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Napa Green | Champion Story
Looking for some new ideas to improve water efficiency, and simultaneously save energy? Here are a few examples of what some Napa Green wineries are doing to baseline and track water use to inform decision making; engage staff through “Blue Teams;” and set ambitious and inspiring goals like becoming the first Living Building Challenge certified winery.
Diving Into Water Meter Data:
Cakebread Cellars wanted to get a better sense of where in the winery they were using the most water. They also needed reliable daily wastewater data to pilot a cutting-edge wastewater treatment system called BioFiltro. Based on the Napa Green Winery resource audit they had concerns about their water meter accuracy. Since their meters were about 10 years old they decided it was time for an upgrade. They researched meters that could submit data electronically to an online database in near real time and settled on the Badger Meter’s AquaCUE Flow Management system.
Cakebread now has 10 active meters reporting to an online interface — one on each of the winemaking facilities in Rutherford and Oakville, two landscaping meters, two well meters, one garden meter, one wastewater meter, as well as a vineyard meter and a meter for the home onsite. They did a mix of bolt-in meters for smaller pipes (ranging in price from $300-600), which need professional installation, and clamp on meters, which have the benefit of being movable and easier to install (approximately $3,000 per meter for 3-4” pipes). The cost of each meter includes the ultrasonic data control panel and cellular device for automatic data transmission.
Blue Team Gets Results:
A few years ago, the leadership at what was then Francisan Estate, now The Prisoner Wine Company, decided to establish a “Blue Team.” This team evaluates high-water using activities, particularly cleaning and sanitation, and generates suggestions for reductions that still meet stringent quality assurance standards. One of the first opportunities identified was to use pH testing to recharge chemical cleaning solutions for reuse. During non-harvest season they are now able to reuse cleaning solutions 3-4 times.
The Blue Team also started reusing more water on the barrel line. Two of their three barrel washers now capture the final rinse at 140-150 degrees that is then used for a first rinse to remove lees and sediment. For their ozone barrel washing machine they capture the water for subsequent pressure washing of floors and other areas. Overall, water use for sanitation during non-harvest season has declined ~60%. The only challenge the team has encountered to water reuse is that captured water has to be used within two days, so reuse opportunities vary based on day-to-day tasks.
Another big water saving opportunity was realized outside the winery by shifting from using well water for decorative landscaping to utilizing treated process wastewater. This immediately saved ~1.6 million gallons a year in water use and cut energy costs for pumping water from the well. During renovations they removed a fountain and replaced areas of turf with raised garden beds, as well as olive trees with an engineered soil system for enhanced permeability and groundwater recharge.
Industry Milestones — Tackling the Living Building Challenge:
In 2016, Silver Oak Cellars in Oakville became the first commercial production winery to achieve LEED Platinum certification for an existing building. At that location, their water conservation activities include:
At their new Alexander Valley winery Silver Oak has set their sights even higher – achieving both LEED Platinum certification for new construction and aiming to become the first Living Building Challenge (LBC) certified winery. This effort is being spearheaded by family member Haley Duncan, who has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies. The LBC sets an even higher bar than LEED, requiring all water to be generated, treated and reused onsite. The facility must be off the water grid entirely Similarly, the facility must produce 105% of annual energy needs, requiring both exceptional efficiency and renewable energy. Silver Oak Cellars hopes to achieve Living Building Challenge certification for its Alexander Valley facility in 2019.
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.
The regional Napa Valley delegation for the Great Wine Capitals is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Best of Wine Tourism Regional Awards.
Don’t forget to submit your @napagreen certified winery for the Best of Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices!
Submission Deadline: September 1, 2025
#sustainablewine #ecotourism #sustainablewinery #climatesmartwine
Did you know that Napa Green is 21 years old? We want to celebrate and thank the community leaders who joined in from the beginning, and who have continued along the path of sustainability and climate action.
The @napavintners (NVV) stewarded @napagreen for its first fifteen years, and it is thanks to their vision and the leadership of these key founding members that Napa Green is still here to support growers and vintners in being the change in our community and industry.
Timeline: Napa Green Land was established in 2004. Napa Green Winery was established in 2008. The Land program ended in 2021, replaced by the new regenerative Napa Green Vineyard program.
#wineindustry #winebusiness #environmentalstewardship #climateaction #sustainablewine
What is Napa Green? Watch to find out! ⬆️
🎥 @robot_productions
#climateaction #regenerativeviticulture #regenerativeag #climatesmart #sustainablewine
That’s a wrap on Cheers to Climate Smart Wines, but you can continue to visit our amazing participating wineries to taste their delicious climate smart wines!
@spottswoodewinery
@mummsparkling
@phiferpavittwine
@domainecarneros
@etudewines
@chimneyrockwinery
@mvinowines
@pineridgewine
@chandonusa
@rutherfordhillwinery
@cliffamily
@tressabores
@beringervyds
@vsattui
@frankfamilyvineyards
@seaveyvineyard
Want more climate smart wines? Visit our website for a complete list of certified members and follow along for more itineraries.
#visitnapavalley #napavalleywines #climatesmartwines #sustainablewines #sustainablewinemaking #winetasting #ecotourism #climatesmart #wineindustry #sustainablewine
🍷 Our last itinerary for Cheers to Climate Smart Wines and it’s a good one! Thank you @frankfamilyvineyards, @aubergedusoleil & @seaveyvineyard!
Follow this itinerary for a stunning day in Napa!
Book your tastings at @napagreen certified @chimneyrockwinery @etudewines and @domainecarneros and stay at the luxurious @carnerosresort for a day that will delight all of your senses!
#visitnapa #winetasting #winetastings #winelover #sustainablewine #wineandfood #winecountry #winecountryliving
If you missed last night’s amazing climate smart wine tasting @klwines you can join us tonight Thursday, July 24 for another great lineup of @napagreen certified wineries @dominusestatewinery @chimneyrockwinery @domainecarneros and @beringervyds
You won’t want to miss this! Ticket link in bio.
#winetasting #winetastings #climatesmartwine #sustainablewine #sustainablewinery
📍Phifer Pavitt Wines in Calistoga!
A gorgeous family winery & vineyard that goes above and beyond in climate smart practices and quality of wine! 🍷
Can’t make it to Napa? Experience climate smart wines @klwines in downtown San Fransisco.
Join us Wednesday, July 23, 2025 to taste wines from @napagreen certified members @spottswoodewinery @pineridgewine @etudewines and @frankfamilyvineyards
You won’t want to miss this! Ticket link in bio.
#winetasting #winetastings #climatesmartwine #sustainablewine #sustainablewinery
Come join us this week at @klwines!! Tickets can be found at the link in our bio. Cheers! 🍷
😍 This one is a gem! Book your tastings at Napa Green Certifed @mummsparkling & @spottswoodewinery and enjoy a stay at the incredible @solageauberge!
Sustainability & Luxury truly make a great pairing. Cheers to Climate Smart Wines! 🍷
🎙️: @mvino1
⚠️ Don’t sleep on this one! Get your $15 tickets to taste INCREDIBLE wines from @spottswoodewinery, @dominusestatewinery, @chimneyrockwinery and many more at @klwines in San Francisco on July 23rd & 24th!
You know where to go ➡️ link in bio or www.napagreen.org. See you there! 🍷
📣 Calling all wine lovers! We’re partnering with some amazing wineries, restaurants and resorts to celebrate Cheers to Climate Smart Wines Month and we’re giving away an incredible ‘Experience Napa Valley Day’ to one lucky winner! 🍷
The winner will receive:
✨A one-night stay at @solageauberge
✨Wine tastings at @seaveyvineyard and @rutherfordhillwinery
✨A gift certificate to @charlies_nv
How to Enter:
1️⃣ Make sure you’re following @napagreen & @visitnapavalley
2️⃣ Like this post
3️⃣ Tag your favorite wine lover in the comments.
🙌 Bonus Entry: Share this post to your stories and tag us!
Giveaway ends Friday, July 18th. Winner will be announced here and contacted via DM by Monday, July 21st.
Legal Terms:
Must be 21+ and a legal resident of the U.S. to enter. Giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by Instagram. No purchase necessary to enter. Winner will be selected at random and must respond within 48 hours to claim the prize. Travel and additional expenses NOT included.
Good Luck! 🥂
Sustainability is beautiful 🌼
Experience this wine tasting itenerary for yourself on your next trip Napa Valley! 🍷
#sustainabletravel #winetasting #winetrip #napavalley #napawine #climatesmart #winelovers #cheers
Fairy tale like settings? Delicious, ethically & sustainably produced wines? Yes please! 🌸
#visitnapavalley #napavalley #fairytale #winetasting #sustainablewine #cheers #winelovers #winetrip #magicmoments
🎞️: @mvino1
🎟️$15 wine tasting with the winemakers!? Join us at @klwines in San Francisco July 23rd & 24th tasting @spottswoodewinery, @dominusestatewinery, @chimneyrockwinery, @etudewines and many more from 4:00-6:00pm.
Pick up your tickets asap at the link in our bio!
