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Keith Cousins | Napa Valley Register
Dustin Owen said he had driven past Celani Family Vineyards on Big Ranch Road in north Napa for years, unaware that the property held nearly 20 acres of vines and stretched all the way to the Napa River.
While working as a winemaker at a large Napa Valley winery, Owen was connected to Olivia Celani, the daughter of proprietors Vicki and Tom. Celani, Owen said, had been drawn to Napa and the wine industry and had recently taken on the role of director of operations and creative.
The winery had long relied on the expertise of consulting winemaker Mark Herold, but Celani began pursuing the idea of having a winemaker on-site who could be involved in other areas of operations. At the same time, Owen said he was looking to take on a more holistic role in the industry in which he could be involved in everything from farming to estate management.
“When I took on the role as the director of winemaking, I immediately noticed that the vineyards had been very heavily farmed using traditional methods,” Owen said. “Over the years, the vines had started showing signs of stress.”
A longtime proponent of regenerative farming — a system of farming principles that rehabilitates the entire ecosystem and enhances natural resources rather than depleting them — Owen began developing a five-year plan to change the way farming is done at Celani.
“This is like year 0.4 of the plan,” Owen said with a laugh. “We’re not doing the whole vineyard right away because that can be very impactful. It’s like completely changing your diet overnight.”
Owen’s plans for Celani coincided perfectly with the February launch of the One Block Challenge in Napa Valley, an effort organized by the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation and Napa Green, through which participating vineyards start pursuing regenerative farming practices on one block of their land.
“This is an incredible program, and there’s a lot of interest in it in Napa Valley,” said Jennifer Becker, an adviser with the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation. “We want to continue to be better property owners and better neighbors.”
On Feb. 12, Celani Family Vineyards hosted the first Napa field day for the One Block Challenge, marking the official start of the challenge in Napa Valley. About 50 growers, winemakers and industry professionals gathered to meet one another and the One Block Challenge team, as well as take a walk through the vineyards and learn how to begin collecting important data on their chosen blocks.
On hand at the event was Caine Thompson, one of the faces of the One Block Challenge. A regenerative viticulture specialist, Thompson oversees 15,000 acres at O’Neill Vintners and Distillers while driving major organic conversions in New Zealand and California.
Thompson told attendees that the mission of the One Block Challenge — to have 10% of the world’s vineyards practice regenerative farming by 2035 — is deeply personal. His father, he said, died due to overexposure to agricultural chemicals.
“We’re coming together today as a community,” he said. “Lean on the experts while sharing your own successes and lessons.”
It’s important, Thompson said, to bring the entire winery team in on the benefits of regenerative farming. As an example of promoting this buy-in, he talked about how, over the last few years, he’s done side-by-side tastings at his vineyards, showing everyone on the team the difference it can make in the wine glass.
After walking past a block of the vineyard being actively weeded by a small herd of sheep, attendees gathered at a block with freshly removed vines that were being safely burned in the background.
Napa Green’s vineyard program director Ben Mackie walked them through a series of tests and best practices for collecting soil samples and other valuable data, to be used by each participating vineyard on their journeys toward regenerative practices.
Throughout the demonstration, Jordan Lonborg, the regenerative consultant at Coastal Vineyard Care, chatted with attendees about his own journey with regenerative farming in Paso Robles, stressing the need for a complete change in mindset when it comes to viticulture and what a vineyard should look like.
“You’ve got to push,” he added. “You’ve got to collect data and really get an understanding of what is happening underneath your feet.”
Lonborg also highlighted the value of the One Block Challenge in putting together a community of like-minded wine industry members all pursuing the same goals. Although regenerative farming likely looks very different on the valley floor than on Howell Mountain, Lonborg said everyone can gain extensive knowledge from one another.
“There are some legends here that have been farming this way for so long,” he said. “Lean on the community. There are so many mistakes to be made, and this is such an incredible opportunity to ask questions and learn about some of the mistakes we’ve made.”
For Owen, the event highlighted his desire to help build a community of industry professionals dedicated to regenerative farming practices. Having Beckstoffer Vineyards there, for example, which has long advocated for more natural farming practices, was inspiring.
“They’ve figured out what is needed in their vineyards better than anyone else,” Owen said. “The efficiency they bring is crazy.”
Owen said he knows the only way for the industry to get to a better understanding of regenerative farming practices is through community and collaboration. He added that he hopes each participant can learn and grow from the others.
“It’s on us to make sure we don’t let this fizzle out,” Owen said.
For Celani Family Vineyards, Owen said the goal is a dramatic increase in the quality of the wines it produces. Although the vintages were already exceptional, Owen said he hopes regenerative practices can add an extra layer of nuance and complexity to the product.
“We’re doing a bunch of positive things for the vineyard, for the brand, for the community, and ultimately for the wine,” he said.
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
