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Hello Napa Green Community,
As you’re coming up for air after harvest, we have some important updates and opportunities to share. In large part this newsletter is about “companion plants,” as Grgich has termed them, or weeds.
In our pursuit to set the highest bar for sustainability and climate action in the wine industry, we are once again evolving our leadership by announcing we are the first sustainable winegrowing certification globally to require the phaseout of glyphosate/Roundup by Jan. 1, 2026, and the full suite of synthetic herbicides by Jan. 1, 2028. All of the details, resources, events and opportunities to learn more are below.
This program evolution is one notable element of biennial updates we’ve made to both the Napa Green Vineyard and Winery standards – we’ve made some edits, additions, and expanded resources. For anyone newly certifying, or members coming up for recertification, the latest edition of the standards are available. As always, our team is ready and waiting to provide boots-on-the-ground support.
Enjoy your holiday feast next week, and may all of your family behave. Then consider joining us on Nov. 30 for a rarely available Implicit Bias training with Nikki Silvestri of Soil and Shadow at Dominus Estate, and again on Dec. 7 for a Town Hall happy hour at St. Supéry Estate to get all the details on our program updates.
We can’t wait to get a taste of the 2023 vintage! We’re very proud of our own Meghan Vergara for launching an M Rosé sparkline wine. Yeeees!
More soon, Anna Brittain
Hopefully, you’ve seen our Nov. 14 press release, “Napa Green Becomes First Sustainable Winegrowing Certification to Require Phaseout of Roundup, Providing Toolkit and Financial Incentives.” As we say, sustainability is a path, not a destination. Leadership must continually evolve.
Among some biennial updates to our standards, we have made a significant change in our Prohibited & Restricted Pesticides list. We will work hand in hand with our grower members to make this transition.
*There will be a limited opportunity for variances under exceptional circumstances where farm conditions (e.g., >5% slope, rocky soils, narrow vine rows) may make herbicide-alternatives cost-prohibitive. Variances based on these conditions are not guaranteed. Requests will be considered by a peer review committee.
We’ve created a custom Weed Management Toolkit, which includes:
Matching Funds: In the next few weeks, we’ll be putting out a call for applications for matching funds to support sustainability and climate action, including herbicide phaseout.
Mentorship: For our certified members, we are cultivating a group of mentors to provide peer-to-peer input and advice.
Town Hall: Please join us for a happy hour event on Dec. 7 at St. Supery Estate to hear more about these program updates, and hear from peers with extensive herbicide-free viticultural experience, including hillsides. More details and registration below.
I know we’re all feeling the effects of inflation and rising costs of living. Napa Green hasn’t made any adjustments to program costs since 2021. We are now making some small 10-15% increases to our Vineyard Certification costs, Winery Integrated Resource Assessment costs, and annual Licensing fees.
Please note:
Vineyard Certification and Integrated Resource Assessment costs are invoiced as you receive services. Annual Licensing Fees are invoiced in March.
We hope you fully leverage and value the boots-on-the-ground regenerative farming and climate action consulting services that our team provides. If you have any questions about these changes please contact Anna Brittain, Executive Director, anna@napagreen.org.
November 30 | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm – Implicit Bias Training at Dominus Estate with Nikki Silvestri, CEO, Soil and Shadow. This is a rare opportunity with an incredible DEI leader. Join us to explore what regenerative farming systems can teach us about regenerative social systems. Learn more and Register here.
December 7 | 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm – Town Hall at St. Supéry Estate. Join our team for happy hour wine and snacks and learn more about program updates. This will include an informal panel discussion with Ivo Jeramaz (Grgich Hills), Ashley Anderson Bennett (Cain), and one other discussing herbicide-free vineyard management, tools, costs, benefits, ROI. Learn more and Register here.
January 18 | 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Grower Roundtable: Takeaways from 2023 at Alpha Omega. Producers have been subjected to a rollercoaster recently- from an extremely early harvest in 2022 due to heat, to one of the latest memorable harvests in 2023 due to a cool growing season. Join us, along with industry-leading winegrowers and vintners, to discuss the 2023 season and the techniques in the vineyard and cellar that can aid in adapting to the new norm of climatic extremes. Registration Coming Soon.
February 15 | 9:00 am – 1:30pm – Weed Management: Equipment, Tools & Grazing at Inglenook. Learn from Inglenook and others about equipment and tools being used for herbicide-free and organic weed management. See tools in action and ask questions. Then hear from Perennial Grazing about the benefits of sheep in the vineyard, and the essential importance of proper management. In addition, hear from Sarah Keiser with Wild Oat Hollow about the use of goats for adjacent land management and fire fuel thinning. We’ll look at a forested area and talk about potential prescriptions. Learn more and Register here.
If you haven’t yet, get your Napa Green shirt! FOMO on fashion!
On November 28, jump into the global generosity movement of Giving Tuesday. Napa Green is an extremely lean nonprofit organization, and we need to grow our team so we can expand our direct implementation support. Community contributions truly mean so much to us, and every donation is tax deductible.
Make a donation here, and know that in our office we’ll be doing a little happy dance.
Compost Connecter: Growers can apply for a compost reimbursement from approved facilities. You must have official approval from Zero Foodprint before your compost order. Rolling applications. https://www.
Napa Green partnered with three champion members to host a series of wine benefit dinners in April that raised a pool of matching funds for industry sustainability and climate action projects. We will be sharing qualifying projects and opening a call for applications in Sept/Oct. A total of $60,000 will be distributed to growers and vintners that show the greatest financial need and opportunity for change and impact. Rolling applications begin October 2023.
CDFA HSP & SWEEP: The California Department of Food & Agriculture is piloting a block grant program for the Healthy Soils and State Water Efficiency & Enhancement Program funding. This means that regional government agencies and ag nonprofits can apply for a lump sum of funds, and these organizations will then process farmer applications and administer funds to eligible growers. Napa Green is not applying because, unfortunately, no funding is included for administration. We will keep you updated if another regional organization receives a block grant. CDFA plans to reopen the HSP and SWEEP direct grower applications again this fall. Napa Green staff will be available to assist with applications and implementation.
Recognition Of Napa Green Certified Vineyards for CCSW-Labeled Wines
Napa Green Vineyard is now a recognized program for grapes included in Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW) wines. This means that grapes grown in Napa Green Certified Vineyards can count toward the 85% threshold of certified sustainable fruit for CCSW-marketed wines using the logo on the label.
Napa Green members interested in this option will have to take one additional step: The interim desk audits at the end of years 1 & 2 will need to be led by a third-party auditor (as opposed to our vineyard team), with an hourly cost (typically $150/hr for 3-4 hours of work), who will provide an independent audit report. Napa Green will provide both you and CCSW with a verification letter confirming that annual third-party audits have been completed.
Please note, this does not mean that Napa Green Certified Vineyards will have dual certification with CCSW. That would require additional steps, which can be explored if interested.
The application for the California Green Medal
Twelve Napa Green members have been recognized with the California Sustainable Winegrowing Green Medal award since its inception in 2015.
The California Green Medal is presented by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, California Association of Winegrape Growers, Wine Institute, Lodi Winegrape Commission, Napa Green, Napa Valley Vintners, Sonoma County Winegrowers and Vineyard Team.
We are excited to announce a new Napa Green Regeneration Sponsor, Lallemand Plant Care. Lallemand were Exclusive Event sponsors for the 2022 & 2023 RISE (formerly THRIVES) Climate & Wine symposiums. We look forward to more collaboration with them to pilot biologicals to improve soil and plant health.
If you are interested in being a Napa Green sponsor, please see our Sponsorship Deck.
Napa Green is grateful to our sponsors, who help fund our expanding operations and programs. If you are interested in becoming a Napa Green Sponsor please reach out to Napa Green Executive Director, Anna Brittain.
Join us @beringervyds Hudson House on December 11th for wine and updates!
At the end of each year we like to bring together our team, members, and community to discuss some of the highlights from the past year, and what’s ahead in the new year.
➡️ Ticket link in bio.
#community #nonprofit #winetasting
What is regenerative viticulture and where do I even start?!?
Last week, @napagreen and @regenerativeviticulture launched the #OneBlockChallenge in Napa, creating an accessible pathway for growers to start with just one block, while providing support and mentorship for regenerative practices.
To hear the workshop recording from @chuckschembre or to learn more about the One Block Challenge or Napa Green Vineyard Certification, head to the links in our bio.
#climateaction #regenerativeag
@napagreen has a @candiddotorg GuideStar Gold Seal of Transparency, which shows our nonprofit’s commitment to accountability. It also let donors see insights into our organization and operation to make informed donation decisions!
Our valuable climate action work cannot happen without the support of our community, members, donors and sponsors!
Want to donate or make an impact in another way? Head to the link in our bio or reach out to connect.
#climateaction #nonprofit #nonprofitorganization
Day 2 of our Growing Regenerative Viticulture event was amazing!
We learned about the onsite regenerative practices from @bedrockmorgan and @j_neustadt, heard the technical side of how these practices work from @chuckschembre, learned sampling techniques from @soilrainandhope, and saw the data and insights from @sectormentor and @grape_cowboy.
Thanks to all who attended and to @bedrockwines 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 #vineyardmanagement #oneblockchallenge #napagreen #regenerativeviticulture #soilhealth #biodiversity #carbonfarming
Today @napagreen and @regenerativeviticulture proudly launched the One Block Challenge in Napa, an initiative to encourage winegrowers to adopt regenerative viticulture practices on a manageable scale.
We heard from an incredible group of regenerative agriculture experts, practitioners, and leaders who shared valuable insights and success stories.
Thanks to our attendees, @opusonewinery for hosting, and our exceptional speakers: @chuckschembre @stephen_de_mirabeau @cainethompson @soilrainandhope @forrestellab and @hilarysgraves.
➡️ Visit the link in our bio to sign up for the One Block Challenge or learn more!
#regenerativeag #climateaction #vineyardmanagement #oneblockchallenge #napagreen #regenerativeviticulture #soilhealth #biodiversity #carbonfarming
Applications for the California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards 2026 awards are now open!
California’s wine industry is a global leader in sustainable practices due to the dedication of its vineyards and wineries in setting high standards for: 🍇 Environmental stewardship
🍇 Being a responsible employer and community member
🍇 Implementing innovative and sustainable business practices
We invite you to apply for the California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards to highlight your excellence!
Apply Now at greenmedal.org/apply.
#CAGreenMedal #SustainableWine #WineIndustry #Sustainability #SustainableWinegrowing
#CaliforniaGreenMedal #WineBusiness #Wine
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!
🗳️ 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 “Circle of Sustainers” award program as a way to recognize guest’s support of the sustainable winery. The tasting fees from each selected guest’s 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.
📷 @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 – “Flower of the sun” – 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. That’s 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. Let’s 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
