ADVANCED
Series Three
SUSTAINABILITY
Domestic Sustainability Certifications
Let’s take a closer look at some of the domestic sustainability certifications to keep an eye out for and keep in mind that purchasing a wine with any of the below certifications means you are supporting wineries that are committed to making responsible agricultural decisions across the country. High Five!
CERTIFIED CALIFORNIA SUSTAINABLE WINEGROWING (CCSW)
CALIFORNIA
For California wineries and vineyards that adhere to the industry’s code of best practices, self-evaluation, third party auditing and commitment to a process of continuous improvement with the adoption of sustainable practices, which each winery outlines in an annual action plan.
SIP CERTIFIED (SUSTAINABILITY IN PRACTICE)
CALIFORNIA
SIP is a more stringent certification than CCSW in that it is performance-based, scientifically measuring if standards are met or not. SIP Certified prohibits the use of high risk pesticides and requires creation of a sustainability plan which includes documentation, reporting and examples of how that vineyard and / or winery is in compliance with requirements. Certification is verified annually through a third party auditing system. Look for the SIP Certified seal on certified California wines.
LODI RULES
LODI, CALIFORNIA
For vineyards predominantly in the Lodi, California winegrowing region. These wineries must meet rules on human resource, business, ecosystem, soil, water and pest management. In addition, pesticide use must fall below a specified level of impact to humans and the environment. An annual independent audit is performed each year to renew vineyard certification.
NAPA GREEN
NAPA, CALIFORNIA
There are two types of Napa Green certifications; Napa Green Certified Land, which requires best management practices to their whole property, not just their vineyards, and Napa Green Certified Winery, which requires vintners to not only assess cellar operations and implement practices to conserve resources, but also create an action plan for continuous improvement. Both Include independent, third-party certifications and audits of vineyards and wineries.
LIVE (LOW INPUT VITICULTURE AND ENOLOGY)
OREGON, WASHINGTON AND IDAHO
LIVE is a third-party certification specifically tailored for the cool-climate Northwest winegrowing region. It is a comprehensive set of rigorously applied, science-based standards and procedures that ensure both wine winegrowing and winemaking production are as sustainable and have as minimal an environmental impact as possible.