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Anna Brittain | Napa Green
As youβre driving through the Napa Valley do the bright green βNapa Green Certifiedβ signs ever catch your eye and you wonder, βWhat does that mean?β or βDoes that really mean anything?β It does. The Napa Green nonprofit sets the highest standards for sustainability and climate action in the global wine industry. However, βsustainabilityβ has become a fraught word. Itβs vague, itβs amorphous, itβs overused, itβs misused. Many now ask, βDoes sustainability really mean anything?β
For this reason, back in 2021 Napa Green established the βSix Pillars of Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership.β The Six Pillars are: I. Water Efficiency & Savings; II. Energy Efficiency & Savings; III. Waste Prevention & Supply Chain; IV. Proactive Farming, Soil Health & Biodiversity; V. Social Justice, Diversity & Inclusion; all under the umbrella of VI. Climate Action & Regenerative Agriculture. Essentially, Napa Green has created two intersecting leadership roadmaps that encompass these Six Pillars, with >100 leading Vineyard practices, and >120 leading Winery practices that growers and vintners have to implement (and be third-party audited) to swing that green metal sign.
Napa Green emphatically believes that a whole-systems approach from the farm, through production, to the people that make it all possible, is critical to meaningful climate action and impact. We see the Six Pillars as a filter that can be used to evaluate any business or organizational claims of sustainability and ask, βAre they really leaders? Are they really taking a whole-systems approach?β
You Mean Organic?
When we talk about sustainable farming or agriculture most people think of organic farming. We will delve into this in more detail in another feature, but if you think about the Six Pillars and a whole-systems approach, not using synthetic pesticides or herbicides, while valuable, is just one small piece of a much bigger puzzle. In terms of environmental stewardship, organic only relates to farming, and focuses on a narrow βdonβt,β without addressing broader βdosβ of resource use efficiency, climate action, and social equity. Napa Green Vineyard certification includes Prohibited & Restricted Pesticides, including a requirement that members phaseout Roundup/glyphosate-based products by January 1, 2026, and all synthetic herbicides by January 1, 2028, but again this is only one of six elements that certified growers have to address.
What is Climate Action?
Climate action refers to choices that reduce emissions (like using less energy and fuel), drawdown or sequester/store carbon (like compost and cover crops), and cultivate healthy ecosystems more resilient to weather extremes including drought, high heat, and atmospheric rivers. Almost all Napa Green certification standards relate to climate action.
For instance, the Napa Green βSocial Justice, Diversity & Inclusionβ standards include living wage, benefits, education and opportunities for advancement to help ensure that employees feel safe, secure, and listened to. This is foundational to building engaged and empowered teams that contribute to growing climate-smart businesses.
Napa Green growers implement βCarbon Farm Plans,β custom-developed for them by the Napa Green vineyard team. These plans layout opportunities to build soil health, store carbon, and cultivate more resilient vineyards such as reduced tillage/tractor passes, expanded cover crops that can attract beneficial insects, reduced fertilizer use, planting hedgerows that can provide habitat for natural predators like bluebirds and raptors, bringing in sheep as natural lawnmowers and fertilizers.
Napa Green vintners reduce water use, which reduces the energy needed to transport, heat and treat that water, which reduces emissions. They also βgreenβ their packaging, such as eliminating Styrofoam and opportunities like lightening glass bottles (reduced emissions to manufacture and transport), shifting from wood boxes to lighter and recyclable cardboard, and using natural corks instead of non-recyclable screwcaps and plastic closures.
This is a quick introduction to the Napa Green Vineyard and Winery certifications. We look forward to sharing more and spotlighting leadership stories in these monthly features. Here are a few testimonials from our members about what they get out of being Napa Green:
Anna Brittain | Executive Director ofΒ Napa Green
Anna Brittain is the Executive Director ofΒ Napa Green. Anna has worked locally, nationally and internationally on environmental management and policy with organizations ranging from the environmental economics think tank Resources for the Future in Washington, DC to the International Union for Conservation of Nature in Hanoi, Vietnam. She has spent a decade facilitating and growing sustainability in the wine industry, with an expertise in communications and certification standards. Anna has served as a lead sustainability consultant with Ontario Craft Wineries, Sustainable Winegrowing British Columbia, Crimson Wine Group, the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, and individual wineries including Benziger Family Winery and Seghesio Family Vineyards. She has helped lead the growth of the Napa Green program for over six years, and stepped into the position of Executive Director of the now independent non-profit in fall 2019. Anna has a Masterβs of Environmental Science & Management from the Bren School at UC Santa Barbara and a BA in Political Science and Environmental Studies from Williams College.
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
@frankfamilyvineyards is not only both @napagreen Vineyard and Winery Certified, they have also partnered with @4ocean to support ocean and coastline cleanups!
Check out this outstanding winery to learn more about their leading sustainability practices and this amazing initiative! π
#climateaction #winebusiness #winetasting #napavalley #napavalleywine #coastalcleanup #oceancleanup #visitnapavalley #climatesmartwine #regenerativeag
