Applying for SIP Certification

Sustainable Vineyard Certification (SIP)

Review Information Package & SIP Standards

To begon the certification process, review the Information Package and SIP™ Standards. The certification cycle is from December 1 through November 30 of the following year, so it is very important that you review the requirements and are in compliance as of December 1.

Submit Application

Submit the following to CCVT:

Vineyard Application form
Signed original Mutual NDA
Property map marked with acres
List of vineyard blocks, varieties and acres
One time application fee ($500 for members, $1,000 for non-members)

Training & Documentation

Within 10 business days of receiving your application, staff will send a SIP binder, which includes the Standards, Information Package, and copies of your application documents plus digital copies of the Standards and Information Package.

Once you receive the SIP binder, you should review the Standards in their entirety. It is important to be aware of the record keeping and documentation required for eligibility. CCVT recommends that Requirements be addressed first before moving on to Management Enhancement documentation.

New applicants are required to complete one training session (webinar) early in the year.

Audit Process

Select an accredited auditor (Information Package). In mid June, submit Standards and documentation to your chosen auditor. The actual document & on site audit occurs June - July.

Advisory Committee Determines Eligibility

The auditor sends reports to CCVT to be "blinded" by staff. Blinded audit reports are reviewed and voted on by the Certification Advisory Committee (CAC) in August and eligibility is determined.

Eligibility & Certification

Staff communicates your eligibility status in August-September. Final certification of eligible vineyards is granted upon the submission of the Certification Agreement, payment of the certification fees, and submittal of final pesticide use records.

Sustainable Wine Certification (SIP)

The wine application and audit process is flexible for individual winery needs but must allow for credible verification of wine chain of custody with adequate lead time for the winery to incorporate the logo on the sustainable wine labels.

Review Program Rules

Review Chapter 2 of the Information Package (pg 5)

Submit Winery Application

Submit the following in your application:

Wine Application form
Signed original Wine Certification Agreement

Chain of Custody Audit

Select an accredited auditor (Information Package) and complete the chain of custody audit

Advisory Committee

Your auditor will send the audit report to CCVT to be "blinded". Blinded audit reports will be reviewed and voted on by the Certification Advisory Committee (CAC).

Eligibility & Certification

You will be notified of SIP Certification eligibility. Final certification occurs when the wine certification fees are paid.

For additional information, contact Beth Vukmanic at 805-369-2288.