About SIP Certified
What is Sustainable?
SIP Certified is a rigorous sustainable vineyard, winery, and wine certification with strict, non-negotiable standards based on science and expert input, independent verification, transparency, and absence of conflict of interest. Certification addresses the 3 P’s of Sustainability – People, Planet, Prosperity – ensuring that both natural and human resources are protected. The rules, called Standards, require a measurable, holistic set of practices addressing habitat, water, energy, soil, recycling, air quality, packaging, pest management, social equity, and business management. Participants document over 50 requirements and implement practices to achieve 75% of the total available points. Practices are verified through independent records and on-site inspections, and receive final approval from an independent advisory board.
Promoting Sustainable Winegrowing Since 2008
SIP Certified launched its pilot program in 2008 with 3,700 acres of vines between Monterey and Santa Barbara counties. Today, there are over 42,000 vineyard acres in California and Michigan, four wineries, and more than 49 million bottles of wine that 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.
Our Values
- Social Responsibility - Competitive wages, medical insurance, training, and education.
- Water Management - Reduced/recycled water in the vineyards and winery.
- Safe Pest Management - Introduce beneficial insects, attract raptors, and plant enriching cover crops to keep vineyards healthy.
- Energy Efficiency - Alternative fuels and energy sources like solar and wind; minimal tractor usage; enhanced insulation in winery.
- Habitat - Create wildlife corridors and preserve open space.
- Business - Ethical practices; treat employees and community with care and respect.
- Always Evolving - Evolve as new science, technology, and research becomes available.
Awards
SIP Certified is proud to stand with other environmental leaders working to preserve our natural and human resources.
- 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 Lopez)
- 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
SIP Certified, Organic, & Biodynamic
While you’ll find SIP Certified wines that are also organic and biodynamic, the SIP Certified process addresses additional farming methods, looking at sustainable practices on every level, from farm labor to agriculture – from energy conservation to water quality. It is an additional way for consumers to know they’re buying sustainable wines that give back to the land and community on every level.
