As a culmination of a career spent in the wine business as a Sommelier and now a Vintner, it is an honor to say that part of my daily life now is consulting with Napa Green in the realm of sustainability and climate action in wine. On this journey I get to visit many wineries and experience intimate behind the scenes tours & tastings with the decision-makers that run these legendary places. During this time, I’ve learned that sustainability is a beautiful way of life and business. These whole systems, regenerative practices are as essential and unique as the terroir we pride ourselves on here in Napa Valley. With that in mind, it’s truly inspiring to travel to different wineries and taste the fruits of their labor, to see all the hard work and distinct passion in what these wineries & vineyards do. What you may find is that it is unique from place to place and yet it is all connected in its endeavor to protect and preserve this beloved valley.
Here I’ve created an itinerary that showcases a rich variety of regional efforts in the Stag’s Leap District, Oakville and northern St. Helena. What each place focuses on varies in accordance with their distinct microclimate. These three wineries also have a diversity of style, size, production and profiles. This itinerary is designed as a south to north tour around the valley checking in with some great winemakers along the way from names known globally to one star up and comer. Away we go!
Ashes and Diamonds blends a mid-century modern aesthetic with contemporary winemakers. The winery produces a range of handcrafted wines that honor Napa Valley’s heritage with a modern-day flair. Its unique design and artistic approach create a distinctive tasting experience. A&D offers everything from Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon from mountain vineyards crafted by Diana Snowden and Steve Matthiasson.
Cliff Lede Vineyards is known for Cabernet Sauvignon and a commitment to blending tradition with innovation. The winery features a striking modern design and offers a curated wine experience that highlights the rich terroir of Napa Valley. But, if you are on the mailing list and in the know, you will find Jason Lede, Cliff Lede’s second-gen proprietor and manager, spinning records in the tasting room on a Friday early in the evening. Jason is a known Napa DJ who has performed at Napa’s Bottle Rock festival and countless parties at Napa’s best wine and beer bar, Cadet, in an alley off Franklin, downtown Napa.
Cliff Lede has a passionate team they employ year-round. During the slow parts of the year, they craft bird houses and paint them to attract birds and then compete and tally to see which houses get birds in the spring.
Oh! After seeing their water-thirsty landscaping consumption, Cliff redid their tasting room plantings from ‘English-insired’ to ‘Mediterranean’ to be more water conscious
(Disclosure: This is a biased recommendation! I have purchased Chardonnay from Hyde Vineyards and have known and worked with Larry, his wife Beta, and his son Chris for over 15 years. That said…) Hyde Estate Winery is renowned for its meticulously crafted, estate-grown wines from one of California’s greatest vineyards. The winery is deeply committed to sustainable farming practices and producing wines that showcase the unique characteristics of its parcels in Carneros. The wines offer an authentic Napa Valley experience that can only be described as salt of the earth.
Dan Petroski | Winemaker, Massican Wine | Board Member, Napa Green
Dan Petroski was born in Brooklyn, NY, and has the swagger and the accent to prove it. After attending Columbia University, where he played football, Petroski went to work for TIME magazine. While there, he earned his MBA. When the Wall Street Journal tried to poach him, Dan took a moment to reflect. He jettisoned to Sicily for a year, where he interned at Valle dell’Acate. While Petroski’s intention was to return to New York to sell wine, a harvest invitation in 2006 brought him to California. After harvest, Petroski was hired as Larkmead’s cellarmaster, ultimately claiming the winemaker title in 2012. Petroski spent nearly 15 years at Larkmead, but during that period he launched a white wine only brand called Massican, an ode to the Mediterranean and Petroski’s time spent living in Italy. Petroski’s approach and ability to craft wines as diverse as Cabernet Sauvignon and Tocai Friulano earned him the recognition as San Francisco Chronicle’s Winemaker of the Year in 2017 and Food & Wine magazine’s Drinks Innovator of the Year in 2022. In 2023, E. & J. Gallo purchased Massican. Growing and developing Massican to become California’s greatest white wine brand is Petroski’s primary focus now.
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This is not your typical itinerary by @abrittain – wetting your palate for wine producers that are difficult, perhaps impossible, to visit. However, if you are a wine connoisseur seeking exceptional wines from sustainability and climate leaders you should absolutely put in the effort to secure wines from these @napagreen certified producers.
📍 @dominusestatewinery
📍 @lailvineyards
📍 @adamvs
Looking for holiday experiences that create deep meaningful connections and support local, sustainable businesses? Check out our climate smart itineraries - you really can’t go wrong.
#winetasting #sustainablewine #winetastingitinerary
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This itinerary is ideal for a girls’ trip or a day out with friends! Discover the sustainable side of Napa with @goodfriendsgoodfood itinerary, which celebrates diversity and offers wines tailored to a range of palates.
These @napagreen certified wineries provide beautiful settings to connect over fantastic wine, all while supporting positive change within the wine industry.
📍 @domainecarneros
📍 @rdwinery
📍 @trefethenfamily
Looking for holiday experiences that create deep meaningful connections and support local, sustainable businesses? Check out our climate smart itineraries - you really can’t go wrong.
#winetasting #sustainablewine #winetastingitinerary
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This itinerary by Sommelier and Vintner, @danpetroski, showcases a rich variety of regional efforts from @napagreen certified wineries with a diversity of style, size, production and profiles, where each place focuses on varies in accordance with their distinct microclimate.
Be sure to check out the second 1/2 of this itinerary to complete your visit!
📍 @ashesxdiamonds
📍 @cliffledevineyards
📍 @hydewines
Looking for holiday experiences that create deep meaningful connections and support local, sustainable businesses? Check out our climate smart itineraries - you really can’t go wrong.
#winetasting #sustainablewine #winetastingitinerary
@closduval’s bottles from Verallia are 30% lighter than traditional bottles, which represents a 34% reduction in carbon emissions from glass production alone!
Lightweight glass saves natural resources, lowers transportation costs and emissions, and reduces the risk of employee injuries. Not only is it infinitely recyclable, it’s also beautiful!
Get a bottle (or several) of this @napagreen certified wine to feel and taste the commitment sustainability from soil to bottle.
#winetasting #wineindustry #climateaction #lightenup #lightweightglassbottles
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Get insider information and tips to make the most of your trip to some of @reyeswine.mw’s favorite Napa Green certified wineries with this exclusive in-the-know Itinerary.
📍 @rdwinery
📍 @sequoiagrove
📍 @schramsberg
Looking for holiday experiences that create deep meaningful connections and support local, sustainable businesses? Check out our climate smart itineraries - you really can’t go wrong.
#winetasting #sustainablewine #winetastingitinerary
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This itinerary, by Master Sommelier, @andrearobinsonms, will take you to @napagreen Certified wineries, where we can see and taste the commitment to our planet and our community that pays off now in great wine, natural beauty and soil health, while paying it forward.
📍 @chandonusa
📍 @grgichhillsestate @grgichhills
📍 @troisnoixwine
Looking for holiday experiences that create deep meaningful connections and support local, sustainable businesses? Check out our climate smart itineraries - you really can’t go wrong.
#winetasting #sustainablewine #winetastingitinerary
Congratulations to @twentyrowswines for @napagreen Winery Certification!
Twenty Rows crafts small lots of their Napa Valley wines, at the @fiordisolewines certified sustainable facility. These wines are not only made with environmental impact in mind, they reflect honest varietal character and showcase the terroir where the grapes were grown.
#sustainablewine #sustainablewinery #napavalleywine
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This itinerary by @abrittain will take you to @napagreen certified, tucked away spots, run by some powerhouse women, deeply dedicated to the stewardship of the Napa Valley.
📍 @tressabores
📍 @viadernapavalley
📍 @spottswoodewinery
Looking for holiday experiences that create deep meaningful connections and support local, sustainable businesses? Check out our climate smart itineraries - you really can’t go wrong.
#winetasting #sustainablewine #winetastingitinerary
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