There are a few important differences between Sustainability in Practice (SIP) Certification and the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW) programs:
- SIP is a practice & performance based program – every requirement and management enhancement has to do with practices and is measurable, therefore auditable (ex. You must have a winter cover crop). CCSW is a process based program (ex. Do you have a plan to prevent erosion during winter?)
- SIP is a distinguishing program with a minimum threshold for eligibility so not all growers can qualify. CCSW is an inclusionary program designed to buoy the California wine industry toward more sustainable practices.
- SIP prohibits the use of high risk pesticides
- A bottle of wine can bear the SIP Seal, given it has undergone a chain of custody audit confirming it is made with at least 85% SIP Certified fruit
