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Napa Green is the first sustainable winegrowing certification globally to require the phaseout of Roundup, and ultimately synthetic herbicides. When we looked for a roadmap and resources for going herbicide-free we didn’t find it all in one place, so we created this Weed Management Toolkit to support our Napa Green community and other perennial growers looking to cultivate healthier soils and regenerative farm systems.
Since Napa Green became an independent nonprofit in 2019, our goal has been to set the highest bar for sustainability and climate action in the wine industry. Our next-level Napa Green Vineyard program, launched in 2021, is unique in its whole-systems focus on: Social Justice, Regenerative Ag & Soil Health, Irrigation Efficiency, Forest Health, Climate-smart burning/alternatives, and Pesticides.
While pesticide and herbicide use is just one element of a holistic approach to sustainable winegrowing and climate action leadership, this leadership matters to our families, our communities, and our customers. As a world-renowned winegrowing region, producing the premier agricultural product, we must leverage our powerful leadership platform to galvanize change locally and globally.
Clemens Weed Knife
Pros: Lower soil disturbance, no soil inversion. High ground speed. The frame can also support a ‘twister’ type mower for a pre-knife pass, or a french plow for deeper disturbance. Single- or double-sided.
Cons: Low level of disturbance means weeds can re-sprout depending on timing and soil moisture. Not great with heavy weed cover. Can either be one sided (lower efficency) or, on flat ground, can have a second side, but might require multiple passes.
Sheep
Pros: Ability to manage the entire vineyard floor, even steep, terraced, and tight rows, without fossil fuels. Increased nutrient cycling, as well as soil and vine health.
Cons: Require knowledgeable shepherds to be managed/rotated effectively. Small parcels are inefficient. Damage to vines and infrastructure is possible.
Organic (OMRI) Herbicides
Pros: Helpful as a foliar spray when the soil is too wet to cultivate. Reduces weed competition in unfavorable conditions
Cons: Organic herbicides do not match the effectiveness of synthetic herbicides, but are another tool in the weed management kit. They are ineffective once weeds have fully established root systems and can be expensive.
Note that feedback is assembled from members who have used these tools.
The Napa Green Vineyard certification provides growers a beneficial roadmap for continual improvement. The process lead Dominus Estate to measure our environmental impact and, since we can only change what we measure, has strengthened our methods for interacting with our site's vital resources: soils, water, flora, fauna and people. Ultimately, this certification improves the grower's relationship to the land and deeply informs farming decisions.
Eliminating Roundup and other synthetic herbicides is a significant step towards more just, resilient agricultural communities and local ecosystems. A non-exhaustive list of the benefits: Farmworker health, Soil health, Ecosystem health, Community health, Consumer health, Consumer perception/Market demand, Visibility of Napa Valley and the wine industry.
Not yet a Napa Green member? Learn more about our leading certification, including our boots-on-the-ground consulting services for regenerative farming, soil health, and irrigation efficiency.
If you have any other suggestions for tools or resources please send them to vineyard@napagreen.org. Consider joining our Regenerative Viticulture google group, and Newsletter mailing list for regular updates.
Congratulations to @etudewines for achieving @napagreen winery recertification!
Etude Wine’s sustainability initiatives encompass everything from cover crops, solar powered facilities, recycled water use and water-wise landscaping, wetland and habitat restoration, wildlife corridors, stunning pollinator gardens and more. For a truly immersive sustainability experience with expressive wines with a holistic winemaking approach.
#climateaction #winetasting #wineindustry
Being with a community of people who are excited about biodiversity, healthy ecosystems, and climate resilience is good for the soil and the soul!
Whether you’re regenerative curious or ready to get regenerative certified, reach out to join this community! You’ll get access to support, resources, practical guidance, and incredible field days like this one @bedrockwines with @napagreen and @regenerativeviticulture
#regenerativeviticulture #OneBlockChallenge #climateaction
There’s still time to register for the @napagreen and @regenerativeviticulture #OneBlockChallenge informational sessions!
Register for either session at the link in our bio:
December 9th from 9:00-10:00 am
December 11th from 9:00-10:00 am
#soilhealth #regenerativeviticulture
@napagreen and @regenerativeviticulture partnered to bring the #OneBlockChallenge to Napa County winegrowers!
Tomorrow is the first virtual informational and onboarding session, so bring your questions, curiosity and excitement and hop on zoom to learn more.
#climateaction #regenerativeviticulture
Help us celebrate this historic milestone!!
100% of @napagreen’s Certified Vineyard members successfully phased out Roundup, setting a new standard for wine industry leadership.
Thank you to all of our members for your continued leadership and dedication to sustainability. Your choices impact meaningful change in our industry.
#climateaction #winebusiness #regenerativeag
What makes the #OneBlockChallenge so special? Hear from @regenerativeviticulture Co-Founder, @stephen_de_mirabeau!
The first informational session is next week so come with your questions. Learn more or get involved at the link in our bio.
#regenerativeag #regenerativeviticulture climateaction
@napagreen is a non-profit focused on climate action in the wine industry!
This #GivingTuesday consider donating any amount to support regenerative farming practices, sustainable wine production, and strengthening our community.
#climateaction #nonprofit
Happy Thanksgiving! We are so grateful for our incredible members and their teams, the community, our board, and all of the people who support climate action by drinking @napagreen certified wines!
Cheers! 🍂 🍁 🍃
#climateaction #nonprofit #wineindustry
Join us @beringervyds Hudson House on December 11th for wine and updates!
At the end of each year we like to bring together our team, members, and community to discuss some of the highlights from the past year, and what’s ahead in the new year.
➡️ Ticket link in bio.
#community #nonprofit #winetasting
What is regenerative viticulture and where do I even start?!?
Last week, @napagreen and @regenerativeviticulture launched the #OneBlockChallenge in Napa, creating an accessible pathway for growers to start with just one block, while providing support and mentorship for regenerative practices.
To hear the workshop recording from @chuckschembre or to learn more about the One Block Challenge or Napa Green Vineyard Certification, head to the links in our bio.
#climateaction #regenerativeag
@napagreen has a @candiddotorg GuideStar Gold Seal of Transparency, which shows our nonprofit’s commitment to accountability. It also let donors see insights into our organization and operation to make informed donation decisions!
Our valuable climate action work cannot happen without the support of our community, members, donors and sponsors!
Want to donate or make an impact in another way? Head to the link in our bio or reach out to connect.
#climateaction #nonprofit #nonprofitorganization
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
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
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
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!
🗳️ Cast your vote daily from now until November 21st. Link in bio!
#nonprofit #napavalley #chamberofcommerce
