Sustainability
Grower Resources
About Sonoma County Sustainable Winegrowing
In September of 2019, we announced that 99% of the vineyard acreage in Sonoma County has been certified sustainable by a third-party certification body. This announcement garnered excitement, media attention and accolades, all well-earned by you, the incredible community of farmers here in Sonoma County.
Your commitment to farming sustainably, continual improvement, preserving agriculture for future generations and recognizing the value of certification has put Sonoma County on the map as the world’s most sustainable wine region – THANK YOU.
Read on to find additional information and resources for sustainability and Sonoma County’s continuing leadership in this realm. For more information on getting a vineyard certified, please contact Jackie Bremner at jackie@sonomawinegrape.org
Thanks to our 1,800 +Â
Winegrowers!
99% of Sonoma County’s Vineyards are Certified Sustainable
Climate Adaptation Certification
As we look toward the future and continue our leadership in sustainability,
Sonoma County Winegrowers has partnered with the California Land Stewardship Institute
to pilot agriculture’s first Climate Adaptation Certification program for local winegrowers.
This program was designed by the California Land Stewardship Institute and Sonoma County’s winegrowers
will be the first to achieve certification. We believe local solutions are the key to global issues.
How it works
THE PILOT PROGRAM
In January 2020, the pilot program launched with 17 local vineyards. Each has its own land management program developed specifically to administer best practices which will maximize the sequestration of nitrous oxide and carbon emissions. The greenhouse gas reductions will be monitored, documented and shared. This will help us better understand the role of vineyards in mitigating climate change and identify specific agricultural practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon.
THE GOAL
The knowledge gained from the pilot program will help growers understand best practices for climate mitigation in vineyards. These learnings will be shared widely with other farmers and the general public in the hopes that other vineyards can adopt some of these best practice within their farming operations.
Sonoma County
Sustainable Wine Label
The Sonoma County Sustainability logo for wine labels launched with the 2017 vintage. It is TTB-approved and available in a variety of colors, intended to complement existing wine branding. If you are interested in using the label, please read through the summary below and download and review all the documents.Â
Eligibility
Wine brands interested in using the Sonoma County Sustainability logo must comply with all of the following requirements:
85% of the grapes in each bottle bearing the Sonoma County Sustainability logo must be certified sustainable grapes from Sonoma County. The grapes must be certified sustainable under one (or more) of the four accepted sustainability programs (Fish Friendly Farming, California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, Sustainability In Practice, or Lodi Rules).
Sustainability certification must be active within the last two years.
Wine brands must be able to provide sustainability certification documentation from their growers in addition to internal documentation that tracks certified sustainable grapes throughout the wine making process: from crush, through storage and up to bottling. Wine brands bearing the label must commit to undergoing a Chain of Custody audit for each vintage and varietal(s) bearing the label. Wine brands and their processing facility must commit to participating in a random spot audit should they be selected.
It’s important to remain compliant with TTB regulations while using the label. Each new wine and vintage requires a new application, so review the guidelines regularly. Applicants must renew for the sustainability logo annually.
Sonoma County Winegrowers must sign off on each label bearing the label to ensure adherence with brand guidelines. Questions on labels and branding can be directed to Jackie Bremner: jackie@sonomawinegrape.org
Sponsorship
We have wonderful sponsorship opportunities for wineries participating in the Sonoma County Sustainability logo program and for our Collaborative Members, there is no fee for the sponsorship, it is included as part of the Collaborative!
The application and approval process is easy! Just follow these three steps:
Step 1
Apply to use the sustainability logo on your label
The logo is a great signal to your customer that you are committed to sustainable winegrowing. The first step is using this label is simple: fill out the application, which you can find by clicking below.Â
Step 2
Schedule your audit from Sonoma County Winegrowers
A representative from Sonoma County Winegrowers will visit the winery and perform a desk-side audit to ensure that at least 85% of your blend is from Sonoma County Sustainable winegrapes. A virtual audit can also be arranged.
Step 3
Submit your label for marketing review and examine promotional opportunities
Work with our marketing department to ensure the logo meets simple brand guidelines (see link above to view).Â
Apply Now
If you are interested in using the logo, please download, fill out and return the Sustainable Label Application.
Learn More
Our sustainability programs are extensive. For more information about our additional work and programs, click the links below.
