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When discussing reduced herbicide use or organic farming, a common argument made is that more tractor passes are required, which increases emissions and the carbon footprint of vineyard operations. However, that no longer has to be the case as electric tractors are entering the market that are competitive with, or even outcompete, conventional tractors. The 100% electric Monarch Tractor has been developed here in our backyard, and the development team includes Napa Valley Vintner and Monarch Co-Founder and Chief Farming Officer, Carlo Mondavi.
A Monarch Tractor in operation for 1,000 hours a year will prevent 53 tons of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions into the atmosphere annually, when compared to a diesel tractor. Monarch also includes a digital plugin that can share your real-time emissions offsets on your website or in your tasting room.
The Monarch Tractor can be driven by an operator, just like a conventional tractor, or drive itself autonomously, freeing up workers for other tasks. There are two power options – 2WD and 4WD – with 10+ hours of operational run time. Monarch Tractor is currently conducting pilots in vineyards to determine how long the tractors can run with different attachments and on varying slopes. Each tractor is programmed for owner properties and actively “learns” as it operates in the vineyard. For safety when running autonomously, the tractor senses workers and stops until they are no longer in the path.
I expected some skepticism from our vineyard team, but they actually walked away very impressed. It could be especially valuable for mechanical weed control, a practice we’re relying upon more and more.
The cost of the Monarch Tractor is no obstacle, either. The Carl Moyer program provides incentives to trade out conventional tractors for electric models, and depending on the type of tractor you are trading out, can cover anywhere from 50-85% of the cost of a Monarch Tractor. Better yet, the Monarch Tractor team has dedicated members to help do the paperwork for you. With or without subsidy support you will see annual operational and emissions savings; you can find your estimated saving with their online savings calculator.
The 2WD Monarch Tractor is $50,000 and the 4WD is $60,000. The battery, which can be swapped by one person in under ten minutes, is charged using standard car charger plugs (J1772). Make your deposit now as there is already a waiting list until spring/summer 2022.
Down to Earth Month: Social Equity | Pine Ridge Vineyards, Hyde Vineyards and Charles Krug Winery are not only environmentally sustainable but socially sustainable as well.
Down to Earth Month: Climate Action and Electric Tractors | The 100% electric Monarch Tractor has been developed here in our backyard and vineyards are exploring how to be more energy efficient using new technologies.
Down to Earth Month: Going Green Energy & Incentives for EV Chargers | Energy efficiency is a core priority for Napa Green Members, Opus One Winery and Rutherford Hill Winery.
Down to Earth Month: Green Team Sustainability Leadership at Stagʹs Leap Wine Cellars | This Green Team has members across multiple departments to ensure that sustainability is integrated into day-to-day operations.
I've been at this for 30 years and this is the best, most well-thought-out program I've ever seen.
What you can do in the vineyard & what you can do at home! 🌼🦋
#happyearthday #earthmonth #sustainability #biodiversity #pollinators #herbicidefree #napa #napavalley #cheers
Come get involved this Earth Month! 🌎🌱
🌷 Earth Day Napa - Saturday, April 20th 11am -4pm at Oxbow Commons
🌷All Things Bottle Sustainability Workshop - Friday, April 26th at @pineridgewine from 9am -12:30pm. Registration is $20
🌷 All Things Bottle Sustainability Dinner! Friday, April 26th at @neotempowines with Karen MacNeil & Chef Dave Cruz!
Message us directly or head to the link in our bio for info!
Exciting news from @amici_cellars!
In celebration of Earth Month, from now through May 11, use code NAPAGREEN for 10% off your wine purchase. Even better? We’ll donate 20% of each sale to @napagreen and their sustainable initiatives.
We are proud to be Napa Green-certified, joining their mission for environmental stewardship. Stay tuned this week to learn more about our certification and about how Napa Green is pioneering a greener future in our valley.
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#amicicellars #NapaGreen #Sustainability #WineLovers #napawine #makeyourdollarscount #deliciouswine #cabernet #winecollector
Economic benefits & ROI of workshops: In a time of changing consumer trends, we want you think of us as extended members of your team. We are here to help share information of ways to not only increase your sustainability but also share with you how these things bring with them ROI, decrease in cost, consumer approval & many other economic benefits.
Join us at our All Things Bottle Sustainability Workshop to hear from our panel of experts. Registration is $20 and the link can be found in our profile. Cheers!
📣 Don’t miss these events!
April 26th - All Things Bottle Sustainability, Pine Ridge Vineyards, 9:00am.
May 23rd - The Future of Water Workshop, 9:00am.
On April 26 we have 12+ speakers covering all aspects of climate smart glass and packaging. Digging in on the truly most sustainable recyclable/compostable/reusable options, with some product show and tell.
On May 23 we have keynotes from two incredible speakers and internationally renowned experts: Peter Gleick, co-founder of the Pacific Institute and author of The Three Ages of Water, and Mimi Casteel, vineyard manager at Hope Well Wine and forest ecologist.
Register now!
Join us for a dinner that brilliantly combines luxury and sustainability with Vintner Kia Behnia, acclaimed Chef Dave Cruz and The Wine Bible Author, Karen MacNeil!
This event will help Napa Green raise much needed funding to keep our non profit thriving. For more info head to the link in our bio or email social@napagreen.org!
Looking for great sustainable wineries to visit?
Check out the great post from @visitnapavalley featuring Napa Green Certified Wineries @grgichhills @bennettlanewinery @cakebreadcellars @cliffamily @josephphelps @stsupery and @tressabores.
Cheers to Keeping Napa Valley Forever Green!
We invite you join us at a very special wine dinner with @karenmacneilco, Chef Dave Cruz and @neotempowines to raise funds for climate action in the wine industry.
For further details please go to the link in our profile or email social@napagreen.org.
We hope to see you there. Cheers!
This #earthmonth we are partnering with the Napa Valley Vintners all month long on #30ways30days! To kick off the month we are highlighting our 6 Pillars of Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership that encompass a whole systems approach to #sustainability in the wine industry. These pillars are the foundational, driving forces for our work with our Napa Green Certified members who are leading the way in regenerative practices and sustainability.
Join in by posting about one of the pillars, then tag @napagreen and @napavintners and use #30Ways30Days along with the hashtags pictured here. Stay with us all month long to learn more about Napa Green and all of the great work being done here in Napa Valley!
Happy Earth Month! While our members celebrate the Earth every day of the year, this month is a great time to showcase those sustainability practices and tell consumers what you do to be green! Be sure to tag @napagreen in your posts, join us @earthdaynapa, and reach out for more ways to get involved!
Meghan brings her passion for wine and sustainability together in her role as @napagreen’s social media manager. She is both a Vintner and Certified Sommelier and helps our members share their sustainability stories, emphasizing how caring for nature and community elevates both quality and guest experience.
Thanks for your unwavering passion and dedication @mvino1!
Join the @napagreen team this earth month at events around the valley at @cliffamily @earthdaynapa @silveroakcellars and more.
We look forward to talking (and drinking) sustainability with you!
Say hi to @marisataylorwines, our Winery & Climate Specialist. Marisa has supported sustainable farming and green practices from vineyard to cellar and across all winemaking operations and continues to leverage her expertise to help wineries become climate action champions.
Thanks for all you do!
Last week we had a great climate smart burn and alternatives demonstration @gloriaferrerwinery where attendees learned techniques for a conservation/low-smoke burn with demonstrations from @thecleanburncompany and @napa.char.
Additionally, speakers from @naparcd and Treasury Wine Estates presented the results from a recent vineyard biochar application research project.
Learn more on our website.
Have you met Sierra, our Climate & Soil Specialist? Sierra works tirelessly to advance climate resiliency in the Napa Valley by collaborating with growers to realize their climate action aspirations.
Say hi to @growresiliently next time you see her in the field. Thanks for all that you do, Sierra!
