How Napa And Sonoma Vineyards Are Going Beyond Sustainability To Embrace Climate Positive Goals
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California wineries have long been leaders in environmentally friendly practices, because they recognized early on that wine grapes are one of the most susceptible crops to global warming. Indeed by 2019, 99% of Sonoma County vineyards were certified sustainable and 94% of Napa vineyards and wineries achieved certification under the Napa Green program. However, now both counties have established even more aggressive goals to reduce their carbon footprint and become climate positive – which is beyond carbon neutral, with negative emission reductions.

 

The sustainability certifications the vineyards achieved focused on efforts to improve the environment, employee working conditions, and economics – also referred to as planet, people and profits. Certifications were provided by third-party organization such as California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, Napa Green, and Fish Friendly Farming. However with so much progress, sustainability has become a new baseline for moving forward.

“Any continued actions we can take to reduce energy use in the vineyard and wineries will help to reduce our carbon footprint,” reports Anna Brittain, Executive Director for Napa Green. With this in mind, Napa Green has set a goal to work with certified growers to become carbon neutral within six years (2027), and carbon negative, or climate positive, within nine years (2030). 

Sonoma County has also adopted a similar program called the Climate Adaption Certification Program. “We launched this program in 2020,” states Karissa Kruse, President of Sonoma County Winegrowers, and are working with local vineyards to administer best practices to maximize the sequestration of carbon emissions.” Some of these practices include reduced tilling of the soil, as well as planting more native shrubs around vineyards.

These efforts couldn’t come sooner, because the recent UN Climate Report has confirmed that global warming of 1.5°C to 2°C will occur as soon as 2040 if the world doesn’t take actions to reduce carbon (CO2) emissions soon. The results of global warming have already been witnessed in the increase in severe weather patterns such as wildfires, floods, and extreme frost/heat events that negatively impact agriculture. According to the EPA, the most effective way to reduce CO2 is to reduce fossil fuel consumption. It is also possible to sequester CO2 in the earth by planting more trees, plants, and cover crops.

About napa green

About Napa Green: The Napa Green 501c3 is a global leader in sustainable winegrowing, setting the highest bar for sustainability and climate action in the wine industry. Napa Green facilitates whole system soil to bottle certification for wineries and vineyards, and provides the expertise, boots-on-the-ground support, and resources to continually improve. Learn more at https://napagreen.org/participating-members/.

Anna Brittain
Napa Green
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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

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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
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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

Open post by napagreen with ID 17996061032849778
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
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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

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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
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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

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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
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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

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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
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@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

Open post by napagreen with ID 17906432052126599
@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
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@napagreen we believe that every purchasing decision is an opportunity to make a positive impact. That’s why we actively encourage our members to carefully consider their choices, especially when it comes to branded merchandise. We are proud to partner with our sponsor, @jonahmarketing, a company that shares our commitment to responsible and sustainable practices.

We invite all Napa Green members and businesses committed to sustainability to reach out to Jonah Marketing for a custom consultation to help you curate a selection of sustainable merchandise that not only aligns with your brand but also authentically communicates your unique sustainability story to your clients, partners, and employees.

Every piece of branded merchandise you choose tells a story about your organization. Let’s tell a sustainable story together.

#winebusiness #greenbusiness #sustainablebusiness #greenpurchasing #purchasingpower #wineindustry

Open post by napagreen with ID 18100177270660330
@napagreen we believe that every purchasing decision is an opportunity to make a positive impact. That’s why we actively encourage our members to carefully consider their choices, especially when it comes to branded merchandise. We are proud to partner with our sponsor, @jonahmarketing, a company that shares our commitment to responsible and sustainable practices. We invite all Napa Green members and businesses committed to sustainability to reach out to Jonah Marketing for a custom consultation to help you curate a selection of sustainable merchandise that not only aligns with your brand but also authentically communicates your unique sustainability story to your clients, partners, and employees. Every piece of branded merchandise you choose tells a story about your organization. Let’s tell a sustainable story together. #winebusiness #greenbusiness #sustainablebusiness #greenpurchasing #purchasingpower #wineindustry
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@napagreen`s Executive Director @abrittain is speaking at @sustainabilityindrinks in London on Tuesday, October 21!

The event brings together industry leaders and policymakers to address sustainability challenges. Anna will join a panel on Labour Standards Across the Supply Chain.

#sustainablebusiness #sustainablewine #conference

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@napagreen's Executive Director @abrittain is speaking at @sustainabilityindrinks in London on Tuesday, October 21! The event brings together industry leaders and policymakers to address sustainability challenges. Anna will join a panel on Labour Standards Across the Supply Chain. #sustainablebusiness #sustainablewine #conference
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@napagreen has been a proud @1percentftp Environmental Partner since 2020!

Businesses and individuals can support Napa Green’s critical work in climate action, regenerative carbon farming, and social equity within the wine industry through 1% For The Planet’s environmental giving platform.

We are grateful to 1% For The Planet’s dedication to brining businesses and environment organizations together to support people and the planet!

Thank you to our 1% For The Planet Business partners @spottswoodewinery @patagonia @anarchistwineco and @mp_egan39!

#climateaction #regenerativeag #climatesmart #nonprofit #onepercentfortheplanet #environmentalgiving #socialequity

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@napagreen has been a proud @1percentftp Environmental Partner since 2020! Businesses and individuals can support Napa Green’s critical work in climate action, regenerative carbon farming, and social equity within the wine industry through 1% For The Planet’s environmental giving platform. We are grateful to 1% For The Planet’s dedication to brining businesses and environment organizations together to support people and the planet! Thank you to our 1% For The Planet Business partners @spottswoodewinery @patagonia @anarchistwineco and @mp_egan39! #climateaction #regenerativeag #climatesmart #nonprofit #onepercentfortheplanet #environmentalgiving #socialequity
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