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.
Help us celebrate this historic milestone!!
100% of @napagreen’s Certified Vineyard members successfully phased out Roundup, setting a new standard for wine industry leadership.
Thank you to all of our members for your continued leadership and dedication to sustainability. Your choices impact meaningful change in our industry.
#climateaction #winebusiness #regenerativeag
What makes the #OneBlockChallenge so special? Hear from @regenerativeviticulture Co-Founder, @stephen_de_mirabeau!
The first informational session is next week so come with your questions. Learn more or get involved at the link in our bio.
#regenerativeag #regenerativeviticulture climateaction
@napagreen is a non-profit focused on climate action in the wine industry!
This #GivingTuesday consider donating any amount to support regenerative farming practices, sustainable wine production, and strengthening our community.
#climateaction #nonprofit
Happy Thanksgiving! We are so grateful for our incredible members and their teams, the community, our board, and all of the people who support climate action by drinking @napagreen certified wines!
Cheers! 🍂 🍁 🍃
#climateaction #nonprofit #wineindustry
Join us @beringervyds Hudson House on December 11th for wine and updates!
At the end of each year we like to bring together our team, members, and community to discuss some of the highlights from the past year, and what’s ahead in the new year.
➡️ Ticket link in bio.
#community #nonprofit #winetasting
What is regenerative viticulture and where do I even start?!?
Last week, @napagreen and @regenerativeviticulture launched the #OneBlockChallenge in Napa, creating an accessible pathway for growers to start with just one block, while providing support and mentorship for regenerative practices.
To hear the workshop recording from @chuckschembre or to learn more about the One Block Challenge or Napa Green Vineyard Certification, head to the links in our bio.
#climateaction #regenerativeag
@napagreen has a @candiddotorg GuideStar Gold Seal of Transparency, which shows our nonprofit’s commitment to accountability. It also let donors see insights into our organization and operation to make informed donation decisions!
Our valuable climate action work cannot happen without the support of our community, members, donors and sponsors!
Want to donate or make an impact in another way? Head to the link in our bio or reach out to connect.
#climateaction #nonprofit #nonprofitorganization
Day 2 of our Growing Regenerative Viticulture event was amazing!
We learned about the onsite regenerative practices from @bedrockmorgan and @j_neustadt, heard the technical side of how these practices work from @chuckschembre, learned sampling techniques from @soilrainandhope, and saw the data and insights from @sectormentor and @grape_cowboy.
Thanks to all who attended and to @bedrockwines 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 #vineyardmanagement #oneblockchallenge #napagreen #regenerativeviticulture #soilhealth #biodiversity #carbonfarming
Today @napagreen and @regenerativeviticulture proudly launched the One Block Challenge in Napa, an initiative to encourage winegrowers to adopt regenerative viticulture practices on a manageable scale.
We heard from an incredible group of regenerative agriculture experts, practitioners, and leaders who shared valuable insights and success stories.
Thanks to our attendees, @opusonewinery for hosting, and our exceptional speakers: @chuckschembre @stephen_de_mirabeau @cainethompson @soilrainandhope @forrestellab and @hilarysgraves.
➡️ Visit the link in our bio to sign up for the One Block Challenge or learn more!
#regenerativeag #climateaction #vineyardmanagement #oneblockchallenge #napagreen #regenerativeviticulture #soilhealth #biodiversity #carbonfarming
Applications for the California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards 2026 awards are now open!
California’s wine industry is a global leader in sustainable practices due to the dedication of its vineyards and wineries in setting high standards for: 🍇 Environmental stewardship
🍇 Being a responsible employer and community member
🍇 Implementing innovative and sustainable business practices
We invite you to apply for the California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards to highlight your excellence!
Apply Now at greenmedal.org/apply.
#CAGreenMedal #SustainableWine #WineIndustry #Sustainability #SustainableWinegrowing
#CaliforniaGreenMedal #WineBusiness #Wine
What Do Consumers Ask Winemakers Most Often? Chimney Rock Has Some Answers
We love this @grapecollective conversation with @elizvianna, the Winemaker and GM @chimneyrockwinery!
#sustainablewine #winetasting #winebusiness #regenerativeag
We are thrilled to be nominated for the @napachamberofcommerce Community Benefit Organization of the Year!
🗳️ Cast your vote daily from now until November 21st. Link in bio!
#nonprofit #napavalley #chamberofcommerce
Congratulations to @phiferpavittwine on achieving both @napagreen Vineyard and Winery recertification!
Phifer Pavitt has mindfully cultivated a thriving ecosystem where every element - from insects and plants to earthly materials - serves a purpose and repurpose.
We invite you to book a tasting to explore their innovative Eco Barn, serene pollinator garden, and exemplary environmental stewardship practices. When you visit, you will discover wines that not only capture a sense of place but also embody a living testament to regenerative farming from soil to bottle.
#sustainablewine #climatesmart #napavalleywine #napavalley #winebusiness #sustainablewinery #wineindustry #sustainablebusiness #womenownedwinery #landstewardship #environmentalstewardship #regenerativeag
Congratulations to the 2025 @winebusinessmonthly Wine Industry Leaders!
We`re thrilled to see many of our members, partners, speakers, sponsors, and community leaders recognized for their innovative contributions and leadership in the wine industry!
Special thanks to @napavintners President and CEO, Linda Reiff, for championing environmental efforts in the Napa Valley wine industry by establishing the @napagreen program!
#winebusiness #wineindustry #environmentalstewardship #napavalleywine #napavalley
@tressabores is a truly climate smart winery. They hold both the Napa Green Vineyard and Napa Green Winery Certifications, with a holistic focus on regenerative and organic farming.
In partnership with @napagreen, Tres Sabores launched the “Circle of Sustainers” award program as a way to recognize guest’s support of the sustainable winery. The tasting fees from each selected guest’s experience will be donated in their name to support ongoing sustainability efforts by Napa Green in the Valley.
Book your visit now for a truly unforgettable sustainable winery experience.
📷 @soilrainandhope @tressabores @buddsocial
#sustainablewine #climatesmart #napavalleywine #napavalley #winebusiness #sustainablewinery #wineindustry #sustainablebusiness #winetasting #regenerativefarming #comeoveroctober
Congratulations to @fiordisolewines on achieving @napagreen Winery Certification. Fior di Sole – “Flower of the sun” – is a family-owned and operated wine company located in the heart of Napa Valley, producing exceptional quality wines from Napa and throughout California.
Fior Di Sole is committed to minimizing environmental impact and fostering a healthier planet for future generations. They provide comprehensive wine services, managing the entire process from concept creation, packaging design, winemaking, purchasing, compliance, quality assurance, and bottling, all while prioritizing sustainability.
#sustainablewine #climatesmart #napavalleywine #napavalley #winebusiness #sustainablewinery #wineindustry #sustainablebusiness