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An ideal day of tasting for me is three winery visits that give different experiences and provide a range of insights into our beautiful valley, while championing environmental practices that I hold dear.
This list is in no particular order, and represents some of my favourite (yes, I’m Australian and we put a ‘u’ in favourite) people in our beloved valley. This list is people focused for me. The ‘why’ behind each of these wineries and their teams is what I love about our Napa Green community. There are so many brilliant people in our industry who are able to remain buoyant and motivated in the face of a large and arduous task – making beautiful and soulful wines of time and place in the face of a warming climate – and they are the people I love to visit and enjoy the fruits of their labor.
It has to be said, while I’m on my soapbox, that people like Anna Brittain and her team at Napa Green (Megan, Ben, Sierra, Marisa and Meghan) work themselves to the bone to effect meaningful change here in the valley. Climate work is draining, and rewarding, and depleting, and life giving – and supporting Napa Green certified members supports the work of these incredibly hard working people, whose life work is to fight climate change through agriculture. So, with that said, visit wineries who inspire you. Who do good things in the world. Here are three that inspire me.
As I work for a second generation, family owned winery, I love to see fellow small, family owned wineries shine. Founded by Launny and Weezie Steffens, the winery is now led by their son Wes Steffens. The vision and love that Wes has for their property, their wines, their team and for Napa Valley absolutely shine through everything about Vineyard 7&8. I had the pleasure of getting to know Wes better through the Napa Vintners Leadership Program and when I think of Wes and Vineyard 7&8 I think of integrity, intention, authenticity and joy. These are the kind of people I love to support.
Don’t forget that when you are visiting a winery and enjoying your time, and the views, and the beautiful wines (Vineyard 7&8 has all of these in spades), you are also supporting the people behind that experience. They have a couple of adorable sheep named Siete and Ocho (7 and 8). They are Napa Green Vineyard certified, caring for their team and focusing on regenerative farming practices that build soil health, resilience, and maximize quality. Tastings are by appointment only, and the drive up Spring Mountain is SO worth it for the spectacular views up there! Beautiful people, beautiful wines, good vibes all round.
Well, what to say about Young Inglewood… Firstly, full disclosure, Spottswoode works with Young Inglewood as a grower partner and we purchase Merlot and Malbec from the Youngs every year for our Lyndenhurst Napa Valley Cabernet. But, I swear on my Aussie citizenship, I would be saying everything I’m about to say without that tie to Spottswoode. Family owned, organically farmed, Napa Green Winery certified and some of the kindest people in the valley… Scott Young and his parents, Jacky and Jim, farm their vineyard and run their business with a deft touch and thoughtfulness that is reflected in the wines they produce year in and year out.
The winery is gorgeous and tucked away on the western benchlands of St Helena. It is a warm and comfortable experience that’s wholesome and joyful, and their wines range from classic and cerebral (Estate Cabernet Sauvignon) to playful, fresh and interesting (delicious Rose, and their Aligote.. So good. If you can get your hands on some, do it!). I can’t speak highly enough of the Young family, and it’s one of my must stops for visitors when in St. Helena. Don’t forget, it’s by appointment!
A bit of a switch up in vibes with this one – Opus One is, for those who may not know, one of the benchmark Napa Valley Cabernet brands worldwide. The notoriety and recognition the brand has accumulated in its time is no mean feat, and the tasting experience is as grand as the winery’s reputation. But again, this recommendation is as much about the people behind the curtain as it is about the wine and the experience. Michael Silacci, the winemaker, heads up a team of bad-ass, smart and talented women (and many great men, of course) who I have been lucky enough to become acquainted with over my time working with Napa Green, as well as International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA).
Getting to know Michael and the careful thinking behind every decision at Opus is nothing short of inspiring. The work they are doing to steward their property and be industry leaders is to be commended – and seeing the behind the scenes of the work they put in and their team dynamic is something for all to aspire to. So, as much as you may not see this behind the scenes when you visit (you will be too busy being awe-inspired by the beauty of the building, the vineyard, the interiors…oh, and the exceptional wines) just know that you are supporting a team who is doing good in the world.
It has to be said that before a day of tasting (or any day, to be fair), a non-negotiable for me is an oat cortado from Model Bakery in St Helena (feel free to line your stomach with something delicious from there too – Oprah loves their english muffins for a reason, but sleeper option is their avocado toast). Ideally, you have your own keep cup to avoid a to-go cup going to landfill…
Molly Sheppard | Global Sales and Environmental Manager, Spottswoode Estate and Board Member, Napa Green
Born and raised in Victoria, Australia, Molly Sheppard has been surrounded by wine for most of her life. She attended Curtin University in Western Australia, completing a degree in Agribusiness, Viticulture, and Enology. After working in wineries in Victoria, Margaret River, and the Yarra Valley, Molly made her first trip to Napa Valley as an intern for the 2017 vintage and fell in love with the beauty and dynamic nature of Napa Valley and its wines. She returned in 2018 and joined the Spottswoode winemaking team as a harvest intern, becoming part of the team full time in 2019. For the past few years, she has been working alongside winemaker Aron Weinkauf as the Assistant Winemaker, helping to oversee the farming of the historic Spottswoode Estate Vineyard and the making of the winery’s acclaimed wines.
In 2024, Molly made the transition to Global Sales and Environmental Manager, combining her passion for environmentalism, winemaking and communications. She holds a Certificate in Sustainable Business Strategy through Harvard Business School Online and manages Spottswoode’s B Corp certification and environmental initiatives, which includes measuring Spottswoode’s GHG emissions as part of their IWCA Gold membership. In addition to her work at Spottswoode, Molly sits on the executive committee of the Napa Green Board of Directors, and was a part of the Napa Valley Vintners’ Leadership Program in 2023/24.
Take action this Earth Month with Napa Green. Our team of experts is ready to assist you in achieving your climate action goals for both your vineyard and winery, no matter where you are in your sustainability journey.
🎥 @robot_productions
#earthday #earthdayeveryday #earthmonth #climateaction #sustainabilty #climatesmart #regenerativeag
🍴Wednesday April, 23rd is the day NOT to miss lunch at @cliffamily!!
Come enjoy delicious food while supporting Napa Green! See you there.
Uniquely, Napa Green isn’t just a roadmap of leading practices. Napa Green provides an expert, boots-on-the-ground consulting team that develops:
✅ Regenerative Carbon Farm Plans (to enhance soil health, biodiversity, resilience, and carbon storage)
✅ Irrigation Distribution Uniformity Assessments (to maximize water efficiency)
✅ Integrated Resource Assessments (to reduce energy, water, waste and emissions in production)
✅ Action Plans for continuing improvement (tailored to the opportunities and goals of each vineyard or winery)
Additionally, we support soil sampling and analysis, provide resource assistance, run practical training and education workshops throughout the year, and provide valuable, hands-on guidance in meeting your climate action goals.
✅ Napa Green members implement over 120 best practices in both the Vineyard and Winery. This Earth Month, learn about 21 of them with “21 Days, 21 Ways” counting down to Earth Day.
📷 @buddsocial
📍 @tressabores
#21days21ways #earthmonth #earthday #climateaction #regenerativevineyard #climatesmart #sustainablewine #regenerativeag #environmentalleadership #wineindustry #winebusiness
Napa Green’s vineyard team is trained to develop regenerative, whole-farm Carbon Farm Plans (CFPs). These plans review all of the current beneficial practices that are increasing soil and ecosystem health and storing carbon, and identify additional opportunities to regenerate the soil and vineyard ecosystem and simultaneously maximize carbon capture in a given property. Each vineyard’s goal is to become carbon neutral (or negative) and increase the resilience of vineyards, businesses, and our community.
✅ Napa Green members implement over 120 best practices in both the Vineyard and Winery. This Earth Month, learn about 21 of them with “21 Days, 21 Ways” counting down to Earth Day.
📷 @soilrainandhope
📍 @tressabores
#21days21ways #earthmonth #earthday #climateaction #regenerativevineyard #climatesmart #sustainablewine #regenerativeag #environmentalleadership #wineindustry #winebusiness
Clear pathways for employee advancement are essential for a thriving workforce and driving success. They boost retention, job satisfaction, productivity, and attract top talent. Napa Green Certified members develop pathways for growth, discussing career goals and progress with employees during reviews.
✅ Napa Green members implement over 120 best practices in both the Vineyard and Winery. This Earth Month, learn about 21 of them with “21 Days, 21 Ways” counting down to Earth Day.
📷 @briana_marie
📍 @dominusestatewinery
#21days21ways #earthmonth #earthday #climateaction #regenerativevineyard #climatesmart #sustainablewine #regenerativeag #environmentalleadership #wineindustry #winebusiness
Forests are not only our largest terrestrial carbon sink, they are also home to 80% of the world’s on-land diversity. We need healthy forests, which means a balanced density of native trees and plants. Healthy forests experience lower intensity fires with less tree mortality, meaning higher carbon retention and ecosystem function.
✅ Napa Green members implement over 120 best practices in both the Vineyard and Winery. This Earth Month, learn about 21 of them with “21 Days, 21 Ways” counting down to Earth Day.
📷 @abrittain
📍 @seaveyvineyard
#21days21ways #earthmonth #earthday #climateaction #regenerativevineyard #climatesmart #sustainablewine #regenerativeag #environmentalleadership #wineindustry #winebusiness
Napa Green Certified Wineries benefit from an on-site Integrated Resource Assessment (IRA) led by our experienced engineers and winemakers. This IRA evaluates resource metrics, monitors progress, and identifies areas for improvement to increase efficiency and save $$$.
✅ Napa Green members implement over 120 best practices in both the Vineyard and Winery. This Earth Month, learn about 21 of them with “21 Days, 21 Ways” counting down to Earth Day.
📍 @materrawines
#21days21ways #earthmonth #earthday #climateaction #climatesmart #sustainablewine #regenerativeag #environmentalleadership #wineindustry #winebusiness
All of our members are committed to using at least 60% renewable energy, whether through on-site solar and other renewable sources or by working with @mcecleanenergy to access clean power through the grid. The impact? Over 1.2 million pounds of CO2e saved by wineries and vineyards in just one year. To put that into perspective it’s the equivalent to offsetting the emissions from driving over 1.5 million miles in a typical gas-powered car!
✅ Napa Green members implement over 120 best practices in both the Vineyard and Winery. This Earth Month, learn about 21 of them with “21 Days, 21 Ways” counting down to Earth Day.
📷 @love.dream.breathe
📍 @corisonwinery
#21days21ways #earthmonth #earthday #climateaction #regenerativevineyard #climatesmart #sustainablewine #regenerativeag #environmentalleadership #wineindustry #winebusiness #renewableenergy #greenpower #greenenergy
As part of their commitment to sustainability, Napa Green Certified Winery members collaborate with key suppliers and utilize their purchasing power to support eco-friendly practices. In the same way, we can make a difference at home by choosing materials made from post-consumer recycled materials, and selecting reusable, recyclable, compostable, biodegradable, and non-toxic products.
✅ Napa Green members implement over 120 best practices in both the Vineyard and Winery. This Earth Month, learn about 21 of them with “21 Days, 21 Ways” counting down to Earth Day.
#21days21ways #earthmonth #earthday #climateaction #regenerativevineyard #climatesmart #sustainablewine #regenerativeag #environmentalleadership #wineindustry #winebusiness #greenpurchasing #supplychain
Napa Green Certified Vineyards implement climate-smart burn practices, such as Conservation Burning, Flame Cap Kilns, and Air Curtain Burners. These practices reduce smoke and emissions and create biochar. Biochar is re-fossilized wood that provides long-term carbon storage. Even more compelling, when inoculated and applied with compost, biochar aids in water retention and increases water and fertilizer efficiency.
✅ Napa Green members implement over 120 best practices in both the Vineyard and Winery. This Earth Month, learn about 21 of them with “21 Days, 21 Ways” counting down to Earth Day.
📍 @gloriaferrerwinery
#21days21ways #earthmonth #earthday #climateaction #regenerativevineyard #climatesmart #sustainablewine #regenerativeag #environmentalleadership #wineindustry #winebusiness
Napa Green Certified Vineyards implement practices to create habitat for beneficial wildlife, including bluebirds, owls, bats, and raptors. Members may also install boxes and perches if trees or other natural perches aren’t present to encourage these animals in the vineyard. These measures are part of a broader commitment to sustainable and regenerative farming practices.
✅ Napa Green members implement over 120 best practices in both the Vineyard and Winery. This Earth Month, learn about 21 of them with “21 Days, 21 Ways” counting down to Earth Day.
📷 @soilrainandhope
📍 @tressaboreswinery
#21days21ways #earthmonth #earthday #climateaction #regenerativevineyard #climatesmart #sustainablewine #regenerativeag #environmentalleadership #wineindustry #winebusiness #biodiversity
While vineyards don’t directly require pollination, pollinators still play a vital role in the overall health of our ecosystems. Increased biodiversity leads to better soil health, water retention and can attract beneficial insects. Plus, pollinators are friend shaped! 🐝
✅ Napa Green members implement over 120 best practices in both the Vineyard and Winery. This Earth Month, learn about 21 of them with “21 Days, 21 Ways” counting down to Earth Day.
📷 @soilrainandhope
📍 @grgichhills
#21days21ways #earthmonth #earthday #climateaction #regenerativevineyard #climatesmart #sustainablewine #regenerativeag #environmentalleadership #wineindustry #winebusiness #biodiversity
Join us @earthdaynapa tomorrow, April 12 at the wine booth to try some sustainable wines!
All proceeds for to the Environmental Education Coalition of Napa County’s Field Trip Bus Grant Program and the Darcy Aston Scholarship.
#earthday #earthmonth #earthdayeveryday #sustainablewine #climatesmartwine
Carbon storage is inherently site-specific, tied to unique combinations of soil types, microclimates, historical farming practices, and more. Napa Green Certified Vineyards leverage soil sampling to validate the on-the-ground impacts of their regenerative farming methods.
✅ Napa Green members implement over 120 best practices in both the Vineyard and Winery. This Earth Month, learn about 21 of them with “21 Days, 21 Ways” counting down to Earth Day.
📷 @growresiliently
📍 @sixsigmaranch
#21days21ways #earthmonth #earthday #climateaction #regenerativevineyard #climatesmart #sustainablewine #regenerativeag #environmentalleadership #wineindustry #winebusiness
Green teams offer a multitude of benefits, ranging from enhanced employee engagement and a culture of sustainability to cost savings and improved environmental performance.
✅ Napa Green members implement over 120 best practices in both the Vineyard and Winery. This Earth Month, learn about 21 of them with “21 Days, 21 Ways” counting down to Earth Day.
📷 @kikimrobinson
📍 @charleskrugwinery
#21days21ways #earthmonth #earthday #climateaction #regenerativevineyard #climatesmart #sustainablewine #regenerativeag #environmentalleadership #wineindustry #winebusiness
Napa Green Vineyard members located along waterways maintain and enhance riparian areas for wildlife habitat, erosion control, creek/river health and carbon storage.
✅ Napa Green members implement over 120 best practices in both the Vineyard and Winery. This Earth Month, learn about 21 of them with “21 Days, 21 Ways” counting down to Earth Day.
📷 @briana_marie
📍 @dominusestatewinery
#21days21ways #earthmonth #earthday #climateaction #regenerativevineyard #climatesmart #sustainablewine #regenerativeag #environmentalleadership #wineindustry #winebusiness
