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Spottswoode’s Novak Family and Opus One’s Michael Silacci Donate Extraordinary Wine Collections to Support Critical Sustainability Work
NAPA, CA, UNITED STATES, September 4, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — Two unprecedented “Fine and Rare Wines” donations to Christie’s Auction House will benefit Napa Green, the region’s leading sustainability and climate action nonprofit. These extraordinary gifts are deeply impactful, and come at a pivotal moment as the nonprofit navigates the loss of a significant federal grant earlier this year.
In celebration of their 40th anniversary vintage, the Novak family of Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery has donated a complete 40-vintage vertical collection of their Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (1982-2021), plus an invitation to their exclusive annual vertical tasting. Separately, Michael Silacci, celebrated winemaker of Opus One, has personally donated 19 Opus One magnums from his private collection, each hand-signed with comments on the vintage, they represent nearly two decades of the iconic wine’s evolution. The lot includes an exclusive Opus One Harvest Experience for four at Opus One.
“Napa Green plays a vital, fundamental role in grape growing within and beyond the vineyard boundaries in Napa Valley,” said Michael Silacci. “The team, comprised of experts in all essential elements of farming and stewardship, provides education, guidance, and holds us accountable. Year after year they continue to evolve and challenge us to be better citizens. I want to do all I can to help Napa Green rise. Napa Green not only strengthens our community but also inspires a deeper sense of purpose – within ourselves, and in how we care for the land we love so dearly.”
Molly Sheppard of Spottswoode, added, “As we celebrate 40 years of organic farming and work to change paradigms and build resilience through regenerative systems, we see Napa Green as a vital partner in expanding that mission across the wine industry. This auction isn’t just about Spottswoode’s history; it’s an investment in the future of winegrowing that prioritizes the health of our natural environment, our workers, and our community. With recent funding shifts, supporting organizations we believe in is more critical than ever, and Spottswoode is honored to contribute to Napa Green’s efforts.”
A Critical Moment for Environmental Leadership
The timing of these donations underscores the wine industry’s recognition of Napa Green’s indispensable role in helping growers and vintners build resilience and continuously level up their leadership. Since losing substantial federal funding this spring, Napa Green has faced significant financial pressures that undermine its ability to continue pioneering work forwarding regenerative farming, climate smart winemaking, and rigorous third-party certification.
“Climate change poses unprecedented challenges to wine growing regions worldwide,” said Napa Green Executive Director Anna Brittain. “Our programs—from enhancing soil health and biodiversity, to water conservation and energy savings—provide expert roadmaps helping vintners build resilience and safeguard the future of this land. These donations demonstrate that our industry leaders understand the important role we play in ensuring the long-term viability of our region and industry.”
About the Auction and Community Support
Christie’s Fine and Rare Wines Online Auction launches September 4, with these unprecedented lots open for bids for two weeks. The Spottswoode vertical offers an incredible journey through 40 years of organic and regenerative excellence. The Opus One collection is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a vertical of 19 vintages hand-selected from Michael Silacci’s private collection and each bearing his signature, making this offering as personal as it is rare.
Napa Green encourages broader community support through the auction, direct donations, and by choosing wines from certified producers. Brittain notes, “We all have purchasing power. Let’s use our dollars to support businesses whose values extend well beyond the bottom line.”
The Napa Green nonprofit offers high-value, below-cost expert consulting to support growers & vintners in cultivating the most regenerative, resilient farming systems producing the highest quality grapes, and the most efficient, leading winery operations with the lowest possible carbon footprint. Together, the core team has over 100 years of collective experience in environmental & climate science, regenerative agriculture, engineering, winemaking, maximizing resource efficiency, communications and storytelling. They focus on generating cost savings and near-term ROIs. Napa Green is tireless in its pursuit to set the highest standard for sustainability and climate action in the wine industry, and, critically, provide the on-the-ground support to turn roadmaps to reality.
Anna Brittain
Napa Green
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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.
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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.
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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
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#greenbusiness #winebusiness #napagreencertified #napagreen
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Hear why Antinori is exploring the use of @hopenvironmental1965 soil compostable tie tape in the vineyard.
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