Partnership Between Organic Winery & Keep Norwalk Beautiful Focuses on Shared Values of Environmental Responsibility and Respect for Nature

Natura Wines, produced by Emiliana Organic Vineyards, the world’s leading organic winery, and Keep Norwalk Beautiful are partnering on the development of a natural planting garden at Oyster Shell Park this fall.

A partnership between Natura and national nonprofit Keep America Beautiful (KAB), which builds and sustains vibrant communities, includes a grant for Keep Norwalk Beautiful’s (KNB) project. The Natura grant will provide funding for this garden.

This garden consisting of numerous Feather Reed Grass and Dwarf Fountain Grass plantings, combined with “Henry’s Garnet” Virginia Sweetspire plants make a spectacular presentation according to David Shockley, Chairman of Keep Norwalk Beautiful. This native planting garden is situated at the top of the stairway at Oyster Shell Park, overlooking a majestic view of the Norwalk River, the Norwalk Harbor and Long Island Sound.

The program is anchored in the natural fit between the principles of Natura and Keep Norwalk Beautiful.

“Natura’s consumers are engaged and aware. They make mindful, meaningful decisions,” says Lauren Marano, brand manager for Natura Wines. “They also have a love of the outdoors and an appreciation for a pure lifestyle. The connection with Keep Norwalk Beautiful is a natural fit.”

As part of the Natura and KAB partnership, select KAB community-based affiliates will focus on local beautifying and “greening” projects, storm water management projects, and improving the overall vibrancy of outdoor spaces.

Most of these projects will emphasize native plantings, which aligns with Natura and Emiliana’s philosophy in the vineyards. The biodiversity of native trees and flowers is fundamental to Emiliana, as native plantings are naturally more resistant to weather and water conditions, protect the land against erosion, and help to reforest the estate.

“In our effort to build and sustain vibrant communities, it’s increasingly important that we focus on the planting of more ecologically appropriate native species,” said Jennifer Jehn, president and CEO of Keep America Beautiful. “Keep America Beautiful’s partnership with Natura will help us toward that end as we bring people together to transform public places into beautiful spaces.”

Keep Norwalk Beautiful is a continuum of Don Nelson’s vision of Friends of Norwalk Clean and Green. KNB was recognized as an official Affiliate of KAB in January 2011 and continues to carry out the mission of “engaging individuals to take greater responsibility for improving their community environments.{“

Natura, imported by Banfi Vintners, is the #1 imported organic wine brand and is produced by Emiliana Organic Vineyards, the world’s leading organic winery. It is a top 10 brand in the Chilean category, showing incredible momentum and the strongest growth trends amongst top players in the segment. Natura produces a range of well-balanced wines with new world style and sophistication. Certified organic by IMO, produced with 100% organically grown grapes and vegan friendly – a statement of quality and purity. For more information, visit http://www.emiliana.cl/.

Banfi Vintners was founded in New York in 1919 by John F. Mariani, Sr. and built into America’s leading wine marketer over the last four decades. The company continues to be family-owned by the founder’s children and grandchildren, who are also proprietors of the Castello Banfi vineyard estate in Montalcino, Tuscany; Vigne Regali Cellars in Strevi, Piedmont; and Pacific Rim Winery in Washington’s Columbia Valley. For more information, visit www.banfiwines.com.