Climate Action

Each of the other five pillars all contribute to climate action. Energy and water efficiency is critical in the vineyard and winery, and reduces operational carbon footprint. Similarly with recycling, composting and green purchasing. Reducing pesticide and fertilizer use also means reduced manufacturing, shipments, and costs, not to mention that nitrous oxide (which results from nitrogen fertilization) is 200x more potent that CO2 emissions. In terms of social equity there are considerations like employee commute and public transportation, as well as many examples where employees who work for leading businesses committed to sustainability will take these practices home with them, broadening the impact.

Then there are next steps in climate action, like renewable energy (first ensuring you don’t “solarize your inefficiencies”) and Electric Vehicle (EV) charging. As well as hot topics like LIGHTEN UP! – reducing bottle and packaging weight.

Here are some other examples of how sustainable vineyards and wineries are taking climate action:

Napa Green Certified Vineyards receive custom “Carbon Farm Plans” for each of their vineyard properties and commit to ongoing practices to enhance soil health AND store carbon. The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has identified “nature-based solutions” as one of the top 5 ways to fight climate change
Joining the Porto Protocol and committing to be a part of the climate solution
Opting up to “Deep Green” with Marin Clean Energy (MCE) and receiving 100% renewable energy from CA wind and solar
On average, 30-50% of a winery’s carbon footprint lies in packaging and distribution, so let’s dismiss this idea that “bigger is better” and lighten up bottle weights and packaging, which cuts material and shipments costs, and can reduce breakage
Rethinking overnight shipping and long-distance business trips, as air freight and travel is a huge source of emissions. IF you do fly purchase verified carbon offsets
Installing nitrogen onsite, eliminating bottled water deliveries, and reducing waste pickups all reduces trucks on the road, reducing transportation emissions

sustainability spotlight

"In the 2020 Glass Fire, we lost almost everything. We have a choice: to adapt and learn proactively or be forced to change by tragedy. We also have to ask ourselves if we are prepared for our vineyard to burn again. We have 100% cover crop and the dry grass may have been a factor in our loss. But we won't stop farming organically or remove cover crop, because nurturing the health of our soils is the highest priority. In some ways this is an opportunity. We will be planting new varieties better suited to high heat and drought. Ultimately, probably 50% of the vineyard will be more climate resilient varieties. Water has always been limited for us, so in replanting we are installing double drip lines for even more targeted irrigation. Each one of our full-time crew, most with 10+ years of tenure, has a dedicated area to manage. Any vines that are here today, and will be here tomorrow, are because of the team – their tenacity and dedication, their love and connectedness. We have to have faith that this place will ultimately prevail."

Ashley Anderson-Bennett, Vineyard Manager, Cain Vineyard & Winery