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January Certification Webinars

December 14, 2015

SIP Certified is offering 30 minute webinars that will give advice on how to best achieve vineyard certification, review program rules and provide guidance on how to use the online database. Whether you are a new applicant, rolling over an application from last year, or a renewing applicant, these webinars provide a great opportunity to refresh your knowledge of the program and ask questions. Register online or call 805-466-2288. Participate (Click the appropriate link below. Webinars cover the same material): Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at 9 am https://www.anymeeting.com/063-648-437 Thursday, January 14, 2016 at 9 am... [Read more...]


2016 Documents Posted

December 8, 2015

2016 SIP materials are live in the database and posted online at sipcertified.org under Program Documents. Please review the “Updates” and document the 2016 Standards as needed. Documentation will be reviewed by your auditor between June 1 and July 15, 2016. Certification Year – December 1, 2015 – November 30, 2016 Information Package 2016 – Program guidelines and rules. Vineyard Standards 2016 – Certification farming practices. Document the Standards through the online database. Vineyard Standards Photo List 2016 – List of photograph documentation for the SIP Vineyard Certification Standards. Prohibited Materials List 2016 – Materials not allowed in... [Read more...]


Apply for the Second Annual California Green Medal Awards

December 7, 2015

California vineyards and wineries are encouraged to apply for the 2016 California Green Medal: Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards. Applications are now being accepted at www.greenmedal.org. The California Green Medal is presented by California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, California Association of Winegrape Growers, Lodi Winegrape Commission, Napa Valley Vintners, Sonoma County Winegrowers, The Vineyard Team and Wine Institute. More than a dozen regional winery and winegrowing association partners are also involved in promoting the new awards. California vineyards and wineries that participate in any sustainability program available in California are eligible to apply in four award categories... [Read more...]


Center of Effort – Growing with Sustainability

November 30, 2015

In the foothills of the western Edna Valley lies a landmark estate vineyard of Center of Effort, its roots spanning three decades. Over the years, each member of the winery family was personally touched by the vineyard in one way or another. Their respect for the vineyard and its unique environment is reflected in an emphasis on sustainable, SIP Certified,  viticulture, natural fermentations and other non-invasive, progressive winemaking practices. In order to craft the finest wines possible, Center of Effort ensures that the highest standards are set at every step in the winemaking process. The... [Read more...]


Presqu’ile – A Family-run Winery Dedicated to Sustainability

November 16, 2015

Located in the heart of Santa Barbara County’s Santa Maria Valley, Presqu’ile (pronounced press‑KEEL) is a small, family-run winery dedicated to making exceptional cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Presqu’ile’s wines capture the essence of their vineyards and vintage, and have earned acclaim for their elegance and balance. The vineyard started when the Murphy family acquired an ideal unplanted 200-acre property in the hills of the Santa Maria Valley. Over the next two years, the Murphys, along with Santa Barbara County Vineyard Manager Jim Stollberg and Winemaker Dieter Cronje, meticulously planned the design of... [Read more...]


Sustainability is Key at Niner Wine Estates

November 2, 2015

Sustainability is integral to the Paso Robles Niner Wine Estates business model, and they have incorporated it into their approach to farming, building design, and operations since their inception. Founded in 2001 by Richard and Pam, their son Andy now leads the family owned winery. Niner Wine Estates believes that they are defined by the group of passionate, talented and humble people who have worked at the winery, both past and present. They currently farm a total of 212 acres across three different vineyards, and make all wine in the LEED Certified Winery at Heart... [Read more...]


Chapter 11 Video Tutorials

October 28, 2015

Our recent survey showed that SIP Certified participants want tools to help complete vineyard Standards Chapter 11 which are due annually by December 15. We now have video tutorials to help participants complete the calculations in Chapter 11. Although the video quality is not as high as we would have liked, the instructions and explanations will be helpful with completing the Requirement. View all VIDEO TUTORIALS on YouTube  Nitrogen Background Chapter 11.2 Water Use Chapter 11.3 Nitrogen Use Chapter 11.4 Use Summary [Read more...]


December Deadlines for SIP Certified

October 26, 2015

December 1 – Renew SIP Certification for 2016 Please renew your SIP Certification by December 1, 2015. The renewal application will take less than 5 minutes. Please note that renewal documentation for the inspection is not due until summer 2016. Renewal Application Instructions See the Database User Guide for screen shots Login at https://app.sipcertified.org/ Click Certifications Click Renew (to the right of the vineyard(s) name) Read the instructions Check all boxes, initial and click “Renew My Certification Now” Review your Blocks & Acres and Contact information You are DONE! December 15 – 8.1.1 Pesticide Use... [Read more...]


Baker & Brain on Responsible Farming

October 26, 2015

Josh Baker and Matt Brain share a common goal of creating wine that showcases the hard work and responsible farming taking place at their favorite vineyards. To Baker & Brain, sustainability means sourcing fruit from farmers who are doing things right – not just for the earth, but for the animals and people who spend their lives between the vines.  You can find the SIP Certified seal on many of their wines, and all of them are made at a winery where all waste is 100% recycled and the power all comes from the sun. ... [Read more...]


Inspectors Needed for SIP Certified

October 16, 2015

Sustainability in Practice (SIP) Certification seeks inspectors for its product, vineyard, and winery programs. The inspector’s duty is to review compliance with program rules and objectively document and verify vineyard and winery practices. Inspectors are selected and accredited by SIP Certification staff and program committees. Interviews will be conducted in winter and notice of accreditation given in spring. Upon accreditation, new inspectors will receive an orientation and shadow inspection training. Applicants should have experience auditing/inspecting and have general knowledge of the wine industry. Interested applicants may send a resume to Beth Vukmanic Lopez at beth@vineyardteam.org. [Read more...]