Leading wineries, distilleries and wine and spirits industry professionals across the United States have joined 100% Cork, an educational campaign led by the Portuguese Cork Association (APCOR) and the Natural Cork Council (NCC), to highlight the quality, sustainability and role of natural cork in the wine and spirits industry.
The initiative comes alongside the campaign’s US message, “Drink Responsibly. Choose a Bottle with a Natural Cork,” which aims to connect responsible consumption with the choice of natural cork closures. The campaign encourages consumers to appreciate quality products while recognising the environmental benefits associated with natural cork.
Paulo Américo Oliveira, President of the Board of APCOR, said the wine and spirits industries have long associated natural cork with quality and sustainability. He said the initiative brings together producers from across the United States to encourage consumers to choose naturally cork-sealed bottles while supporting responsible consumption and environmental stewardship.
Natural cork is a renewable, recyclable and sustainable material widely used as a closure for wine and spirits bottles. The Natural Cork Council, a nonprofit organisation supported by leading cork-closure suppliers, is working to educate consumers and industry professionals about the environmental and quality benefits of natural cork.
→ France Wine Production Could Fall to 70-Year Low Amid Heat and Drought; India Emerges as Potential Market→ Vinexpo Discover India 2026 Registrations Open for New Wine and Spirits Business Forum in Mumbai
The 100% Cork initiative has received support from a wide range of US wineries and spirits producers that use natural cork closures supplied by NCC members. Participating winery partners include Brassfield Estate, Eleven Eleven, Dry Creek Vineyard, Ehlers Estate, Charles Krug, Ridge Vineyards, Appassionata Estate, Rombauer Vineyards, Schweiger Vineyards, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Paul Hobbs, Hillick & Hobbs, Neal Family Vineyards, Abacela and Airfield Estates, along with Master of Wine Jane Masters.
The spirits segment is represented by Sagamore Whiskey, Chicken Cock Whiskey and High West Distillery, which have also joined the initiative to promote natural cork and responsible enjoyment.
APCOR and the Natural Cork Council said the campaign aims to bring together influential voices from the wine and spirits industry while raising consumer awareness about cork’s sustainability and its contribution to the overall bottle and drinking experience.
The Portuguese Cork Association, or APCOR, represents and promotes Portugal’s cork industry and its products. Established in 1956 and headquartered in Santa Maria de Lamas, near Porto, the organisation represents companies involved in the production, marketing and export of cork products and advocates for the Portuguese cork sector.
The Natural Cork Council is a nonprofit organisation focused on educating wine consumers and industry professionals about the benefits of natural cork closures. Its work also supports the production of high-quality natural cork, sustainable forest management and the preservation of biodiversity in Portugal’s cork oak forests
About the Author
