In the world of sustainable wine, great wine starts with great people.

When employees feel valued, empowered, and engaged, they help drive your mission forward. If you can build a workplace culture that supports and uplifts your team, you’ve taken a powerful step toward long-term sustainability and customer loyalty.
 

Why Employee Engagement Matters

Employee engagement is more than a feel-good initiative—it’s a business strategy. Engaged team members are:

• More likely to stay long-term
• More consistent in implementing protocols and best practices
• Excellent brand ambassadors who build relationships with customers and community members

According to Gallup, organizations with highly engaged employees see:

• 59% less turnover
• 41% lower absenteeism
• 21% higher profitability

That’s a win for your business and for your values.
 

Real-World Inspiration from Our Members

Across our membership, we see remarkable examples of how people-first practices are deeply tied to sustainability, innovation, and loyalty.

Niner Wine Estates

At Niner Wine Estates, sustainability is woven into everything they do. And employees are part of that journey! With multiple third-party certifications and a culture of innovation, the team is continuously learning and sharing sustainable practices with their guests.

Employees benefit from competitive wages, health insurance, 401(k) matching, and an education fund. But the impact doesn’t stop there. Each team member can select a nonprofit to receive a $2,000 donation in their name through the company’s Giving Program, which also matches additional donations.

On top of donating over $200,000 annually to causes focused on equity, education, and the environment, Niner staff regularly volunteer together, like when they serve meals for the ECHO Homeless Shelter.

Many employees have been with the winery for several years—a testament to the values-driven culture they've helped cultivate.
 

Ancient Peaks

Located on the historic Santa Margarita Ranch, Ancient Peaks blends heritage with innovation. Over the last 25+ years, they’ve nurtured not only the land but the people who help run it.

From immersive zipline tours and escape room experiences to hands-on food and wine events, the staff is actively involved in hosting and shaping a wide range of activities for guests and the community. This dynamic, inclusive culture creates a sense of pride and place. Employees aren’t just making wine, working in the tasting room, or cooking delicious food, they’re telling the story of a 250-year-old ranch in a living, vibrant way.

 

Hope Family Wines

A longtime leader in the Paso Robles wine scene, Hope Family Wines has built a workplace rooted in respect, innovation, and care for the community. Owner Austin Hope, who grew up in the area, is passionate about giving back. That includes giving back to his team.

Employees benefit from competitive wages, strong benefits, and opportunities to grow alongside the winery’s constant evolution. From launching a new downtown tasting room to developing virtual tastings and hosting events across the region, the business is always on the leading edge of new ideas. Their SIP Certified vineyards reflect sustainable excellence, and their employee culture brings those values to life day after day.
 

 

SIP Tip! Small, consistent actions like regular feedback, recognition, and inclusion build a culture where people stay and care deeply. That’s sustainability from the inside out.

 

Engage Your Employees in Sustainability

Does your team know what being a sustainable wine brand really means?

Use the free, 30-minute online course to teach them about:

• Sustainability in the wine industry.
• The SIP Certified program.
• How to tell your Sustainable Story.