California Ag Network

Tag: Sustainable Winegrowing

  • Sustainability Implemented at Scale Across CA Wine Sector

    The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) recently released the 2025 California Wine Community Sustainability Report, which finds that sustainability is being implemented at broad scale across the state, with approximately 70% of California wine grape acreage certified to a sustainability program and more than 90% of California wine produced in a certified sustainable winery.

    Published every five years, the report draws on aggregated vineyard and winery performance data and provides an update on CSWA’s education, outreach, certification and partnership efforts. The latest findings document measurable progress since the 2020 report, including improvement in 65% of the vineyard sustainability criteria evaluated and 53% of the winery criteria.

    “Sustainability has long been part of the heart of California wine, and this report shows how that commitment is translating into meaningful action across the state,” said Allison Jordan, CSWA executive director. “We are proud of the progress growers and vintners have made to conserve natural resources, strengthen their communities and build more resilient businesses, while continuing to look for ways to do even better.”

    Sustainability Participation Continues to Grow
    Participation in sustainability assessment has continued to expand across both vineyards and wineries.

    Since 2021, growers farming 2,745 vineyards covering more than 350,000 acres have used the California Code of Sustainable Winegrowing to assess their operations. That represents a 19% increase in participating vineyards and a 34% increase in acreage.

    During the same period, 282 wineries producing approximately 210 million cases annually have used the Code to assess their operations, representing a 23% increase in winery participation.

    The report’s appendix includes aggregated data for the 144 vineyard and 105 winery best practices in the Code, which helps California winegrape growers and vintners evaluate their sustainability performance and identify practical opportunities for continued improvement.

    Measurable Progress Across Vineyards and Wineries
    As participation has grown, the data also show meaningful improvement in how sustainable practices are being implemented across vineyard and winery operations.

    Vineyard sustainability performance improved in 65% of the evaluated criteria compared with the 2020 report. Highlights include:

    • Soil health: 99% of growers allowed resident vegetation to grow in the vineyard, used cover crops and/or applied compost to encourage nutrient cycling and protect soil structure.
    • Energy efficiency: 97% reduced energy use through water-pump improvements, one of the largest energy-saving opportunities in vineyard operations.
    • Pest management: 85% used cultural practices to manage pests naturally and reduce the need for pesticides.
    • Water efficiency: 83% used micro-irrigation systems that enable targeted irrigation and more efficient water management.

    Winery sustainability performance improved in 53% of the evaluated criteria compared with the 2020 report. Highlights include:

    • Sustainable business strategy: 98% integrated sustainability into their business strategy.
    • Water efficiency: 97% measured and monitored water use to manage it responsibly.
    • Energy efficiency: 96% conducted an energy audit of their winery operations within the past five years to identify savings, control costs and improve operational performance.

    The report also demonstrates the ways growers and vintners are supporting employees, neighbors and local communities:

    • Neighbors: 100% of growers provided neighbors with contact information and responded to community concerns.
    • Contributions: 97% of vintners volunteered or made other contributions to enhance their local communities.
    • Wildlife: 94% of growers allowed resident or native vegetation to grow near local waterways, helping protect water bodies and surrounding habitats.
    • Employees: 90% of vintners encouraged employees to recommend ways to improve operational efficiency and sustainability.

    Expanding Tools, Education and Industry Engagement

    Supporting that progress is an expanding network of tools, education and outreach designed to help growers and vintners put sustainable practices into action and continue improving over time.

    From 2021 through 2025, CSWA expanded its efforts to help vineyards and wineries document, measure and strengthen their sustainability performance. Key accomplishments included the launch of the California Vineyard and Winery Climate Action Toolkit and publication of the fifth edition of the California Code of Sustainable Winegrowing. To date, more than 19,300 participants have attended CSWA educational events.

    CSWA also broadened access to California wine sustainability information through an updated Sustainable Winegrowing Ambassador Course, a redesigned CSWA website, a website highlighting California wine’s sustainability milestones and a consumer-facing certification website.

    The report also reflects several important milestones, including CSWA’s 20th anniversary in 2023, the 15th anniversary of Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing and the 10th anniversary of the California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards.

    “These programmatic accomplishments and industry-wide implementation and certification of sustainable practices demonstrate meaningful progress toward CSWA’s vision of vibrant businesses, stronger communities and a healthier environment,” Jordan said. “They also underscore the California wine community’s leadership and resiliency in addressing today’s most pressing sustainability challenges.”

    — Story contributed by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance

  • California Wine Grape Community Mourns Passing of John Ledbetter

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) mourns the loss of former CAWG Chair John Ledbetter, who passed away on June 23. John was a respected leader, visionary grower and tireless advocate whose influence helped shape California’s winegrape industry for decades.

    Born and raised in Delano, John married his high school sweetheart, Edyth, and together they raised two children, Kimberly and Craig. John served in the U.S. Navy as a technician from 1967 to 1973. Following his military service, he earned a degree in ag business and ag economics from Fresno State. After beginning his career with the Farm Credit System, John returned to the family farming operation in 1978, where he devoted the rest of his career to advancing California’s winegrape industry.

    Together with his brother, Jim, John helped transform the family business from a small regional farming operation into one of California’s leading winegrape growing and vineyard management companies. Throughout his career, he championed innovation and sustainability, working closely with the Lodi Winegrape Commission to advance integrated pest management practices and playing a pivotal role in developing the groundbreaking Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing Program.

    John’s leadership extended well beyond his own vineyards. He served as Chair of the CAWG Board of Directors from 1987 to 1989 and held numerous leadership positions throughout the industry, including President of the Lodi District Grape Growers Association, Chairman of the Lodi Winegrape Commission, Vice Chair of Winegrape Growers of America, Board Member of the Wine Market Council and Supreme Knight of the Knights of the Vine. He was also a graduate of the California Agricultural Leadership Program Class 12.

    “John Ledbetter was a cornerstone of this association and a tireless champion for California winegrape growers,” said CAWG President Natalie Collins. “He showed up, did the work, and never stopped believing this industry could be stronger for everyone in it. His family has held a seat at the CAWG table since our earliest days — from John’s chairmanship, to Kim’s, to Craig’s service on our board today. That kind of legacy doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when a family genuinely believes in the mission. We are heartbroken at his passing and grateful for everything the Ledbetter family has given to the California wine grape industry.”

    Philanthropy was central to John’s life. Through his generosity and leadership, countless organizations and individuals benefited from his commitment to giving back. His legacy will continue through the many programs, organizations, and people whose lives he touched.

    Additional details about John’s life and accomplishments, along with information about making a memorial donation in his honor, can be found in his obituary. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 2, at St. John’s Episcopal Church (1055 S. Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi), followed by a reception at Appellation Lodi (2505 W. Turner Road, Lodi).

    CAWG extends its heartfelt condolences to Edyth, Kimberly, Craig and the entire Ledbetter family. John’s leadership, generosity and unwavering commitment to California agriculture will be remembered for generations to come. — Story contributed by the California Association of Winegrape Growers

  • Green Medal Winners Announced in Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards

    Four wineries and vineyard companies received the 2026 California Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards.

    The winners were based on a comprehensive judging process focused on viticulture and winemaking to assess their sustainability practices and innovation. Several California wine organizations devoted to sustainability presented the medals, which were awarded in the Leadership, Environment, Community and Business categories

    “Each year of the past dozen years, the California wine community has paused to pay tribute to four wineries and vineyards that demonstrate outstanding leadership and innovation in sustainable wine growing,” said Allison Jordan, Executive Director for the Alliance. “Not only do this year’s winners grow and make exceptional grapes and wine, they do so while preserving natural resources, protecting the environment, enhancing wine quality and enriching the lives of employees and wine country communities.”

    Winners of the 2026 Awards are:

    • St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery — Leader Award
    • Clif Family Vineyard & Farm — Environment Award
    • Ironstone Vineyards — Community Award
    • Hobo Wine Company — Business Award

    Visit Greenmedal.org for more information.

  • SIP Certified: Vineyards Setting the Sustainability Standard Since 2008

    Since its launch in 2008, Vineyard Team’s SIP Certified® program has recognized vineyards and wineries that go above and beyond in their commitment to sustainable winegrowing. These businesses uphold rigorous standards that protect the people, planet, and prosperity of their business. Today, we proudly recognize the growers who have earned SIP Certified every year since 2008.

    Hahn Ste. Phillipe and Ste. Nicholas Vineyards (Monterey Pacific)

    Both vineyards are in the Arroyo Seco appellation within Monterey County, and both earned SIP Certified together in 2008. Today they are under the vineyard management of Monterey Pacific.

    Steve McIntyre, owner of Monterey Pacific (1992), is a founding member of Vineyard Team. Members of his team have continued to stay involved through Vineyard Team’s Board of Directors, and by sharing their expertise on various committees and at grower lead events.

    Castoro Cellars

    Niels and Bimmer Udsen share a deep respect for the land and a desire to encourage stewardship of the environment. Their vineyards have been SIP Certified since 2008 and are also CCOF Organic certified.

    They launched Castoro Cellars in 1983 with a laid-back, warm, welcoming style that showcases their emphasis on community.

    Castoro Cellars is home to the Whale Rock Disc Golf course and the annual Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival, which donates proceeds to the Templeton High School Band.

    Templeton Preserve Vineyard (Mesa Vineyard Management)

    The Merrill Family has been growing grapes on California’s Central Coast for at least 8 generations. They hold a strong belief in community and industry involvement.

    Dana Merrill is a founding member of Vineyard Team, and his son, Matt Merrill, has served on Vineyard Team’s Board of Directors and various committees over the years.

    Dana Merrill founded Mesa Vineyard Management in 1989. He purchased Pomar Junction vineyard in 2002 and worked diligently to earn SIP Certified in 2008.

    Today, Strongwater Viticultural Investments LLC, a partnership between three leaders in the Central Coast’s wine industry (Anthony Bozzano, Andrew Jones, and Michael Testa), is part-owner of the vineyard but the Merrill’s are still very much involved with daily operations.

    Jackson Family Wines Vineyards of Monterey

    Jackson Family Wines‘ vineyards have been in the program since the beginning, and the team continues to be involved with Vineyard Team on an organizational level to this day.

    Denise Shurtleff, VP of Production for South Coast and Bart Haycraft, VP of Farming for South Coast have both served on our Board of Directors and in various committees, and both have hosted educational and collaborative meetings.

    Today, all the Jackson Family Wines vineyards in California have earned SIP Certified.

    Laetitia Vineyard & Winery

    At Laetitia, sustainability goes beyond the vineyards. Their 900+ acre estate is permanently protected by the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County, guaranteeing that it will always be preserved.

    In 2024, long-time winemaker and general manager Eric Hickey, along with partners Ejnar Knudsen and Jeff Nicholson, purchased the estate and are continuing its history of sustainable practices.

    Orcutt Road Ranch (Pacific Coast Farming)

    Pacific Coast Farming has been farming vineyards since the first Edna Valley planting in 1973 and certifying with SIP Certified since the program began in 2008.

    Orcutt Road Ranch was one of the first Pacific Coast Farming vineyards that earned SIP Certified.

    Vineyard Manager Erin Amaral has shared her time and expertise through serving on Vineyard Team’s Board of Directors and speaking at the Sustainable Ag Expo. She also serves on the SLO County Farm Bureau’s Board of Directors.

    Wolff Vineyards

    Jean-Pierre Wolff is a long-time supporter of Vineyard Team, has a long history of board membership with several local, State and Federal agricultural organizations on California’s Central Coast, and is constantly seeking innovation and efficiency in his own vineyard. In 2017, he decided to convert a portion of Wolff Vineyard to drought-resistant rootstocks and plant them three feet into the ground.

    Initially, this was a way to increase water efficiency by reducing evaporation. But he found the benefits extended to reducing pest pressure!

    Water and fertilizer are applied through PVC pipes that lead directly to the root systems, so weeds with shallow roots can’t access these resources.

    And vertebrate pests don’t typically dig to the depths at which the roots lie.

    Wolff Vineyards is host to many applied research projects with Cal Poly and State Agencies.

    Cheers to many more years of innovation to come!

    Congratulations!

    We honor the dedication of these SIP Certified vineyards and their ongoing efforts to shape a more sustainable future for the winegrowing community. Their leadership and commitment inspire others to join the movement and continue raising the bar for what it means to farm with care and integrity.

    About SIP Certified

    Sustainability In Practice (SIP) Certified ® is a sustainable certification program for winegrowers and winemakers. The program evolved from the first sustainable vineyard self-assessment (Positive Points System) developed by Vineyard Team which helped growers evaluate their sustainable practices on every level, from habitat to water, soil to human resources. Today, nearly 41,000 vineyard acres in California, Oregon, and Michigan, six wineries, and more than 65 million bottles of wine have been SIP Certified.

  • Celebrate California Wine Month and the State’s 175th Birthday Throughout September

    This September there’s more than one reason to raise a glass. September 1 kicked off California Wine Month, officially designated by the California State Legislature as a statewide recognition of one of the world’s most iconic winegrowing regions. And on September 9, the Golden State marks its 175th birthday.

    “California Wine Month is a celebration of the people, places and traditions that make our wines truly unique,” said Robert P. Koch, president and CEO of Wine Institute. “California wine brings people together across cultures and generations, and behind every bottle is a community that supports more than 1.1 million U.S. jobs and contributes $170 billion to the economy. This month is a reminder of how deeply rooted wine is in our state’s identity and how vital it is to our future.”

    Throughout September, wineries across the Golden State are hosting California Wine Month events and activities, from behind-the-scenes harvest tours and grape stomps to wine and food festivals.

    “California Wine Month shines a light on the hard work and heritage of our state’s winegrowers, many of them multigenerational farmers who care deeply about their land, their communities and the future,” said Karen Ross, secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. “Wine connects people to California in a way that’s uniquely personal. Whether you’re walking a vineyard at harvest or enjoying a bottle at your table, you’re experiencing something truly rooted in our state’s culture and values.”

    From vineyard to table, California wine brings out the best in local flavors, from Sonoma oysters to Santa Maria tri-tip. Back by popular demand, the “Iconic California Dishes to Celebrate California Wine Month” e-book offers delicious inspiration for pairing local wines with California’s seasonal bounty.

    “California wine country is not one singular destination or experience,” said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California. “It’s the perfect blend of world-class wines, stunning landscapes and unforgettable hospitality. California welcomes visitors from around the world to explore our wine regions, where every tasting is a chance to connect, reflect and raise a glass to what makes the state special.”

    10 Great Moments in California Wine History

    California’s wine community has come a long way during the last 175 years — and it’s just getting started. Here are some of the most memorable and impactful moments in the state’s wine history.

    1850: California gains statehood. This sets the stage for the wine industry’s growth as Gold Rush migration to Northern California spurs demand and vineyard plantings.

    1933: Prohibition is repealed, allowing wine sales to resume.

    1934: Wine Institute is founded to support the California wine industry’s rebirth.

    1960s–1970s: A new wave of wineries across California usher in a modern era, pairing innovation in winemaking with welcoming visitor experiences that set the stage for global recognition.

    1967: Table wines outsell dessert wines by volume in the U.S. for the first time since Prohibition.

    1976: At the Judgment of Paris, California wines beat France in a blind tasting, gaining worldwide recognition.

    1993: Sales of wines labeled by grape name surpass generic wine sales in the U.S.

    2002: Industry leaders introduce the Code of Sustainable Winegrowing.

    2004: California Wine Month is established to celebrate the wine community’s cultural and economic contributions.

    2005: The U.S. Supreme Court rules that states can’t favor local wineries over out-of-state ones when it comes to shipping wine directly to consumers. This gives wine lovers across the country better access to California wines.

    California Grown along with select restaurants and retail partners are celebrating California Wine Month and the state’s 175th birthday with the California 75 wine cocktail, and a Modern Prune Birthday Cake.
    Images and recipes of the California 75 and Modern Prune Cake may be downloaded here

    About CA GROWN
    California Grown was formed in 2001 to increase awareness and consumption of high-quality California agricultural products. The organization is represented today by more than two dozen commodity organizations and dozens of agricultural entities licensed to use the popular California Grown brand. Image of Locy can be downloaded here. For more information about California Grown, contact Cherie Watte at cher@californiagrown.org.
    californiagrown.org.

  • Saving Money on Sustainable Farming with Sonoma’s Dutton Ranch

    Sonoma County farmers have been outstanding examples of moving towards new and innovative sustainable practices on their farms. Sustainability takes many forms though, and accounts for the health and prosperity of both the land and the steward. There are costs with implementing sustainable practices on the farm, but many of these can return savings to the farmers as well, such as apple and wine grape grower Steve Dutton’s recent investment in renewable energy. Watch this brief interview and read more about sustainable farming in American Vineyard and California Fresh Fruit Magazines.
     
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.