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Ben Mackie | Napa Valley Register
A few years back, when I first visited the Grgich Hills Estate vineyard in American Canyon on a cold winter morning, the first thing I noticed was the biodiversity. As I entered the gates, I was greeted by a plethora of bird species – a flock of redwing blackbirds, a red-shouldered hawk perusing the vineyard rows, tree swallows, goldfinches, and yellow-rumped warblers basking in the morning sun. I ended up tallying 24 bird species on one visit (with the help of the Merlin ID app).
Throughout the property, there are multiple islands and corridors of pollinator habitat, hives of honeybees, owl and bird boxes, and raptor perches. There are also flower and vegetable gardens tended by and harvested for the vineyard crew, an olive grove, and flocks of ducks, chickens, and guinea hens. The site is grazed in the vineyard by sheep and on the periphery by the neighbor’s Hereford cattle.
Grgich Hills Estate has also adopted the practice of committing four vine rows in each block that they replant to biodiversity rather than to winegrapes. They plant flowering cover crops and insectary blends, irrigate them throughout the summer, and curate the habitat in the vineyard. This is not just altruistic practices for the birds and the bees. The species planted also provide habitats for predators of vine mealybug, one of the main contemporary pest concerns of vineyard managers.
Given the total acreage of winegrapes removed in the past year in Napa (estimated at around 3,000 acres), if more vineyards adopt these practices, hundreds of islands of biodiversity would be established, increasing the health of the region’s ecosystems while simultaneously sequestering carbon dioxide. It seems that a truly resilient, regenerative vineyard looks a lot more like a diversified farm than a vineyard.
It has been said that we are currently living through the sixth mass extinction event on Earth. This one is not caused by an asteroid or a volcanic eruption, but by us – by humans. A recent report from Germany indicated a 75% reduction in flying insects in 27 years. North American bird populations have dropped by over 30% since 1970, 40% of all insect species are declining globally, and one-third of them are endangered. And the monarchs! Don’t forget the monarchs! The well-documented plummet in their overwintering population on the California coast is an annual reminder of an indicator species that we all know and love; it feels like they have become the ‘Save the Whales!’ rallying cry of the 2020s.
This is a decline we can feel within a single lifetime. I remember summer drives in the 90s, when the windshield would be plastered with dead bugs (RIP), but driving around now, you barely have to use your windshield washer fluid.
A large portion of the recent decline in wildlife populations is attributed to agriculture. The change from natural habitats to cultivated acreage can devastate native fauna, and the use of agrichemicals only exacerbates the damage. However, consciously-managed, diverse agroecosystems can actually support native birds, insects, and other allies.
Historically, when you drove up Highway 29 through the heart of the Napa Valley, especially in the summer, much of the landscape was a monocrop of grapes and exposed soil – not an ecosystem in which anything except the desired crop can thrive. There are certainly diverse, well-tended gardens around tasting rooms and where tourists visit, but there is vast acreage lacking diversity within the vineyard. There has been progress in the last decade to integrate more diversity in vineyards through hedgerows and pollinator way stations, and Grgich Hills American Canyon is an excellent example of enhancing habitat in the vineyard.
Napa Green is holding a walking workshop about cultivating biodiversity at the Grgich Hills Estate-American Canyon vineyard on the morning of Thursday, February 26th, with speakers including Napa Resource Conservation District (RCD), Monarch Joint Venture, Wild Farm Alliance, Napa Pasture Protein, and more. For information, visit NapaGreen.org.
Ben Mackie is the Vineyard Program Director at Napa Green and he would like to know what your favorite bird is.
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
