What is SIP Certified?

Sustainability In Practice (SIP) Certified ® is a sustainable certification program for winegrowers and winemakers.

SIP Certified brands use third-party verified sustainable practices so you can feel confident your wine protects the people and the planet.

 

The 3 P's of Sustainability

Certification addresses the 3 P’s of Sustainability – People, Planet, Prosperity – ensuring that both natural and human resources are protected.
 

People

Community involvement, charitable donations, employee development and safety programs, continuing education, and much more are addressed in the program's Standards.
 

Planet

Alternative energy, recycling, habitat conservation plans, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), cover crops, organic soil additions, and responsible irrigation management practices all help to combat climate change and protect the environment.
 

Prosperity

You can't have a sustainable business if you can't sustain the business. That's why SIP Certified members must have annual/multi-year budgets, sales and marketing plans, and maintain legible inventory and production records.
 

 

“It’s important to me to be a conscientious member of our community. The SIP Certified program is a comprehensive process that demonstrates our dedication to people, our land, and our vines."

- Melani Harding, Owner and Winemaker, Bon Niche Cellars, San Miguel, CA

 

Members Uphold the 7 Values

  1. Social Responsibility - Charity work, volunteering, donations, environmental preservation, treat employees ethically & fairly.
  2. Water Management - Native landscaping, cover crops, plant & soil tests to determine irrigation needs, record & analyze water use, collect & reuse wastewater.
  3. Safe Pest Management - Use an IMP system, introduce beneficials, attract birds of prey, manage canopy & fruit density.
  4. Energy Efficiency - Alternative fuels and energy sources, multi-row vineyard equipment, proper insulation of buildings & equipment.
  5. Habitat - Conservation plans, wildlife corridors, preserve open space, attract beneficial species.
  6. Business - Neighborhood communication plan, annual & multi-year budgets, sales & marketing plans, accurate record keeping.
  7. Always Evolving - Provide education & upward movement opportunities, attend educational events, subscribe to local & industry news, participate in vineyard & winery trials.

 

Promoting Sustainable Winegrowing Since 2008

SIP Certified evolved from the award-winning 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.

After four years of intensive review by viticulture experts and experienced growers, SIP Certified launched its pilot program in 2008 with 3,700 acres of vines between Monterey and Santa Barbara counties.

Today, over 41,000 vineyard acres in California, Oregon, and Michigan, six wineries, and more than 65 million bottles of wine have been SIP Certified.

Consumers around the world can now find a wide array of sustainably produced wines to fit their needs, budgets, and stylistic preferences.



 

Awards

SIP Certified is proud to stand with other environmental leaders working to preserve our natural and human resources.

Nathan Carlson

Center of Effort

Passion in the Process

Nathan Carlson fondly remembers when he was a child, his father sowed a field of wheat by hand, threshed the grain on a tarp, ground it up and the family eventually made bread from that harvest. It was one of the first times that Nathan came to appreciate

Read More

Chris Hamell

Bien Nacido & Solomon Hills

The 16-Petal Lotus Black Belt

Just for the record, Chris Hamell is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Masters World Champion. He is also the vineyard manager at Bien Nacido and Solomon Hills in the Santa Maria Valley...

Read More

The Latest From SIP

Recent News

SIP Certified: Vineyards Setting the Sustainability Standard Since 2008
December 2, 2025

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.

Read

Upcoming Event

Taste Sustainable Wines! ReSIProcal February 2026
February 1, 2026 - February 28, 2026

As SIP Certified wine club member, you receive two (2) complimentary tastings at any participating tasting room this February!

View

Announcements

2025 Chapter 14 Webinar
November 7, 2025

Here is the recording for 2025's Chapter 14 webinar, hosted by Paul Crout.

More