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 - Competitive wages, medical insurance, training, and education.
  2. Water Management - Reduced/recycled water in the vineyards and winery.
  3. Safe Pest Management - Introduce beneficial insects, attract raptors, and plant enriching cover crops to keep vineyards healthy.
  4. Energy Efficiency - Alternative fuels and energy sources like solar and wind; minimal tractor usage; enhanced insulation in the winery.
  5. Habitat - Create wildlife corridors and preserve open space.
  6. Business - Ethical practices; treat employees and community with care and respect.
  7. Always Evolving - Evolve as new science, technology, and research becomes available.

 

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 43,000 vineyard acres in California, Oregon, and Michigan, six wineries, and more than 63 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.

Andrew Fles

Shady Lane Cellars

The Farm to Table Life

Andy Fles, vineyard manager of Shady Lane Cellars in Michigan, fondly remembers helping out on weekends at a friend’s U-Pick apple orchard. From fall harvests to winter pruning, the orchard was his first glimpse into a lifestyle of farming.

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Mark Pisoni

Pisoni Vineyards

Life is Better Lived Outdoors

Mark Pisoni loves the outdoors. It’s a welcomed attribute when your title is Vineyard Manager at Pisoni Vineyards. Over the years the Pisonis have helped establish the Santa Lucia Highlands as one of California’s top AVAs for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir...

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The Latest From SIP

Recent News

Get Certified in 2025
March 14, 2025

Are you farming your vineyard and processing your wine sustainably but don’t have the certification to show it?

Make 2025 the year you get SIP Certified.

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Announcements

Inspections are Open
March 15, 2025

Schedule your inspection between now and July 15.

Please note that all documents must be turned in to your inspector by the July 15 due date.

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