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Napa Green | Champion Story
As with sustainability, building a regenerative farm system is a journey, not a destination. Grgich Hills Estate has been on this journey for more than 20 years, and when you stand in their vineyards you see and feel the difference. As Ben Mackie, our Vineyard Program Manager, noted,
Not only that, but Grgich has been collecting the data and making the case for the economics of regenerative, organic farming. Ivo Jeramaz, Winemaker and Vice President of Vineyards & Production, says,
Ivo notes that perhaps the biggest challenge, or benefit, of shifting to truly regenerative farming is that it requires a βparadigm shift.β
Social Sustainability:Β Letβs start with the foundation β social sustainability. As part of achieving the new(ish) Regenerative Organic Certification, Grgich increased the hourly rate for their vineyard stewards to $23/hour. The stewards went from 60 hrs/wk with no overtime to 40 hrs/week with overtime. Grgich has a year-round crew of 45 people that they hire from a vineyard management company. βThe vineyard team feels valued, is happier, and more motivated,β says Ivo. βProductivity has doubled or tripled. Even with rising supply chain costs our overall costs are only up 3-4% over the past few years.β As we stress at Napa Green, this is the ROI of investing in your team, not just in terms of a living wage but also training, opportunity, empowerment.
Companion Plants:Β Part of Grgichβs paradigm shift has been ceasing to seeΒ weedsΒ and instead βcompanion plants.β In Grgich vineyards they build up about 2β of cover around the vines and bring in the sheep, who eat voraciously. Ivo stresses, βItβs important not to keep the sheep in one area for too long. Theyβll overgraze the cover crop and compact the soil. We want to keep ground cover year-round.β Grgich only mows the vineyard alleys, using a Twister undervine, and theyβve seen the benefits of soil water retention by eliminating tillage.
In terms of disease, 35-40% of vines in their Yountville old vineΒ vineyards have leafroll, but their yield and quality remain on par with the Napa Valley average. In an average rainfall year, the 65 year old Yountville vineyard is producing 3.7 tons/acre and their 20 y/o vineyard averages 4.3 tons/acre. βOur regenerative practices are like a vaccine,β notes Ivo. βYou only have to worry about red leaf if your vines and ecosystem are weakened.β Similarly, despite 2023 being a very wet year they had no mildew pressure.
Grgich replanted portions of their American Canyon vineyard last year due to diseased clones and a history of over-application of fertilizers. There is heavy gopher pressure but theyβve solved that with dozens of owl boxes, which have 90-95% occupancy. This year there were 32 pairs, and each family removes up to 8,000 rodents! This vineyard is perhaps their most remarkable site to see. The companion plants have grown to 5-6β tall. βAt first this was scary,β admits Ivo. βWe didnβt want them to grow into the canopy. So we asked Dr. Christine Jones, a preeminent soil ecologist from Australia, for her advice.Β She explained that these companion plants are the only way to structure our heavy clay soil, and advised against their removal.βΒ Again, the paradigm shift.
Bottom Line:Β Grgich works with an accounting firm that does an annual analysis of average farming costs for their 140+ clients. In 2022, the analysis found the average farming cost per acre in Napa Valley is $14,800, with $3,800 in depreciation. At Grgich, they spend $11,000 per acre, with only $1,300 in depreciation due to the longer life of their vineyards. Mic drop.
Festival of the Bells: Every fall, Grgich is now hosting the Festival of the Bells, with the mission of βCultivating Peace Through Agriculture.β Theyβre bringing together regenerative leaders, Nobel Prize laureates, and industry peers to explore how they can support growers and farmers in transitioning to regenerative practices, learn what is working in different regions, and plan for the future. This forum raises money for Roots for Peace.
Grgich Hills Estate truly embodies our motto,
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 βSustainable Services & Solutionsβ partners and sponsors.
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
