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2nd to Achieve SIP Certified Winery: Chamisal Vineyards
Chamisal Vineyards is the second winery to achieve SIP Certified. The program has certified vineyards since 2008, and expanded its independent, third-party verification scope to include wineries in 2016. We recently spoke with Fintan du Fresne, General Manager and Winemaker at Chamisal Vineyards, about how sustainability fits into their company. The Chamisal vineyard has been in the program since 2010 and the brand continues to message its sustainable practices with the SIP Certified seal on the wine label, at the tasting room, and on case boxes. As du Fresne says, "…we feature our SIP certification... [Read more...]
SIP with Owl Man
This spring, invite a life-sized Owl Man into your tasting room! Last April, Owl Man made an appearance at Niner Wine Estates and the tasting room staff found he was the perfect conversation starter for an introduction into the world of sustainability. Customers wanted to know what was up with this life-sized figure, and his owl, giving staff the opportunity to talk about Niner’s dedication to sustainability with an eager audience. Having Owl Man at the tasting room definitely brought our sustainability practices to life.” says Tasting Room Manager Teresa Josserand, “Our customers wanted to... [Read more...]
Sustainability in Practice with Niven Family Wines
Niven Family Wine Estates, producing True Myth, Tangent, Baileyana, Zocker, Trenza, and Cadre, has participated in SIP Certified since the pilot year in 2008, certifying both their vineyards and wines. We asked them how sustainability helps improve their farming practices and how they communicate their dedication in the market. Where do you use the SIP Certified seal? We communicate that we are SIP Certified Sustainable on multiple items: labels, all in store point of sale (neckers, case cards, etc), websites, sell sheets, presentations, etc. We use the actual SIP Certified seal on a select number... [Read more...]
Tips for Certified Vineyards: Chapters 1 & 9
These tips are to help you update your certification documents a little each month to prepare for your June 1 through July 15 inspection to achieve SIP Certified vineyard. Login to the database at https://app.sipcertified.org to read each specific Standard as you implement and document them. Unless otherwise specific, documentation should reflect practices from December 1 through June/July. For Full Inspection Vineyards Take this month to complete Chapters 1 and 9. 1.1.1 Starting this year, you must update your conservation plan at least every five years. NRCS and many RCDs can help you create a... [Read more...]
Tips for Certified Vineyards: Chapter 2
These tips are to help you update your certification documents a little each month to help you prepare for your June 1 through July 15 inspection to achieve SIP Certified vineyard. Login to the database at https://app.sipcertified.org to read each specific Standard as you implement and document them. Unless noted otherwise in the Standards, documentation should reflect practices from Dec. 1, 2016 to June/July 2017. For Full Inspection Vineyards Take this month to complete Chapter 2. 2.5.1 Get a tissue sample. You need tests every year. 2.5.5 Although not a Requirement, consider testing the vineyard... [Read more...]
SIP Smart Seminar | March 29, 2017
March 29, 2017 8:00 am - 1:30 pm | Niner Wine Estates | Paso Robles, CA This educational event is geared toward all SIP Certified teams. Whether your team works in the vineyard, tasting room, or sales, this seminar will help you maximize the value and benefits of your certification. Sharing information with peers and experts, you will: Improve your communication of sustainability Learn about field specific sustainable practices View native predators, prey, and pests Explore free marketing and communication tools Learn how to manage documentation from program veterans Understand the research behind messaging sustainability Free... [Read more...]
SIP Certified Vineyards Year At-A-Glance
Use the new wall calendar to help you maintain documentation for your certified vineyard. Look for your copy in the mail this week. Need more? You can print copies from your own desktop. [Read more...]
Doc./ Doc.+Onsite Inspection: Chapter 8
This is for SIP Certified vineyard applicants with a documentation or documentation and onsite inspection. Login to the database at https://app.sipcertified.org to read each specific Standard as you implement and document them. Unless noted otherwise in the Standards, documentation should reflect practices from Dec. 1, 2016 to June/July 2017. What to Document? Documentation - Complete Standards marked “D” in the database. Also review D+O Standards. These will be reviewed if you nave the Impromptu inspection (48 hours notice of an onsite inspection). Doc+Onsite - Complete Standards marked “D” and “D+O” in the database. What to... [Read more...]
Full Inspection: Chapter 8
This is for SIP Certified vineyard applicants with a Full inspection. Login to the database at https://app.sipcertified.org to read each specific Standard as you implement and document them. Unless noted otherwise in the Standards, documentation should reflect practices from Dec. 1, 2016 to June/July 2017. Take this month to complete Chapter 8. 8.1.1 Another reminder to make sure that you share the Prohibited Materials List with anyone making spray decisions. This Standard requires that you do not use any of the materials on the list. 8.1.2 Set up your pest monitoring schedule to make sure... [Read more...]
Why Become Certified?
With a variety of sustainability programs available to the wine industry, it is sometimes hard to understand what each certification is all about. To help guide you, here are three tips to help you make an informed decision. 83% of Americans consider sustainability when buying food1. So, when your customers ask about sustainable wines, they can rest assured that SIP Certified wines show a farmers and winemakers dedication to responsible practices from the soil to the bottle, preserving natural and human resources. Three Tips to Help You Choose the Best Certification Program for Your Vineyard... [Read more...]