for LEED certification, the winery had to meet numerous criteria that reduced the negative impact on the environment both during construction and on a permanent, operational basis.

Primary features implemented at Stratus include: geothermal technology to heat and cool the building; the use of recycled materials in the construction and design; resource and energy efficient electrical and plumbing systems; a toxin-free waste management program; and a landscape plan that is organic and based on indigenous grasses and plants.

Stratus Vineyards is dedicated to producing ultra-premium VQA appellation of origin wines from its meticulously managed, 53-acre estate. With a focus on wines made from the assemblage of several grape varieties to create wines of complexity, Stratus is already attracting attention from the country's top wine critics. Stratus will celebrate its official opening this June.