There are many creative and fun events on the horizon as we approach Earth Day. Those of you in California may want to check out Wine and Shine 2009, a  solar tour and wine tasting that features local wines and three innovative solar energy systems that are helping three featured wineries save hundreds of dollars in energy costs.

The event is Friday, April 24 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm and features J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Eos Estate Winery and Clautiere Vineyard in Paso Robles, CA. Recently, agriculture has been unfairly vilified for its lack of environmental stewardship and the participating wineries will be showcasing both their agricultural environmental initiatives along with their green business practices.

The event is sponsored in part by Conergy, an energy company that designs, manufactures, installs, and finances solar photovoltaic solutions for businesses and homeowners. There has been a significant increase in development and demand for solar energy through the federal economic stimulus package and the California Solar Initiative. These programs combined have the potential to off-set the costs of installing solar energy technologies between 80-90 percent.

For more information about Wine and Shine 2009 or to reserve your spot, email RSVP@wineandshinetour.org.