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An ideal day of tasting for me is three winery visits that give different experiences and provide a range of insights into our beautiful valley, while championing environmental practices that I hold dear.
This list is in no particular order, and represents some of my favourite (yes, I’m Australian and we put a ‘u’ in favourite) people in our beloved valley. This list is people focused for me. The ‘why’ behind each of these wineries and their teams is what I love about our Napa Green community. There are so many brilliant people in our industry who are able to remain buoyant and motivated in the face of a large and arduous task – making beautiful and soulful wines of time and place in the face of a warming climate – and they are the people I love to visit and enjoy the fruits of their labor.
It has to be said, while I’m on my soapbox, that people like Anna Brittain and the team at Napa Green (Megan, Ben, Sierra, Marisa and Meghan) work themselves to the bone to effect meaningful change here in the valley. Climate work is draining, and rewarding, and depleting, and life giving – and supporting Napa Green certified members supports the work of these incredibly hard working people, whose life work is to fight climate change through agriculture. So, with that said, visit wineries who inspire you. Who do good things in the world. Here are three that inspire me.
As I work for a second generation, family owned winery, I love to see fellow small, family owned wineries shine. Founded by Launny and Weezie Steffens, the winery is now led by their son Wes Steffens. The vision and love that Wes has for their property, their wines, their team and for Napa Valley absolutely shine through everything about Vineyard 7&8. I had the pleasure of getting to know Wes better through the Napa Vintners Leadership Program and when I think of Wes and Vineyard 7&8 I think of integrity, intention, authenticity and joy. These are the kind of people I love to support.
Don’t forget that when you are visiting a winery and enjoying your time, and the views, and the beautiful wines (Vineyard 7&8 has all of these in spades), you are also supporting the people behind that experience. They have a couple of adorable sheep named Siete and Ocho (7 and 8). They are Napa Green Vineyard certified, caring for their team and focusing on regenerative farming practices that build soil health, resilience, and maximize quality. Tastings are by appointment only, and the drive up Spring Mountain is SO worth it for the spectacular views up there! Beautiful people, beautiful wines, good vibes all round.
Well, what to say about Young Inglewood… Firstly, full disclosure, Spottswoode works with Young Inglewood as a grower partner and we purchase Merlot and Malbec from the Youngs every year for our Lyndenhurst Napa Valley Cabernet. But, I swear on my Aussie citizenship, I would be saying everything I’m about to say without that tie to Spottswoode. Family owned, organically farmed, Napa Green Winery certified and some of the kindest people in the valley… Scott Young and his parents, Jacky and Jim, farm their vineyard and run their business with a deft touch and thoughtfulness that is reflected in the wines they produce year in and year out.
The winery is gorgeous and tucked away on the western benchlands of St Helena. It is a warm and comfortable experience that’s wholesome and joyful, and their wines range from classic and cerebral (Estate Cabernet Sauvignon) to playful, fresh and interesting (delicious Rose, and their Aligote.. So good. If you can get your hands on some, do it!). I can’t speak highly enough of the Young family, and it’s one of my must stops for visitors when in St. Helena. Don’t forget, it’s by appointment!
A bit of a switch up in vibes with this one – Opus One is, for those who may not know, one of the benchmark Napa Valley Cabernet brands worldwide. The notoriety and recognition the brand has accumulated in its time is no mean feat, and the tasting experience is as grand as the winery’s reputation. But again, this recommendation is as much about the people behind the curtain as it is about the wine and the experience. Michael Silacci, the winemaker, heads up a team of bad-ass, smart and talented women (and many great men, of course) who I have been lucky enough to become acquainted with over my time working with Napa Green, as well as International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA).
Getting to know Michael and the careful thinking behind every decision at Opus is nothing short of inspiring. The work they are doing to steward their property and be industry leaders is to be commended – and seeing the behind the scenes of the work they put in and their team dynamic is something for all to aspire to. So, as much as you may not see this behind the scenes when you visit (you will be too busy being awe-inspired by the beauty of the building, the vineyard, the interiors…oh, and the exceptional wines) just know that you are supporting a team who is doing good in the world.
It has to be said that before a day of tasting (or any day, to be fair), a non-negotiable for me is an oat cortado from Model Bakery in St Helena (feel free to line your stomach with something delicious from there too – Oprah loves their english muffins for a reason, but sleeper option is their avocado toast). Ideally, you have your own keep cup to avoid a to-go cup going to landfill…
Molly Sheppard | Global Sales and Environmental Manager, Spottswoode Estate and Board Member, Napa Green
Born and raised in Victoria, Australia, Molly Sheppard has been surrounded by wine for most of her life. She attended Curtin University in Western Australia, completing a degree in Agribusiness, Viticulture, and Enology. After working in wineries in Victoria, Margaret River, and the Yarra Valley, Molly made her first trip to Napa Valley as an intern for the 2017 vintage and fell in love with the beauty and dynamic nature of Napa Valley and its wines. She returned in 2018 and joined the Spottswoode winemaking team as a harvest intern, becoming part of the team full time in 2019. For the past few years, she has been working alongside winemaker Aron Weinkauf as the Assistant Winemaker, helping to oversee the farming of the historic Spottswoode Estate Vineyard and the making of the winery’s acclaimed wines.
In 2024, Molly made the transition to Global Sales and Environmental Manager, combining her passion for environmentalism, winemaking and communications. She holds a Certificate in Sustainable Business Strategy through Harvard Business School Online and manages Spottswoode’s B Corp certification and environmental initiatives, which includes measuring Spottswoode’s GHG emissions as part of their IWCA Gold membership. In addition to her work at Spottswoode, Molly sits on the executive committee of the Napa Green Board of Directors, and was a part of the Napa Valley Vintners’ Leadership Program in 2023/24.
Join us in congratulating Megan Scott (@love.dream.breathe), our Operations Director, on 6 years at @napagreen. Megan’s positive attitude and “can do” approach to problem solving has greatly contributed to the success of Napa Green and our members.
Thanks for your work and dedication to sustainability!
📸 @brianamarieweddings
📍 @trefethenfamily
#womeninwine #womeninstem #climateaction
Thanks to the @naparegister for publishing this Climate Connection contribution from @napagreen’s Vineyard Program Director, Ben Mackie (@soilrainandhope) highlighting the biodiversity @grgichhillsestate.
If you loved this article, you’ll love our Birds, Bees & Butterflies: Biodiversity in the Vineyard workshop happening today!
#climateaction #regenerativeag #regenerativeviticulture
Friday night dinner dilemma?
Order takeout from @southsidenapa using promo code DONATE and 20% of your order will be donated to @napagreen.
It’s a win: win! You get dinner and @napagreen gets funding to contribute our impactful climate action work in Napa Valley.
Order online or preorder your Fried Chicken Friday pickup for February 27, 2026. Don’t forget to pair it with Napa Green certified wine! 🍽️ 🍷
#dineanddonate #nonprofit #napavalley
Join us Thursday, February 26 to learn about biodiversity in the vineyard.
🍇 Ivo Jeramaz, Winemaker & VP of Vineyards and Production at @grgichhillsestate, will welcome us to the beautiful property and illustrate the various implementation of habitat diversity they have undertaken at the American Canyon ranch.
🍇 Jo Ann Baumgartner & Sam Earnshaw from @wildfarmalliance will provide insight on how to maximize bird habitat and establish hedgerows to support the local ecology.
🍇 Erin Arnsteen from the @monarchjointventure will outline how pivotal vineyard acreage can be to support the dwindling Western Monarch populations.
🍇 Cori Carlson, owner of @napapastureprotein, will explain the ecological goals of grazing a vineyard.
🍇 Ruby Stahel from the @naparcd will join us to discuss the various resources that the RCD has to support habitat enhancement on Napa properties.
🍇 @soilrainandhope from @napagreen will talk about bees!
➡️ Ticket link in bio.
#biodiversity #regenerativeag #regenerativeviticulture
Learn about the herd of cattle calmly grazing the vineyards @ruddestate, contributing to soil health and biodiversity, in our latest post from @soilrainandhope.
➡️ Link in bio.
#climateaction #regenerativeag #regnerativeviticulture #soilhealth
Thanks to @naparegister and @kcuz for this great article about the @regenerativeviticulture and @napagreen #OneBlockChallenge field day @celaniwines.
We had a great time engaging with attendees about opportunities to implement regenerative practices in their vineyards!
If you’re regenerative curious or want to learn more head to the link in our bio!
#climateaction #regenerativeviticulture
Congratulations on @napagreen Vineyard Certification to @shadybrookestatewinery!
Nestled in the picturesque heart of Coombsville, Shadybrook Estate, has shown a deep commitment to regenerative viticulture and climate action. Visit to see the natural beauty of this hidden gem.
#climateaction #regenerativeviticulture #napagreen
We love the biodiversity in this @grgichhillsestate American Canyon Vineyard!
Come learn how to integrate biodiversity in your vineyard on February 26 at this workshop with @napagreen, @grgichhillsestate, @wildfarmalliance, @monarchjointventure, @napapastureprotein and @naparcd.
➡️ Ticket link in bio.
#Biodiversity #RegenerativeAg #RegenerativeViticulture
Congratulations to @rutherfordhillwinery on achieving @napagreen Winery Recertification!
At Rutherford Hill Winery, sustainability is apparent in all of their practices. The facility is 100% solar-powered and even contributes clean energy back to the local grid. Additionally, they prioritize natural solutions, like Owl Boxes and organic farming.
Visit to experience for yourself these exceptional wines that invest in our planet’s future.
#climateaction #winetasting #sustainablewine
Biodiversity is essential for any resilient vineyard.
Join us on February 26, 2026 at @grgichhills American Canyon to learn how to integrate biodiversity within vineyard blocks.
Experts from @wildfarmalliance @monarchjointventure @napapastureprotein and @naparcd will be on hand to discuss all the various species that a vineyard can support.
Ticket link in bio.
#biodiversity #regenerativeag #regenerativeviticulture
Learn how @closduval used Verallia lightweight glass to help reduce their environmental impact and meet their sustainability goals.
Read more at napagreen.org
#climateaction #lightenup
What a great #OneBlockChallenge first field day!
Not only was it a gorgeous day with a great community of people we also heard from some awesome speakers:
🍇 @cainethompson about the @regenerativeviticulture foundation and the implementation practices
🍇 Jordan Lonberg @coastalvineyardcare about continuous improvement and shifting the industry mindset
🍇 @soilrainandhope about the practical aspects of the regeneratives practices and how @napagreen and @naparcd can provide support
🍇 Dustin Owen @celaniwines about their their vineyard’s regenerative journey
Thanks to all who attended and to @celaniwines for hosting!
➡️ To learn more about regenerative vineyard practices or to enroll in either the One Block Challenge or Napa Green Vineyard certification, head to the links in our bio.
#regenerativeag #climateaction
Join our first @napagreen and @regenerativeviticulture One Block Challenge Field Day to hear from this great lineup of speakers, meet other participating growers, and learn how to take the first steps in implementing regenerative practices.
We look forward to seeing you on February 12, 2026 at @celaniwines to connect learn more.
Registration link in bio.
#regenerativeag #regenerativeviticulture #soilhealth
It’s hard to believe it’s already been 3 years since @marisataylorwines joined our team, but time flies when you’re having fun (and wine)!
Join us in celebrating Marisa Taylor, who is an accomplished winemaker and sustainability leader with over two decades of experience in the wine industry, and also the Napa Green Winery Program Manager, where she partners with wineries across Napa Valley to advance meaningful environmental stewardship and sustainable winegrowing practices.
Thank you for bringing your passion and positive energy to our team every day!
The team celebrated with our @napagreen certified #NapaNeighbors @rombauervineyards.
#winebusiness #womeninwine #sustainablewine
Join us for the @napagreen and @regenerativeviticulture #OneBlockChallenge first field day on February 12, 2026 from 10-12 @celaniwines.
This event is open to all winegrowers and vintners who are curious about regenerative viticulture but space is limited so register today at the link in our bio.
#soilhealth #regenerativeviticulture
Congratulations to @domainecarneros for receiving the @napachamberofcommerce Sustainable Business of the Year award presented by @mcecleanenergy.
Thank you for your leadership, innovation and dedication to sustainability and the community!
#greenbusiness #winebusiness #napagreencertified #napagreen
