As my granddad and I used to trudge through de-suckering his tomato patch, he would explain how the yellow flowers would soon become the fruit (vegetable?) that we’d gobble like apples. He called them “shirt-soakers” because that’s the result of this particular fresh tomato-eating technique! He’d also say things like, “We’re borrowing this land from you, and you’ll be borrowing it from your grandchildren.” That’s maybe why I’m so at home in the Napa Valley, where we can see and taste the commitment to our planet and our community that pays off now in great wine, natural beauty and soil health, while paying it forward.
I’d love for you to see this for yourself – or come back for a fresh look – and, along the way, taste the wine style diversity in our beautiful valley. So, let’s hit the wine trail!
One thing we know about the French is they have a nose for great wine terroirs. The Napa Valley was among them, with CHANDON starting here in 1973! They were also pioneers in putting out the welcome mat to visitors, becoming a model of wine country hospitality that our region is globally known and admired for. From the accessibly-priced signature tier of wines to the late disgorged and limited-edition bottlings, there is something for everyone. There’s also a vibe for everyone, from brunch-y to tasting menu-y to just casual noshing and tasting on the terrace. During your tour you may pass the Napa Green Certified, historic Trefethen estate, where Chandon wines were first produced while the winery was being built!
CHANDON is committed to regenerative farming practices, which aim to nurture the soil and maintain biodiversity on the estate. They show their investment in eco-friendly practices by using solar power, energy-efficient production methods, and water conservation techniques. CHANDON also supports initiatives that promote diversity within the wine industry and actively works toward inclusivity, ensuring their sustainability efforts are broad-reaching and impactful.
I love that the wines of entirely estate-grown fruit feature classic bottlings of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon, still offered at an affordable price point. Every region is indebted to the wineries that commit to superb quality, price-friendly wines because they serve as an “on-ramp” for tasters new to the regions and styles. Quite simply, you don’t have to bet the farm to try them! Speaking of the farm, Grgich is also a leading light in sustainability. It is one of the few wineries with Regenerative Organic Certification, which, along with their Napa Green Vineyard certification, goes far beyond vineyard inputs to encompass crucial future-forward commitments to social equity and community stewardship. It is also proudly rooted in the American tradition of immigrant opportunity. Co-founder and Paris Tasting winning winemaker (for Chardonnay) Mike Grgich came to America with a dream to make wine – and just a few dollars stowed in his shoe!
Special note: while I spoke to value, this is the place to budget for an older bottle commemorating a milestone year in your life or family. They are one of the few wineries with a library of wines. Quantities are tiny, so call ahead to see availability and pricing. It’s worth it – they age really well!
My itinerary intentionally jogs you, dear taster, between the bottom of Highway 29 and the top of the Silverado Trail, because this really showcases the stunning geography and natural beauty of our magical valley. (Watch for the many Napa Green signs to see whom else you might want to visit!) Jaime Araujo, the second generation of a renowned Napa Valley winemaking family, founded Trois Noix wines to further her commitment to using wine as a vehicle for meaningful social change benefiting both people and the planet.
The tasting experience takes place at Museion, a sweet little collective space shared by other like-minded producers, and is (was?) a best-kept secret in terms of value for the money – like the wines themselves. The purity of fruit and varietal expression is what I love about Jaime’s wines, because it makes them utterly quaffable on their own, and also really versatile with so many foods. Even the Cabernet, which has that Napa blackberry-cedar stamp, is something I pair with vegetarian dishes – a thick slice of a last-of-the-season tomato on crusty bread with basil pesto. Trust me, this is my job, and I would not steer you wrong!
Andrea Robinson, Master Sommelier | Wine Educator, Author, TV & Online Personality, Sommelier For Delta Air Lines
Andrea Robinson, one of the country’s leading wine educators, is one of only 25 women in the world to hold the title of Master Sommelier. The first woman designated as Best Sommelier in the United States, Andrea is also an honors graduate of the International Culinary Center and Sommelier for Delta Air Lines. She is the winner of three James Beard awards and was selected by Bon Appetit Magazine as Wine & Spirits Professional of The Year in 2004.
Andrea has written four top-selling wine and food books, including Everyday Dining with Wine, which won the prestigious IACP cookbook award. She has also created a ground-breaking wine stemware design called The ONE, which optimizes the tasting experience with a single, precision shape that is dishwasher safe, affordable, and crafted in elegant, lead-free crystal.
As host of her own online video wine course at andreawine.com, Andrea shares her knowledge with thousands of consumers and professionals each month. She has developed innovative beverage and hospitality training programs for Norwegian Cruise Line, Marriott, Starwood, Hilton Hotels, and Darden Corp. Andrea also speaks regularly to the travel trade, dozens of major corporations on the topics of sustainability and women’s leadership development, and top hospitality schools.
Andrea has hosted more than 100 episodes of her own ground-breaking television series’ for Scripps Networks, including the Food Network’s Quench, as well as Simply Wine and Pairings with Andrea on Fine Living network. She was featured on Working Mother magazine’s cover as a Working Mother of the Year, and she has been profiled in People, Glamour, Elle, NBC Nightly News, NBC’s Today show, CBS This Morning, The New York Times, Food & Wine magazine, and numerous others.
To learn more about Andrea, visit her website at www.andreawine.com.
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
@antinorinapavalley family’s winemaking legacy spans over six centuries. To ensure that legacy continues, they have a deep commitment to sustainability and the care of the land for future generations.
Hear why Antinori is exploring the use of @hopenvironmental1965 soil compostable tie tape in the vineyard.
#regenerativevineyard #greenbusiness #sustainablewinery #greenpurchasing #landstewardship