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Napa Green | Champion Story
Chateau Montelena Winery is a stone building nearly 130 years old. But that doesn’t stop winemaker Matt Crafton and members of their leadership team from implementing cutting edge technologies that save energy, water and money while maintaining the integrity of this historic building.
The winery has both Napa Green Land and Winery certifications, but they wanted to further improve efficiency. Matt notes, “Solar is glamorous, but it’s pushing the green ‘easy’ button. Real savings come in the details.” For example, staff noticed when the tasting room is busy, it gets stuffy, requiring more air conditioning. The solution? MacroAir fans with blades shaped like airplane wings. They are low speed, quiet and circulate air efficiently, allowing Chateau Montelena to increase the thermostat 2-4 degrees in summer. “We were the first winery to have this high-tech system. Fans are $3,000 each, but with HVAC savings and customer comfort it was worth it. The fans keep the air dry as well, reducing humidity. It’s a win-win.”
Harvest presented another opportunity for conservation, when the winery simultaneously has high demand for hot water and is generating the most heat. By installing Therma-Stor heat exchangers on their hot glycol system, Chateau Montelena captures waste heat using it to reheat water. Matt says, “Well water is 52 degrees and our waste heat brings it to 110 degrees. Instead of heating water from 50 to 160 or 180 degrees, it only has to go up from 110. This was easy and low cost.”
Other measures range from simple to high-tech. Chateau Montelena found new, decorative LED filament bulbs for their chandeliers, which last for three-plus years, replacing incandescent bulbs that lasted just three months. They were the first winery to install the cutting edge DC Fast station Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers a few years ago. In 2016 they upgraded to Tesla 277 volt stations, providing the fastest Tesla charge available in the valley, along with a universal EV charging station.
The winery is also focused on water efficiency. They worked with Tule Technologies to install vineyard water sensors that measure evapotranspiration and real-time water use, providing immediate feedback on vine stress. Matt notes, “We dry farm the majority of our vines, but if we do water we know exactly how much to irrigate. The sensors are cost-effective – less than $1,000 each. If you save a gallon of water per vine in a 100-acre vineyard, you’re saving 100,000 gallons.
Napa Green is a global leader in sustainable winegrowing, setting the highest bar for sustainability and climate action in the wine industry. Napa Green facilitates systematic soil to bottle certification for wineries and vineyards, and provides the resources, tools and connections to continuously level up leadership. In 2021, Napa Green was the first sustainable winegrowing program in the world to redevelop Vineyard certification standards to focus on climate action, regenerative carbon farming, and social equity. In 2022, Napa Green and community partners launched the first of its kind, six-event RISE Climate & Wine Symposium (formerly THRIVES) with over 65 leading speakers and 40 “Sustainable Services & Solutions” partners and sponsors.
What a great #OneBlockChallenge first field day!
Not only was it a gorgeous day with a great community of people we also heard from some awesome speakers:
🍇 @cainethompson about the @regenerativeviticulture foundation and the implementation practices
🍇 Jordan Lonberg @coastalvineyardcare about continuous improvement and shifting the industry mindset
🍇 @soilrainandhope about the practical aspects of the regeneratives practices and how @napagreen and @naparcd can provide support
🍇 Dustin Owen @celaniwines about their their vineyard’s regenerative journey
Thanks to all who attended and to @celaniwines 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
Join our first @napagreen and @regenerativeviticulture One Block Challenge Field Day to hear from this great lineup of speakers, meet other participating growers, and learn how to take the first steps in implementing regenerative practices.
We look forward to seeing you on February 12, 2026 at @celaniwines to connect learn more.
Registration link in bio.
#regenerativeag #regenerativeviticulture #soilhealth
It’s hard to believe it’s already been 3 years since @marisataylorwines joined our team, but time flies when you’re having fun (and wine)!
Join us in celebrating Marisa Taylor, who is an accomplished winemaker and sustainability leader with over two decades of experience in the wine industry, and also the Napa Green Winery Program Manager, where she partners with wineries across Napa Valley to advance meaningful environmental stewardship and sustainable winegrowing practices.
Thank you for bringing your passion and positive energy to our team every day!
The team celebrated with our @napagreen certified #NapaNeighbors @rombauervineyards.
#winebusiness #womeninwine #sustainablewine
Join us for the @napagreen and @regenerativeviticulture #OneBlockChallenge first field day on February 12, 2026 from 10-12 @celaniwines.
This event is open to all winegrowers and vintners who are curious about regenerative viticulture but space is limited so register today at the link in our bio.
#soilhealth #regenerativeviticulture
Congratulations to @domainecarneros for receiving the @napachamberofcommerce Sustainable Business of the Year award presented by @mcecleanenergy.
Thank you for your leadership, innovation and dedication to sustainability and the community!
#greenbusiness #winebusiness #napagreencertified #napagreen
@antinorinapavalley family’s winemaking legacy spans over six centuries. To ensure that legacy continues, they have a deep commitment to sustainability and the care of the land for future generations.
Hear why Antinori is exploring the use of @hopenvironmental1965 soil compostable tie tape in the vineyard.
#regenerativevineyard #greenbusiness #sustainablewinery #greenpurchasing #landstewardship
‼️ Save this Itinerary ‼️
@mvino1 has spent her career in the wine business telling the unique stories of wineries and as a Sommelier and Vintner. Here she has created an itinerary that showcases a rich variety of regional efforts in the Stag’s Leap District, Oakville and northern St. Helena. Check it out to experience the whole systems, regenerative practices at each of these @napagreen certified wineries that are as essential and unique as the terroir we pride ourselves on here in Napa Valley.
📍 @chimneyrockwinery
📍 @bcellars
📍 @boeschenvineyards
Visit these wineries to create deep meaningful connections and support local, sustainable businesses. Check out our climate smart itineraries - you really can’t go wrong.
#winetasting #sustainablewine #winetastingitinerary
🍃 Save green and drink green!
If you’re visiting the Central Napa Valley from anywhere in California, January is a great time to check out these incredible #NapaNeighbor deals from @napagreen certified members running through the end of the month.
📍 @ballentinevineyards
📍 @barnettvineyards
📍 @cliffamily
📍 @freemarkabbey
📍 @grgichhillsestate
📍 @mummnapawinery
📍 @pejuwinery
📍 @rombauervineyards
📍 @rutherfordhillwinery
📍 @schweigervineyards
📍 @stsupery
📍 @tressabores @tressaboreswinery
📍 @vsattui
📍 @whitehalllane
📍 @zdwines
Check out @napavintners or reach out to each winery for more info, and stay tuned for more adventures heading North.
#winetasting #visitnapavalley #sustainablewine
We love working with @mcecleanenergy to not only help you save energy but also money!
Hear from Dominus Estate’s Tod Mostero to hear how much they saved from a lighting change then connect with the Napa Green or MCE team to learn more.
🎥 @robot_productions
#energyefficiency #climateaction #sustainablebusiness #greenbusiness #sustainablewine
‼️Save this Itinerary‼️
Check out these stunning @napagreen certified wineries in this itinerary from @evyncam that takes you from the bay to the forest to explore the wide range of ecosystems that Napa Valley has to explore.
📍 @bouchaine_vineyards
📍 @ruddestate
📍 @seaveyvineyard
Visit these wineries to create deep meaningful connections and support local, sustainable businesses. Check out our climate smart itineraries - you really can’t go wrong.
#winetasting #sustainablewine #winetastingitinerary
🍃 Save green and drink green!
If you’re visiting the Southern Napa Valley from anywhere in California, January is a great time to check out these incredible #NapaNeighbor deals from @napagreen certified members running through the end of the month.
📍 @antinorinapavalley
📍 @artesawinery
📍 @chimneyrockwinery
📍 @cliffledevineyards
📍 @hydewines
📍 @odetteestate
📍 @pineridgewine
📍 @priestranchwine
📍 @robertcraigwinery
📍 @robertmondavi
📍 @stagsleapwinecellars
📍 @truchard
Check out @napavintners or reach out to each winery for more info, and stay tuned for more adventures heading North.
#winetasting #visitnapavalley #sustainablewine
Find out what being @napagreen certified means to @joshwidaman and the team @pineridgewine, then go for a visit and taste the love in every bottle!
#sustainablewine #regenerativeviticulture #winetasting
‼️ Save this Itinerary ‼️
Check out this itinerary by @danpetroski of participating @napagreen wineries and vineyards that contribute to the long-term health of our land and ensure that Napa Valley remains a thriving and beautiful region for future generations.
📍 @larkmeadvineyards
📍 @silveroakcellars
📍 @vsattui
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
‼️ Save this Itinerary ‼️
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
‼️Save this Itinerary ‼️
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
‼️ Save this itinerary‼️
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
