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Hello Napa Green Community,
As youโre coming up for air after harvest, we have some important updates and opportunities to share. In large part this newsletter is about โcompanion plants,โย as Grgich has termed them, orย weeds.ย
In our pursuit to set the highest bar for sustainability and climate action in the wine industry, we are once again evolving our leadership byย announcing we are the first sustainable winegrowing certification globally to require the phaseout of glyphosate/Roundupย 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.ย
This program evolution is one notable element of biennial updates weโve made to both the Napa Green Vineyard and Winery standards โ weโve 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. 30ย for a rarely availableย Implicit Bias training with Nikki Silvestriย of Soil and Shadow at Dominus Estate, and again on Dec. 7 for aย Town Hall happy hourย at St. Supรฉry Estate to get all the details on our program updates.
We canโt wait to get a taste of the 2023 vintage! Weโre very proud of our own Meghan Vergara for launching an M Rosรฉ sparkline wine. Yeeees!
More soon,ย Anna Brittain
Hopefully, youโve seen our Nov. 14 press release, โNapa Green Becomes First Sustainable Winegrowing Certification to Require Phaseout of Roundup, Providing Toolkit and Financial Incentives.โ 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.ย
*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.ย
We’ve created a customย Weed Management Toolkit, which includes:
Matching Funds: In the next few weeks, weโll be putting out a call for applications for matching funds to support sustainability and climate action, including herbicide phaseout.ย
Mentorship:ย For our certified members, we are cultivating a group of mentors to provide peer-to-peer input and advice.
Town Hall:ย 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 weโre all feeling the effects of inflation and rising costs of living. Napa Green hasnโt 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.ย
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,ย anna@napagreen.org.
November 30 | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm โ Implicit Bias Training at Dominus Estate with Nikki Silvestri, CEO, Soil and Shadow.ย 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.ย Learn more and Register here.
December 7 | 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm โ Town Hall at St. Supรฉry Estate.ย 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.ย Learn more and Register here.
January 18 | 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm –ย Grower Roundtable: Takeaways from 2023ย at Alpha Omega.ย 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.ย Registration Coming Soon.
February 15 | 9:00 am – 1:30pm –ย Weed Management: Equipment, Tools & Grazingย at Inglenook.ย 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.ย Learn more and Register here.
If you havenโt yet, get yourย Napa Green shirt!ย 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,ย and every donation is tax deductible.ย
Make a donation here, and know that in our office weโll be doing a little happy dance.
Compost Connecter:ย Growers can apply for a compost reimbursement fromย approved facilities. You must have official approval from Zero Foodprint before your compost order.ย Rolling applications.ย https://www.
Napa Greenย 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.ย Rolling applications begin October 2023.
CDFA HSP & SWEEP:ย 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.ย
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.ย
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.ย
The application for the Californiaย Greenย Medalย
ย
Twelve Napaย Greenย members have been recognized with the California Sustainable Winegrowingย Greenย Medalย award since its inception in 2015.
The Californiaย Greenย Medalย is presented by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, California Association of Winegrape Growers, Wine Institute, Lodi Winegrape Commission, Napaย Green, Napa Valley Vintners, Sonoma County Winegrowers and Vineyard Team.
We are excited to announce a new Napa Green Regeneration Sponsor,ย Lallemand Plant Care.ย 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.ย
If you are interested in being a Napa Green sponsor, please see ourย 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.
โผ๏ธ Save this Itinerary โผ๏ธ
This is not your typical itinerary by @abrittain โ wetting your palate for wine producers that are difficult, perhaps impossible, to visit. However, if you are a wine connoisseur seeking exceptional wines from sustainability and climate leaders you should absolutely put in the effort to secure wines from these @napagreen certified producers.
๐ @dominusestatewinery
๐ @lailvineyards
๐ @adamvs
Looking for holiday experiences that create deep meaningful connections and support local, sustainable businesses? Check out our climate smart itineraries - you really canโt go wrong.
#winetasting #sustainablewine #winetastingitinerary
โผ๏ธSave this Itinerary โผ๏ธ
This itinerary is ideal for a girlsโ trip or a day out with friends! Discover the sustainable side of Napa with @goodfriendsgoodfood itinerary, which celebrates diversity and offers wines tailored to a range of palates.
These @napagreen certified wineries provide beautiful settings to connect over fantastic wine, all while supporting positive change within the wine industry.
๐ @domainecarneros
๐ @rdwinery
๐ @trefethenfamily
Looking for holiday experiences that create deep meaningful connections and support local, sustainable businesses? Check out our climate smart itineraries - you really canโt go wrong.
#winetasting #sustainablewine #winetastingitinerary
โผ๏ธ Save this itineraryโผ๏ธ
This itinerary by Sommelier and Vintner, @danpetroski, showcases a rich variety of regional efforts from @napagreen certified wineries with a diversity of style, size, production and profiles, where each place focuses on varies in accordance with their distinct microclimate.
Be sure to check out the second 1/2 of this itinerary to complete your visit!
๐ @ashesxdiamonds
๐ @cliffledevineyards
๐ @hydewines
Looking for holiday experiences that create deep meaningful connections and support local, sustainable businesses? Check out our climate smart itineraries - you really canโt go wrong.
#winetasting #sustainablewine #winetastingitinerary
@closduvalโs bottles from Verallia are 30% lighter than traditional bottles, which represents a 34% reduction in carbon emissions from glass production alone!
Lightweight glass saves natural resources, lowers transportation costs and emissions, and reduces the risk of employee injuries. Not only is it infinitely recyclable, itโs also beautiful!
Get a bottle (or several) of this @napagreen certified wine to feel and taste the commitment sustainability from soil to bottle.
#winetasting #wineindustry #climateaction #lightenup #lightweightglassbottles
โผ๏ธ Save this Itineraryโผ๏ธ
Get insider information and tips to make the most of your trip to some of @reyeswine.mwโs favorite Napa Green certified wineries with this exclusive in-the-know Itinerary.
๐ @rdwinery
๐ @sequoiagrove
๐ @schramsberg
Looking for holiday experiences that create deep meaningful connections and support local, sustainable businesses? Check out our climate smart itineraries - you really canโt go wrong.
#winetasting #sustainablewine #winetastingitinerary
โผ๏ธSave this Itineraryโผ๏ธ
This itinerary, by Master Sommelier, @andrearobinsonms, will take you to @napagreen Certified wineries, where we can see and taste the commitment to our planet and our community that pays off now in great wine, natural beauty and soil health, while paying it forward.
๐ @chandonusa
๐ @grgichhillsestate @grgichhills
๐ @troisnoixwine
Looking for holiday experiences that create deep meaningful connections and support local, sustainable businesses? Check out our climate smart itineraries - you really canโt go wrong.
#winetasting #sustainablewine #winetastingitinerary
Congratulations to @twentyrowswines for @napagreen Winery Certification!
Twenty Rows crafts small lots of their Napa Valley wines, at the @fiordisolewines certified sustainable facility. These wines are not only made with environmental impact in mind, they reflect honest varietal character and showcase the terroir where the grapes were grown.
#sustainablewine #sustainablewinery #napavalleywine
โผ๏ธ Save this Itinerary! โผ๏ธ
This itinerary by @abrittain will take you to @napagreen certified, tucked away spots, run by some powerhouse women, deeply dedicated to the stewardship of the Napa Valley.
๐ @tressabores
๐ @viadernapavalley
๐ @spottswoodewinery
Looking for holiday experiences that create deep meaningful connections and support local, sustainable businesses? Check out our climate smart itineraries - you really canโt go wrong.
#winetasting #sustainablewine #winetastingitinerary
Congratulations to @etudewines for achieving @napagreen winery recertification!
Etude Wineโs sustainability initiatives encompass everything from cover crops, solar powered facilities, recycled water use and water-wise landscaping, wetland and habitat restoration, wildlife corridors, stunning pollinator gardens and more. For a truly immersive sustainability experience with expressive wines with a holistic winemaking approach.
#climateaction #winetasting #wineindustry
Being with a community of people who are excited about biodiversity, healthy ecosystems, and climate resilience is good for the soil and the soul!
Whether youโre regenerative curious or ready to get regenerative certified, reach out to join this community! Youโll get access to support, resources, practical guidance, and incredible field days like this one @bedrockwines with @napagreen and @regenerativeviticulture
#regenerativeviticulture #OneBlockChallenge #climateaction
Thereโs still time to register for the @napagreen and @regenerativeviticulture #OneBlockChallenge informational sessions!
Register for either session at the link in our bio:
December 9th from 9:00-10:00 am
December 11th from 9:00-10:00 am
#soilhealth #regenerativeviticulture
@napagreen and @regenerativeviticulture partnered to bring the #OneBlockChallenge to Napa County winegrowers!
Tomorrow is the first virtual informational and onboarding session, so bring your questions, curiosity and excitement and hop on zoom to learn more.
#climateaction #regenerativeviticulture
Help us celebrate this historic milestone!!
100% of @napagreenโs Certified Vineyard members successfully phased out Roundup, setting a new standard for wine industry leadership.
Thank you to all of our members for your continued leadership and dedication to sustainability. Your choices impact meaningful change in our industry.
#climateaction #winebusiness #regenerativeag
What makes the #OneBlockChallenge so special? Hear from @regenerativeviticulture Co-Founder, @stephen_de_mirabeau!
The first informational session is next week so come with your questions. Learn more or get involved at the link in our bio.
#regenerativeag #regenerativeviticulture climateaction
@napagreen is a non-profit focused on climate action in the wine industry!
This #GivingTuesday consider donating any amount to support regenerative farming practices, sustainable wine production, and strengthening our community.
#climateaction #nonprofit
Happy Thanksgiving! We are so grateful for our incredible members and their teams, the community, our board, and all of the people who support climate action by drinking @napagreen certified wines!
Cheers! ๐ ๐ ๐
#climateaction #nonprofit #wineindustry
