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 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.

• 2021 John Muir Conservation Award
• 2020 Carl F. Hertz Distinguished Service in Agriculture Award (Kris Beal)
• 2020 Wine Business Monthly Wine Industry Leader (Kris Beal)
• 2020 Wine's Most Inspiring People (Beth Vukmanic)
• 2019 Green Personality of the Year (Kris Beal)
• 2017 Green Initiative of the Year Commendation
• 2017 Environmental Leader Project Awards
• 2016 Association of Environmental Professionals Certificate of Achievement
• 2015 Department of Pesticide Regulation Integrated Pest Management Innovator Award
• 2015 International Green Industry Hall of Fame
• 2015 John Muir Association Non-Profit Conservation Award