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Rod Phillips | Nuvo Magazine
Napa ValleyΒ is green for much of the year, from spring, when the vines produce their new leaves, until autumn, when the leaves turn yellow before falling off and the vines settle in for their annual hibernation. But Napa Green, the regional sustainability program, is turning the valley metaphorically green year-roundβand not only the vineyards, but also the wineries, cellars, and all the commercial operations.
Like wine regions the world over, Napa Valley has adopted certification programs to help wine-producers do their bit to roll back environmental degradation and regenerate the land. Napa is a region where these issues are immediate. Periodic droughts threaten the viability of vineyards that rely on irrigation, and annual wildfires in the valley threaten to destroy vineyards and taint grapes with smoke residue.
Sustainability programs adopted by wineries are sometimes scorned as βgreenwashing.β But Napa Valley wineries know they need to take meaningful action, and theyβve madeΒ Napa GreenΒ a leader in the wine industryβs move toward environmental responsibility. In the vineyard, it includes measures to reduce water use, prevent soil erosion, reduce harmful inputs such as chemicals, and protect the habitat. In the cellar, it means saving energy and water, reducing carbon footprints, and maximizing recycling.
Itβs what Anna Brittain, Napa Greenβs executive director, calls a soil to bottle programβand it literally involves bottles, as producers are encouraged to forsake the heavy glass bottles iconic red wines are often packaged in. Glass, Brittain says, accounts for a huge percentage of the industryβs carbon footprint. Lighter bottles are good for everyone, especially people who have to carry cases of wine, but we might see the progressive return of corks at the expense of the easy-to-removeΒ screwcapsΒ that have become so common in the last 20 years: cork is simply the bark of a tree that renews itself naturallyβan archetypal renewable resource, if ever there was oneβand corks can be recycled.
But Napa Green is not just about stuff, like glass, corks, and water. Itβs also about the people in Napaβs wine industry. Racial and gender equity policies are built into the standards for employment practices. They embrace hiring, opportunities for advancement, health care, and salaries. As with vineyard and cellar practices, the program enables wineries to measure their progress with personnel.
What does this mean in real terms for wineries? Jon Ruel, co-founder and CEO of Trefethen Vineyards, one of the early members of Napa Green, embraced it enthusiastically: βItβs a project about your land.β An example of his sustainable measures: when one block of merlot was underperforming because the vines were too vigorous, he planted cover crops between the rows to βsteal waterβ from the vines. The vines soon balanced their foliage and grapes.
Ruel warns that βsustainability is not a destination; itβs a journey,β and here heβs in agreement with Haley Duncan, a member of the family that owns Silver Oak Cellars and its safety and sustainability manager. Napa Green, she says, is not a set of fixed goals but will evolve. One of Silver Oakβs projects was to install enough solar panelsβ3,000 of themβto provide all the power for the winery. The winery has LEED Platinum certification.
Napa Green clearly benefits the environment and the people who work in Napa Valleyβs wineries, but do its effects extend to the contents of the bottle? Does sustainably produced wine taste better or even different? Jon Ruel thinks notβnot if you think of taste in the narrow sense. But if you think contextually, and you know that the wine youβre drinking was made with respect for the land, he says, βit doesnβt justΒ tasteΒ great, itΒ feelsΒ great!β
These wines are produced by wineries certified by Napa Green:
Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay 2018 (Napa Valley)
Clos du Val Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 (Napa Valley)
Hall Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (Napa Valley)
Hoopes Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (Oakville, Napa Valley)
Revana Terroir Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (Napa Valley)
Robert Mondavi The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (To Kalon Vineyard, Oakville, Napa Valley)
Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 (Napa Valley)
Trefethen Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (Napa Valley)
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 atΒ https://napagreen.org/participating-members/.
Anna Brittain
Napa Green
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Applications for the California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards 2026 awards are now open!
Californiaβs wine industry is a global leader in sustainable practices due to the dedication of its vineyards and wineries in setting high standards for: π Environmental stewardship
π Being a responsible employer and community member
π 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
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
We are thrilled to be nominated for the @napachamberofcommerce Community Benefit Organization of the Year!
π³οΈ Cast your vote daily from now until November 21st. Link in bio!
#nonprofit #napavalley #chamberofcommerce
Congratulations to @phiferpavittwine on achieving both @napagreen Vineyard and Winery recertification!
Phifer Pavitt has mindfully cultivated a thriving ecosystem where every element - from insects and plants to earthly materials - serves a purpose and repurpose.
We invite you to book a tasting to explore their innovative Eco Barn, serene pollinator garden, and exemplary environmental stewardship practices. When you visit, you will discover wines that not only capture a sense of place but also embody a living testament to regenerative farming from soil to bottle.
#sustainablewine #climatesmart #napavalleywine #napavalley #winebusiness #sustainablewinery #wineindustry #sustainablebusiness #womenownedwinery #landstewardship #environmentalstewardship #regenerativeag
Congratulations to the 2025 @winebusinessmonthly Wine Industry Leaders!
We`re thrilled to see many of our members, partners, speakers, sponsors, and community leaders recognized for their innovative contributions and leadership in the wine industry!
Special thanks to @napavintners President and CEO, Linda Reiff, for championing environmental efforts in the Napa Valley wine industry by establishing the @napagreen program!
#winebusiness #wineindustry #environmentalstewardship #napavalleywine #napavalley
@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 βCircle of Sustainersβ award program as a way to recognize guestβs support of the sustainable winery. The tasting fees from each selected guestβs 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.
π· @soilrainandhope @tressabores @buddsocial
#sustainablewine #climatesmart #napavalleywine #napavalley #winebusiness #sustainablewinery #wineindustry #sustainablebusiness #winetasting #regenerativefarming #comeoveroctober
Congratulations to @fiordisolewines on achieving @napagreen Winery Certification. Fior di Sole β βFlower of the sunβ β is a family-owned and operated wine company located in the heart of Napa Valley, producing exceptional quality wines from Napa and throughout California.
Fior Di Sole is committed to minimizing environmental impact and fostering a healthier planet for future generations. They provide comprehensive wine services, managing the entire process from concept creation, packaging design, winemaking, purchasing, compliance, quality assurance, and bottling, all while prioritizing sustainability.
#sustainablewine #climatesmart #napavalleywine #napavalley #winebusiness #sustainablewinery #wineindustry #sustainablebusiness
@napagreen we believe that every purchasing decision is an opportunity to make a positive impact. Thatβs 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. Letβs tell a sustainable story together.
#winebusiness #greenbusiness #sustainablebusiness #greenpurchasing #purchasingpower #wineindustry
@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
Check out our incredible lineup of speakers who will be sharing practical strategies for building soil health, enhancing agroecosystem resilience, and producing exceptional quality grapes!
Join the two-day deep dive workshop, Growing Regenerative Viticulture, on November 18 and 19, 2025 @opusonewinery and @bedrockwines.
Open to @napagreen members and anyone interested in growing their regenerative leadership.
Ticket link in bio. This event will sell out so get your tickets soon!
#climateaction #regenerativeag #regenerativefarming #viticulture #wineindustry #soilhealth #workshop
Congratulations on achieving @napagreen Winery Certification to @camomiwinery, a family owned winery heartcrafting exceptional wines in the Napa Valley!
The @fiordisolewines facility, where they produce their wines, is not only water and energy efficient, they also maintain rigorous recycling standards. Beyond that, the bottling line is certified by @ccoforganic, ensuring that the production processes meet stringent organic standards.
#sustainablewine #climatesmart #napavalleywine #napavalley #winebusiness #sustainablewinery #wineindustry #sustainablebusiness
@napagreen has been a proud @1percentftp Environmental Partner since 2020!
Businesses and individuals can support Napa Greenβs critical work in climate action, regenerative carbon farming, and social equity within the wine industry through 1% For The Planetβs environmental giving platform.
We are grateful to 1% For The Planetβs 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
Congratulations @bellaunionwine on achieving @napagreen Winery recertification!
Powered by @mcecleanenergy Deep Green 100% Renewable Energy, Bella Union believes in minimizing their environmental impact, maximizing care for their ecosystems, and making a difference in the lives of their employees and community.
Explore their beautiful tasting room, featuring an artist-in-residence program, and discover the passion and quality in every glass.
#sustainablewine #climatesmart #winetasting #napavalleywine #napavalley #winebusiness #sustainablewine #sustainablewinery
Congratulations to these @napagreen Certified Members for winning the @greatwinecapitals Napa Valley Regional Best of Wine Tourism Awards!
π@sterlingvineyards for Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences
π @chandonusa for Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices
π @cliffamily for Culinary Experiences
Thank you for your commitment to excellence and sustainability!
#visitnapa #visitnapavalley #winetasting #ecotourism #climatesmartwine #sustainablewine #sustainablewines #winecountry
JOIN US for an inspiring two-day deep dive into regenerative viticulture, designed to equip growers with practical strategies for building soil health, enhancing agroecosystem resilience, and producing exceptional quality grapes.
November 18, 2025 @opusonewinery
November 19, 2025 @bedrockwines
This event is for anyone interested in growing their leadership.
ποΈ Ticket link in bio.
#regenerativefarming #regenerativeag #winebusiness #vineyard #climateaction #climatesmart #soilhealth #regenerativeviticulture
Congratulations @ilsleyvineyards on achieving @napagreen Vineyard Certification!
With four generations farming over six decades and over 100 years of history in the Napa Valley, the Ilsley family is committed to elevating their vineyard and farming practices. The Napa Green Vineyard Certification aligns with this whole property approach to farming, encompassing the full agroecosystem β from what is happening underground in the soil, to what is happening in the atmosphere, to how this impacts the broader community.
Thank you for being regenerative farming leaders!
#regenerativeag #regenerativefarming #wineindustry #sustainablewine #climatesmart #napavalleywine #napavalley #landstewardship #winebusiness
