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Anna Brittain | Napa Green
If not here, where?
Napa County can and should be the wine industry leader in sustainability and climate action. Our region and wines capture global attention; this means we can be an outsize force for change.
This is why I, along with Martin Reyes, MW, originated, organized and presented Napa THRIVES, a dynamic six-session event, held in June, that was designed to spur critical regional climate action within the wine industry. The efforts of the organizers were aided by co-sponsors, community supporters and an energetic planning committee.
The Napa THRIVES programs were organized around Napa Green’s “Six Pillars of Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership.” These include energy efficiency, waste prevention, water efficiency, social equity, integrated pest management and climate action. The Six Pillars serve as the foundation for Napa Green’s vineyard and winery certification standards. (http://34.229.46.156/)
Nearly 600 guests and dozens of renowned speakers gathered together at the Charles Krug Winery Carriage House in St. Helena where community-building around the concept of sustainability became a reality. The THRIVES experience deepened existing relationships, ignited new conversations, forged a shared sense of purpose, and led several industry leaders to commit to purposeful action in the near and long term.
Examples of these commitments included the following:
— Chimney Rock Winery will explore installing electric vehicle chargers and the possibility of using lighter-weight glass bottles for their wines.
— Crocker & Starr is in the process of obtaining Napa Green Vineyard certification, including taking action to maximize irrigation efficiency, and is also divesting from lenders and investors that support fossil fuels.
— Tonnellerie Berger will seek greener packaging for international barrel shipments, and will facilitate a community initiative for local recycling and reuse of barrel packaging.
— Massican Wines will explore B Corp certification.
During the opening session Eric Asimov, New York Times wine critic, warned against “Pro-task-ination” – emphasizing how multiple daily tasks must not become an excuse for not taking rapid action to draw down emissions and build resilience. Asimov noted, “Wine has the power to educate and persuade — it’s crucial to use this storytelling power.”
Bill McKibben, internationally renowned climate advocate, founder of 350.org and Third Act, drove home the scale of the climate crisis and the unique opportunity the wine industry has to bravely engage with “HNWIs” — the high-net-worth individuals who visit and enjoy the valley’s exceptional wines.
McKibben observed, “The planet is way outside its comfort zone, and so we also have to be far outside our comfort zone,” by issuing a call to action, including divesting from entities that support fossil fuels.
Birgit Cameron, co-founder of Patagonia Provisions, an offshoot of the Patagonia apparel company, spoke about building a more regenerative agriculture by harnessing nature-based solutions. Cameron called this opportunity a “Delicious Revolution.”
Those who work in any branch of the wine industry and who are looking for a clear path to comprehensive, systematic sustainability and climate action are invited to work with Napa Green toward winery and/or vineyard certification. Resources abound to help business leaders improve the bottom line, develop action plans, and continually improve. Our dedicated Napa Green experts can serve as an extension of your team.
As Martin Reyes observed, “To call Napa Green just a certification program is to call Napa Valley just a place to get a drink.”
Together, we can leverage our powerful leadership platform and serve as a force to transform the industry.
The Napa THRIVES event recordings will be posted on napathrives.org/ by the end of July.
— Learn more at NapaTHRIVES.org and NapaGreen.org
— Enroll to become a Napa Green Certified Vineyard and/or Napa Green Certified Winery.
— Sign up for the Napa Green Newsletter: napagreen.org/newsletter-sign-up/
Napa Climate NOW! is a local non-profit citizens’ group advocating for smart climate solutions based on the latest climate science, part of 350 Bay Area. Like, comment, and share our daily Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter posts @napaclimatenow or visit napa.350bayarea.org
Anna Brittain has helped lead the growth of the Napa Green program for more than seven years, stepping into the position of executive director of the now independent non-profit in fall 2019.
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
+1 805-636-3329
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🍷 Our last itinerary for Cheers to Climate Smart Wines and it’s a good one! Thank you @frankfamilyvineyards, @aubergedusoleil & @seaveyvineyard!
Follow this itinerary for a stunning day in Napa!
Book your tastings at @napagreen certified @chimneyrockwinery @etudewines and @domainecarneros and stay at the luxurious @carnerosresort for a day that will delight all of your senses!
#visitnapa #winetasting #winetastings #winelover #sustainablewine #wineandfood #winecountry #winecountryliving
If you missed last night’s amazing climate smart wine tasting @klwines you can join us tonight Thursday, July 24 for another great lineup of @napagreen certified wineries @dominusestatewinery @chimneyrockwinery @domainecarneros and @beringervyds
You won’t want to miss this! Ticket link in bio.
#winetasting #winetastings #climatesmartwine #sustainablewine #sustainablewinery
📍Phifer Pavitt Wines in Calistoga!
A gorgeous family winery & vineyard that goes above and beyond in climate smart practices and quality of wine! 🍷
Can’t make it to Napa? Experience climate smart wines @klwines in downtown San Fransisco.
Join us Wednesday, July 23, 2025 to taste wines from @napagreen certified members @spottswoodewinery @pineridgewine @etudewines and @frankfamilyvineyards
You won’t want to miss this! Ticket link in bio.
#winetasting #winetastings #climatesmartwine #sustainablewine #sustainablewinery
Come join us this week at @klwines!! Tickets can be found at the link in our bio. Cheers! 🍷
😍 This one is a gem! Book your tastings at Napa Green Certifed @mummsparkling & @spottswoodewinery and enjoy a stay at the incredible @solageauberge!
Sustainability & Luxury truly make a great pairing. Cheers to Climate Smart Wines! 🍷
🎙️: @mvino1
⚠️ Don’t sleep on this one! Get your $15 tickets to taste INCREDIBLE wines from @spottswoodewinery, @dominusestatewinery, @chimneyrockwinery and many more at @klwines in San Francisco on July 23rd & 24th!
You know where to go ➡️ link in bio or www.napagreen.org. See you there! 🍷
📣 Calling all wine lovers! We’re partnering with some amazing wineries, restaurants and resorts to celebrate Cheers to Climate Smart Wines Month and we’re giving away an incredible ‘Experience Napa Valley Day’ to one lucky winner! 🍷
The winner will receive:
✨A one-night stay at @solageauberge
✨Wine tastings at @seaveyvineyard and @rutherfordhillwinery
✨A gift certificate to @charlies_nv
How to Enter:
1️⃣ Make sure you’re following @napagreen & @visitnapavalley
2️⃣ Like this post
3️⃣ Tag your favorite wine lover in the comments.
🙌 Bonus Entry: Share this post to your stories and tag us!
Giveaway ends Friday, July 18th. Winner will be announced here and contacted via DM by Monday, July 21st.
Legal Terms:
Must be 21+ and a legal resident of the U.S. to enter. Giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by Instagram. No purchase necessary to enter. Winner will be selected at random and must respond within 48 hours to claim the prize. Travel and additional expenses NOT included.
Good Luck! 🥂
Sustainability is beautiful 🌼
Experience this wine tasting itenerary for yourself on your next trip Napa Valley! 🍷
#sustainabletravel #winetasting #winetrip #napavalley #napawine #climatesmart #winelovers #cheers
Fairy tale like settings? Delicious, ethically & sustainably produced wines? Yes please! 🌸
#visitnapavalley #napavalley #fairytale #winetasting #sustainablewine #cheers #winelovers #winetrip #magicmoments
🎞️: @mvino1
🎟️$15 wine tasting with the winemakers!? Join us at @klwines in San Francisco July 23rd & 24th tasting @spottswoodewinery, @dominusestatewinery, @chimneyrockwinery, @etudewines and many more from 4:00-6:00pm.
Pick up your tickets asap at the link in our bio!
⭐️ Steal this itinerary!
Cheers to Climate Smart Wines Month is back this July and we couldn’t be more excited!
We have built some truly fabulous and sustainable experiences which you can find on www.napagreen.org and this year we have included hotels as well!
Tag us in your posts when you visit our amazing Napa Green Certified wineries so we can share your Green adventures!
Team Green is thoroughly enjoying visiting a few of our Napa Green Certified wineries today! 🌱
Pictured here are the STUNNING new Sky Lofts at @rutherfordhillwinery. We strongly recommend a visit, it’s spectacular!
Wondering what this sign hung outside of the winery that you work at means? Want to be able to talk more about what it means to be @napagreen certified??
Join the Napa Green Ambassador training at Clos du Val on Wednesday, June 25 from 9-11 am to learn the answers and more.
Tickets are free but space is limited so reserve your spot from the Workshops & Events link in our bio.
#climateaction #napagreen #napagreencertified #climatesmartwinery #regenerativeag #regenerativefarming
🍇 Do you want to learn more about what it means to be a Napa Green Certified Vineyard or Winery?
🍇 Do you have new team members who still aren’t sure what that Napa Green Certified sign hanging out front actually means?
🍇 Are you curious about this term that’s suddenly popping up everywhere – regenerative?
🍇 Want to know what exactly does it mean to be climate smart?
Join us Wednesday, June 25, 2025 @closduval to learn how to talk about being @napapagreen certified.
Use the event link in our bio to register.
#climateaction #wineindustry #wineindustryleadership #climatesmart #sustainablewine #sustainablewinery #regenerativevineyard #regenerativeag
