Member Tips
Year-Ends due Dec 5
In an effort to ease workload during the holiday season, Year-Ends are due Dec 5.
Here's what's due:
• Vineyards:
- 9.1.2 – Pesticide Use (July – Nov.)
- Ch 14 Year-End Water & Nitrogen
• Wineries
- 11.3.4 Winery Noise Testing (every 3 years)
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Certification Fees are Due Sept 20
Congratulations on attaining SIP Certified!
Invoices have been sent out, and are due September 20, 2023.
Please make checks payable to Vineyard Team at 5915 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422.
If you need a copy of your invoice, it can be retrieved through the database. Click "Read" to learn how to download it.
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Invoices are coming!
Invoices and Eligibility Letters will be sent from no-reply@vineyardteam.org.
Be sure to add that address to your Safe Senders list, or create a contact so we don't go to your spam folder!
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Next Steps for 2023 SIP Certified
Next week, the Certification Advisory Committee (CAC) reviews reports and votes on eligibility.
Read more to learn your next steps for 2023 SIP Certified.
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Due Dates & Eligibility
Click "Read" to see 2023's due dates and eligibility timeline.
Don't forget to integrate the Google Calendar so important dates are automatically added to your calendar!
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Inspections are due next week!
Inspections are due next week (July 15)!
Please note that applicants are subject to late fees ($250-$500) for late documentation.
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Inspections are due in 30 days!
Inspections are due in 30 days!
If you haven’t already, please work with an inspector to find a date before July 15th to complete your inspection. Please have all documentation uploaded to the database before your inspection.
Please note that applicants are subject to late fees ($250-$500) for documentation received by the inspector after July 25th.
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Do you need Management Groups?
Do you have multiple properties with the same answers across the Social Equity (11), Continuing Education (12), and Business Management (13) chapters? Create a Management Group to answer them all at once. Watch the tutorial to learn how the Management Group function works, and how to create and use them.
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Does your application need corrections?
Have you heard from your inspector? If your application needs corrections, your inspector will leave comments in the database. Watch the 1-minute tutorial to see how to review your inspector’s comments.
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What to do this May
Update your application a little each month to ease your workload come certification season.
What to do this month:
• Chapter 8 — Purchasing, Recycling, and Waste Reduction
• Attach your annual waste audit records.
• Chapter 13 — Business Management
• Redact private and/or sensitive information on your documents.
• Ensure your records are accurate and up to date.
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Do you know your inspection type?
If you're going through the process to certify your vineyard, you may wonder why you should take the time to add the logo to the label and certify your wines. The answer is simple: consumers seek easy ways to find and identify sustainable wines.
Visit our Get Certified: Wine page to read more about wine certification, and email whitney@vineyardteam.org if you have any questions.
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What to do this April
Update your application a little each month to ease your workload come certification season.
What to do this month:
• Chapter 5: Water Conservation & Quality
• Chapter 6: Energy Conservation & Efficiency
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Are your blocks, varieties, acres, and gallons accurate?
Certification fees are calculated based on your certified acres and gallons. To ensure accurate invoicing, please take a few minutes to review your blocks, varieties, acres, and gallons in the database.
Not sure how? Learn how to make the updates in 3 minutes with our tutorial!
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What to do this March
Update your application a little each month to ease your workload come certification season.
What to do this month:
• Chapter 1: Conservation and Enhancement of Biological Diversity
• Is it time to update your conservation plan? (Every 5 years)
• Chapter 7: Pollution & Waste
• Have you done your annual hazardous waste assessment?
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Share the Prohibited Materials List
The updated Prohibited Materials List (PML) is here! Materials on this list have been flagged by the Department of Pesticide Regulation and cannot be used on certified acres between December 1, 2022 and November 30, 2023.
Please share this list with anyone making spray decisions at your vineyard.
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What to do this February
Update your application a little each month to ease your workload come inspection season (March 15 - July 25th). This month, work on:
Chapter 2: Vineyard Acquisition
- Take pictures of your cover crops before they are removed
Chapter 10: Fruit Quality
- Are you getting the Baker Wine & Grape Analysis Discount?
Chapter 12: Continuing Education
- CE hours can be aggregated across the company.
- Earn CE hours at the Sustainable Ag Expo this November!
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Have you seen these?
We have several tutorials to help you navigate the database. Here are a few of the most popular:
- Find the Documents
- Blocks, Varieties, & Acres, and Gallons
- Find Your Inspection Type
Read more for the link to the entire playlist!
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What to do this January
Update your application a little each month to ease your workload come inspection season (March 15 - July 25th).
This month, work on Chapter 9: Pest Management, and Chapter 11: Social Equity.
Keep reading for more January tips!
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It's Time to Renew!
Renewing your SIP Certified application is quick and easy! Read more to find out how.
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Do you have the 2023 Prohibited Materials List?
The SIP Certified Standards are a living document. The rules are constantly being improved through Peer Reviews (every 5 years), Committee reviews (annually), and grower feedback. You can read the 2023 SIP Certified Standards by clicking the link in this article.
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Year-Ends are Due December 15th
Submit Year-End reports to your inspector through the Database.
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Want Help Calculating Water and Nitrogen Use?
Calculating the amount of water and Nitrogen applied to a vineyard is important for tracking inputs and improving efficiency.
If you want tips on how to complete Chapter 14 Water and Nitrogen Use for SIP Certified (due December 15, 2021), watch our tutorial videos.
Still have questions? Please reach out to whitney@vineyardteam.org
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Upcoming December Deadlines
December 1: Renew certification for 2023 (takes less than 5 minutes!)
December 15:
- Vineyards complete Year-End 9.1.1 (July – Nov. pesticide use reports) and Chapter 14.
- Wineries complete 3.1.1 Noise Testing every three years.
Please note applicants are subject to a late fee ($250-$500) for documentation received after January 2, 2023.
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3 benefits of attending the Sustainable Ag Expo
Best management practices, laws, and technology are always changing. Vineyard Team wants to provide the resources you need in order to conduct your agricultural practices in ways that are true to the latest information in the field.
When you attend the Sustainable Ag Expo, you will have the opportunity to attend in-person seminars by top experts in the field of agricultural business, and experienced growers who have confronted challenges and attained successes in viticulture.
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Get the SIP Marketing Tips
Recent studies have shown consumers are seeking sustainable, ethically produced goods and services more than ever before. Being SIP Certified puts you at a huge advantage in the wine market!
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Have you received your Certificate?
SIP Certified Certification Letters and Certificates are automatically generated and sent via email upon receipt of invoice payment.
If you're still waiting for your invoice, check your spam folder! Invoices and Eligibility Letters were sent from no-reply@vineyardteam.org.
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Get All Your Documents from the Database
All of your certification documents from 2021 forward can be accessed through the Database.
Log in to get your:
- Eligibility letter
- Invoice
- Certification letter
- Certificate
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Looking for your invoice?
Invoices and Eligibility Letters were sent out last week from no-reply@vineyardteam.org. If you have been looking for your 2022 SIP Certified invoice, check your spam folder!
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Baker Wine and Grape Analysis offers 10% discount to SIP Certified Vineyards and Wineries
Baker Wine & Grape Analysis salutes you for your dedication to SIP Certified and is pleased to offer SIP Certified Vineyards and Wineries a 10% discount on all analyses. If you are a current BWGA customer simply let them know and they will update your account.
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Peer Review of the 2023 SIP Certified Standards
The SIP Certified standards undergo a peer review by representatives from the university and extension system, state and federal agencies, agricultural professionals, and environmental and social organizations every five years.
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Final Review of Inspector Comments
If your inspector needs more documentation for your Standards, they will leave notes in the database.
Read more to learn how to review your inspector's comments.
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Schedule Your Inspection Before July 15th
Our members and inspectors have asked for more time to complete inspections, so this year, we have expanded the window for inspections to March 15th through July 15th.
Please note applicants are subject to a late fee ($250-$500) for documentation received by the inspector after July 25, 2022.
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Update Blocks, Acres, and/or Gallons
Update your blocks and acres so there is an accurate record of what is getting certified for invoicing and wine certification.
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June Certification Tips
Did you know we offer aggregated per-acre and per-gallon licensing fees for properties with the same owner?
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Update Blocks, Acres, and/ or Gallons
Update your blocks and acres so there is an accurate record of what is getting certified for invoicing and wine certification.
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May Certification Tips
Update your certification a little each month to prepare you for your March 15 - July 15, 2022 inspection. Read on to see the two items we recommend you update this month.
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Add the SIP Certified Logo to Your Wine
It’s evident that conveying your brand values on your label is crucial to stand out on the shelf. Grab customers in that split second when they look at labels since you can’t be there to talk in detail about your sustainable practices.
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April Certification Tips
Update your certification a little each month to prepare for your March 15 - July 15, 2022 inspection. Read on to see what we recommend you update this month!
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Adding Acres? Increased Capacity?
If you are adding more acres or increased capacity at your winery, your inspection type may change...
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March Certification Tips
Our #1 tip for this month: select a specific date between March 15 and July 15 for your inspection.
Also included in this post are two items we recommend you update this month in preparation for your inspection.
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Get the Calendars: Never Miss a Deadline!
Keep your documentation up to date and never miss a deadline! We have created a calendar of vineyard and winery due dates and tips to help you complete the Standards.
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Schedule Your Inspection Between March 15th and July 15th
Our members and inspectors have asked for more time to complete inspections, so this year, we have expanded the window for inspections to March 15th through July 15th.
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February 2, 2022 How To Get SIP Certified Webinar Recording
Here is the recording for the February 2, 2022 How To Get SIP Certified webinar event.
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February Certification Tips
Update your certification a little each month to prepare for your March 15 - July 15, 2022 inspection. Read on to see what we recommend you update this month!
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Take the Survey
SIP Certified strives to provide you with the best resources and tools to help your vineyard and/or winery succeed. As we are constantly evolving our programming, we welcome your feedback!
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Ag Order 4.0 Update: Reminder to Pay Preservation, Inc by 01/20/22
If your vineyard is in Regional Water Quality Control Board Region 3, here is the latest information from Presentation Inc. on how to maintain compliance with Ag Oeder 4.0 through your membership with Presenvation Inc.
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Salinity 101 Tailgate Event - Jan 14th, 2022
Join us for this educational event at Chamisal Vineyards. Learn the science and management of increasing salinity in a drier climate, and earn Continuing Education hours: CCA: 2 S & W
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How-To Get SIP Certified Webinar
Whether you are new to managing the program or a veteran, this webinar will show you how to use the database and review important deadlines to help you successfully achieve SIP Certified for your vineyard, winery, and wines.
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Does your team know about SIP Certified?
Does everyone in your company know about SIP Certified and its impact on your wines? If not, we need your help. A growing number of consumers say that given a choice they prefer wines that are produced sustainably and ethically. The SIP Certified logo is a powerful marketing tool that communicates your commitment. It can also boost sales and enhance your image.
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January Certification Tips
Update your certification a little each month to prepare for your March 15 - July 15, 2022 inspection.
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December Deadlines
There are only two SIP Certified items you need to complete this December!
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Get All Your Documents in the Database
NEW feature: You can access all of your certification documents right in the database.
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Calendar Review
Here is quick overview of the rest of the year for SIP Certified as you prepare for harvest.
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Inspection Due
Thank you for your dedication to sustainability! Research shows the Trade want sustainable wines. We can help you market your good work.
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July Certification Tips
SIP Certified eligibility timeline for vineyards and wineries.
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Create Your Certificates
NEW database feature! Update the name on your certificates.
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Review Comments
If your inspector needs more documentation for your Standards, they will leave notes in the database.
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June Certification Tips
Please review your inspector's comments as they audit your vineyard and/or winery and make updates by July 15.
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Schedule Inspection
Find out which type of inspection to prepare for at your vineyard and winery and contact your inspector to select a specific date between June 1 and July 15 – for all inspection types.
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May Certification Tips
Call or email your inspector to select a specific date between June 1 and July 15 – for all inspection types.
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April Certification Tips
It’s evident that conveying your brand values on your label is crucial to stand out on the shelf.
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March Certification Tips
Adding Acres? Increased Capacity? Learn what you need to do.
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Three Reasons to Join SIP Certified
SIP Certified is committed to providing our members with resources, training, and insights. These benefits are invaluable means to stay up to date on certification as well as advancements in sustainable farming and winemaking techniques. Here are three reasons to join SIP Certified that you can share with talking with your colleague.
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February Certification Tips
Get the certification calendars so you never miss a deadline.
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Looking to buy or sell SIP Certified grapes and wine?
Now it is even easier to buy and sell sustainably produced grapes and wine with our new Classifieds. We get calls from brands looking for SIP Certified grapes and wine so we developed a free, easy to use classified section on our website:
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FREE Expo Ticket ($345 value) for Referring a Friend!
Referring a vineyard or winery not only offers you a free ticket to the Sustainable Ag Expo ($345 value) but extends our network to your friends and neighbors.
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How to Get SIP Certified
Whether you are new to the program or a certification veteran, this video will show you how to use the database and review important deadlines to help you successfully achieve SIP Certified for your vineyard, winery and wines.
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Take the Survey: Sustainable Successes & Opportunities
SIP Certified strives to provide you with the best resources and tools to help your vineyard and/or winery succeed. As we are constantly evolving our programming, we welcome your feedback. Thank you for taking the time to fill out this survey.
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January Certification Tips
How to get SIP Certified Webinars and what to update this month.
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Certification Calendar
Here is quick overview of the rest of the year for SIP Certified as you prepare for harvest.
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December Certification Tips
Submit year ends, renew certification and start documentation for 2021.
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December Deadlines
There are just two SIP Certified items to complete in December and then we are off to a new year!
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Tips: Chapter 8 & 13 (Vineyard & Winery) | Schedule Inspection
What to update this month.
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Tips: Chapters 1 (Vineyard) & 7 (Vineyard & Winery)
What to update this month.
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Tips: Chapter 2 (Vineyard), 10 & 12 (Vineyard & Winery)
What to update this month.
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Calendars to Manage Your Certification
Keep your documentation up to date and never miss a deadline.
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12/15 Chapter 14 Due (Vineyards)
Vineyards submit year end water and nitrogen use reports.
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12/1 Renew Vineyard & Winery Certification
Renewing certification takes less than 5 minutes. Follow these quick steps.
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Certification Process
Deadlines and process to get SIP Certified at your vineyard and/or winery.
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SIP Certified Tips: Review Standards | Schedule Inspection
Schedule SIP Certified Vineyard & Winery inspections between June 1 and July 15, 2019. Call or email your inspector to select a date (Inspector contact information is available online)
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Short Survey – Give us Your Feedback
We want your feedback so we can best help you market your sustainability. Let us know how SIP Certified fits into your story and what marketing tools are most helpful to your brand.
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