A panel of four experts highlighted some of the hottest topics in energy conservation and carbon emission reductions in St. Helena at a Napa Green event held June 9. The panelists recommended taking specific actions to address climate change–adopting LEDs, rightsizing solar energy, buying EV’s, reducing fleet and warehouse emissions and more.
Those big sheets of plastic shrinkwrap found in distribution warehouses could have a second life instead of going to landfills, if Southern Glazer’s new sustainability program adopts an employee’s suggestion that the company rated #1 in a recent internal sustainability idea competition. The $21 billion distribution giant is evaluating working with plastics recycling giant Trex to recycle the wrap and other plastics. That’s according to Cindy Leonard, Executive Vice President, Fine Wine Division, who laid out a partial preview of some of the company’s initial sustainability roadmap.
Chateau Montelena winemaker Matt Crafton is looking to a German company to supply lower cost solar arrays that could power the winery more efficiently. Many wineries need to ensure that PGE’s Power Safety Power Shutoffs don’t interrupt production, he said. “Most of us can put a dollar figure on what it costs when our winery shuts down. So think about that.”
Beer industry engineering veteran Bill Bennett, Napa Green’s winery project engineer since 2010, told wineries to take energy conservation measures seriously before scaling up a solar energy solution. “Don’t solarize inefficiency,” he said. He has conducted 160 winery evaluations, measuring baselines and progress.
Charlie Gregg, Head of Sales at Sausalito based American Solar said, “Friends say ‘Is it the right time for solar?’ Yes. 10 years ago. Seven years ago. Five years ago. And it’s still the right time. So my suggestion to you is get the efficiency piece right.”
“You all are the folks who can make a difference right now with what you do, by installing renewable energy systems–with solar as the most obvious and economically feasible.”
American Solar’s Commercial Development Manager Jason Nelson hammered home the point that flexible tax credits make solar investment extremely attractive.
But it was Leonard’s presentation that captured the most attention, due to the company’s size, breadth and pivotal role in emissions for alcoholic beverages.
Leonard presented a graph showing that transportation and warehousing make up 10 percent of alcoholic beverage GHG emissions (based on work with Southern’s consultant Schneider Electric) for Scope 1 and 2 alone. (Scope 3 estimates are not yet available.)
An earlier study by the Wine Institute (based on 2011 data) put the transportation impact at 13 percent of Scope 1 and 2.
Breaking down the 10 percent figure, Southern Glazer’s attributes 57 percent of its GHG emissions to its fleet, which it says emits 70k+ metric tons CO2 and 43 percent to its buildings which it says emit 50k+ metric tons of CO2.
“We are the largest wholesaler in the United States with over 14 million square feet of warehouse space.That is 320 acres. How we do business together matters,” she said. Seven percent of the company’s warehouse space is in Florida, she said, where Hurricane Ida destroyed facilities in 2017.
“We started this sustainability project in Q2 and the beginning of Q3. So we’re in the ideation phase of how we can best corporately address as well as work with the different states,” Leonard said.
“We would love to put solar on in Florida. We want to talk about opportunities and how we can store the wonderful Florida sunshine, Tesla batteries, or whatever we need to do, so that we can start improving our EV proposition with our forklifts, and all the machinery we can probably use solar energy with.”
She continued, “Here are areas that we’re focusing on: efficiencies in our warehouse–we’re moving to LED. All the plastic wrapping? We are right now working with Trex to recycle it. So it can be used a second time and a third time.”
“Arizona is working on EV right now,” she said, adding that Southern is also evaluating using smaller vehicles for delivery in refrigerated containers to on premise and independent retailers. After conducting an Arizona pilot with 2 Xos Class 7 trucks, in December Southern announced its purchase order for 10 Xos Class 7 refrigerated beverage trucks (which do not require drivers with commercial licenses) for use in Texas. “The big warehouses, grocery, Albertsons, all would still be serviced using the big trucks,” she said.
“We are looking at automatic shut offs, so if the truck has been idling for five minutes, they shut down,” she said. “We have monitors in the cab so we can take a look at what the temperature is from inside that cab all the time. So when your cellar creates this beautiful product, we are committed to making sure that it gets all the way to our warehouses at that same temperature with minimal variation.”
A baseline audit gave Southern insights into its biggest gaps, she said. ”We started with the current state…We were shocked to find out that 60 percent of our sites did not measure water usage. And 90 percent did not manage or take a look at what their waste output was. That changed four months ago.”
“Now the big, big thing for us is the Idea Distillery,” she said, a program that incorporates suggestions from the company’s 22,000 employees. “We got 3,000 presentations back like that. It was the quickest response we ever had.”
The company put out a press release in April showing the winning submissions.
The sales teams alone contributed 300 ideas, she said, one of which is being adopted, incentivizing sales reps to buy EVs. “Rather than paying for gasoline (which we do), we’re now working on a paycheck offset that will accumulate, and we will encourage you to go get an EV,” she said.
“So when our sales teams are driving around town, seeing our customers, they are now encouraged–we’re piloting this in Florida right now–to go get an EV. And maybe that three years worth of gas, we would have paid, will be a paycheck offset.
“We feel this is very important to take a leadership role. And as we pilot this, if it proves out, we will roll this out across all 35 markets. So this is super exciting.”
Another winning employee suggestion was adoption of waterless urinals. “We’re taking a look at our water usage…and waterless urinals. I don’t know how that works. I don’t want to know,” she joked, getting a laugh from the crowd, “but if it is something that is absolutely necessary, I’m all in.”
Repeating the theme of partnership and learning from each other articulated by panelists throughout the session, Leonard also said the company will be announcing its 2030 plans in the next 30-60 days. “We’re all in this together and we feel that. We want to be a good partner in this space. It’s so very important.”
As Crafton said, summing up the panel experts’ advice. “it’s really about the entire ecosystem, not just the vineyard, not just the winery. t’s in our packaging, it’s in the compost or above the ground, and everything in between.”
About Napa Green: The Napa Green 501c3 is a global leader in sustainable winegrowing, setting the highest bar for sustainability and climate action in the wine industry. Napa Green facilitates whole system soil to bottle certification for wineries and vineyards, and provides the expertise, boots-on-the-ground support, and resources to continually improve. Learn more at https://napagreen.org/participating-members/.
Anna Brittain
Napa Green
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Congratulations to these @napagreen Certified Members for winning the @greatwinecapitals Napa Valley Regional Best of Wine Tourism Awards!
🌟@sterlingvineyards for Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences
🌟 @chandonusa for Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices
🌟 @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.
🎟️ 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 – 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! 🌊
#climateaction #winebusiness #winetasting #napavalley #napavalleywine #coastalcleanup #oceancleanup #visitnapavalley #climatesmartwine #regenerativeag
Congratulations to one of our founding members, @stsupery on achieving both @napagreen Vineyard and Winery recertification!
St Supery’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and continuing improvement is evident throughout their business. When visiting the tasting room, guests are greeted by cheerful Bluebirds that live in the strategically placed bird boxes to act as natural pest control. From there, you pass by the culinary gardens that are incorporated into the farm-to-table pairings, to the stunning tasting room where you can see the solar energy generated to power the property in real-time, and learn about all of the incredible sustainability initiatives from soil to bottle.
Thank you St Supery for your commitment to the community, land stewardship, and sustainable leadership!
#sustainablewine #climatesmart #winetasting #napavalleywine #napavalley #regenerativeag #landstewardship #winebusiness
In celebration of their 40th anniversary vintage, the Novak family of @spottswoodewinery has donated a complete 40-vintage vertical collection of their Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (1982-2021), plus an invitation to their exclusive annual vertical tasting, which is available through @christieswine to support the nonprofit, @napagreen, a leader in sustainability and climate action in the wine industry.
@mkshepp of Spottswoode shares, “As we celebrate 40 years of organic farming and work to change paradigms and build resilience through regenerative systems, we see Napa Green as a vital partner in expanding that mission across the wine industry. This auction isn’t just about Spottswoode’s history; it’s an investment in the future of winegrowing that prioritizes the health of our natural environment, our workers, and our community.”
#winetasting #winelover #winecollector #winecollection #finewine #fineandrarewines
LAST CHANCE to bid on this @christieswine Fine and Rare Wines lot, featuring a 19-magnum vertical of @opusonewinery vintages 2001-2019 hand-selected and signed from the private collection of @opus_one_winemaker, Michael Silacci, as well as an Opus One Harvest Experience for four.
#winetasting #winelover #winecollector #winecollection #finewine #fineandrarewines
Michael Silacci, @opus_one_winemaker, has hand-selected an extraordinary vertical of @opusonewinery magnums from his private collection, which are available through @christieswine to support the nonprofit @napagreen, a leader in sustainability and climate action in the wine industry.
“Napa Green plays a vital, fundamental role in grape growing within and beyond the vineyard boundaries in Napa Valley,” said Michael Silacci. “The team, comprised of experts in all essential elements of farming and stewardship, provides education, guidance, and holds us accountable. Year after year they continue to evolve and challenge us to be better citizens. I want to do all I can to help Napa Green rise. Napa Green not only strengthens our community but also inspires a deeper sense of purpose – within ourselves, and in how we care for the land we love so dearly.”
#winetasting #winelover #winecollector #winecollection #finewine #fineandrarewines
Steal this itinerary! 🍷
Join Sommelier and Vintner, Meghan Vergara as she visits three @napagreen certified wineries, @chimneyrockwinery, @bcellars and @boeschenvineyards in this captivating Terroir of Place and People Itinerary.
“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… 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.” - @mvino1
#sustainablewine #wineindustry #winetasting #winecountry #winelover #ecotravel #foodandwine #visitnapa #visitnapavalley #sommelier
The @napagreen Winery program launched in 2008, prompting Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, who spoke at the launch event hosted by @napavintners, to observe, “I’ve been at this for 30 years and this is the best, most well-thought-out program I’ve ever seen.”
#sustainabilty #environmentalleadership #environmentalstewardship #climateaction #climatesmart
Announcing two unprecedented “Fine and Rare Wines” donations to @christieswine will benefit @napagreen, the region’s leading sustainability and climate action nonprofit.
This incredible auction includes:
🍇 A remarkable 40-Bottle Vertical of @spottswoodewinery Cabernet Sauvignon donated by the @spottswoode_ceo family plus an invitation to attend Spottswoode’s Annual Vertical Tasting
🍇 A unique 19-Magnum Vertical of @opusonewinery Vintages 2001-2019 donated and signed by @opus_one_winemaker plus an Opus One Harvest Experience for four
The auction opens September 4 and runs through September 18.
We are so grateful to these two champion members for this incredibly generous donation.
#winetasting #winetastingexperience #winecollection #winecollector #napavalleywine #rarewine #finewines #nonprofit
This harvest, we’re celebrating 21 years of @napagreen, and the community leaders who have pioneered sustainability and climate action with us from the beginning.
The @napavintners (NVV) launched the Napa Green Winery program in 2008, and Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard joined as a keynote speaker, saying, “I’ve been at this for 30 years and this is the best, most well-thought-out program I’ve ever seen.“
Let’s raise a glass to the founding members certified as Climate Smart Napa Green Wineries, continuing to lead the industry.
#wineindustry #winebusiness #environmentalstewardship #climateaction #sustainablewine #winetasting
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