FAQ's

SIP is a sustainability certification for California winegrape growers. The program looks at the farm in its entirety addressing water conservation, energy efficiency, air quality, habitat conservation, business stability and social responsibility. Each applicant is audited by a third party inspector to confirm that they meet the strict eligibility requirements.

No.  From its' inception the growers who developed the Standards wanted to create a certification that would be available throughout California to any grower who wanted to be a part of a distinguishing program. The purpose of SIP is to promote the adoption of sustainable vineyard farming practices and provide the opportunity for marketplace recognition of SIP Certified vineyards and wines.

First of all, congratulations for moving ahead with a certification program. You are likely already well along in your stewardship of your vineyards, and a certification program such as SIP™ can help with education, reinforcement and recognition of your efforts, and introduce additional concepts about sustainability, including relationships with our community, and with our workers.

Among the key factors in choosing a program, of course, is the support and insights received from the program staff, and fellow growers who have experience with the program. A track record based on real world experiences can make a meaningful difference as you embrace the various aspects of your sustainability efforts. And, of course, the recognition and respect given any certification program is a reflection of your own involvement and the work of those who have helped refine and evolve the program over time.

Our SIP™ staff can explain the different approaches used by different programs, explain the support that will be available on a continuing basis, and explain our ongoing efforts to build recognition of your efforts with trade partners and consumers, who increasingly reach for SIP™ certified wines produced from SIP™ certified vineyards.

There are a few important differences between Sustainability in Practice (SIP) Certification and the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW) programs:

• SIP is a practice & performance based program – every requirement and management enhancement has to do with practices and is measurable, therefore auditable (ex. What percentage of the vineyard is covered during the winter?). CCSW is a process based program (ex. Do you have a plan to prevent erosion during winter?)
• SIP is a distinguishing program with a minimum threshold for eligibility so not all growers can qualify. CCSW is an inclusionary program designed to buoy the California wine industry toward more sustainable practices. 
• SIP prohibits the use of high risk pesticides
• A bottle of wine can bear the SIP™ Seal, given it has undergone a chain of custody audit confirming it is made with at least 85% SIP™ Certified fruit

Certification will be awarded based on the applicant complying with all Requirements as well as achieving a minimum of 75% of the total available points in the Standards. A grower’s farming practices and documentation are verified through an independent audit and auditor reports are reviewed by an advisory committee. The purpose of certification is for growers to evaluate and substantiate their farming practices on a whole farm level.

Growers are audited and certified on an annual basis. The program season is from December 1st through November 31st. Certification applies to the vintage within which the practices were third-party audited.

The certification process is a 3-year cycle, with all growers receiving a complete records and on-site audit in year one. Growers will receive various combinations of paper audits, interviews, and on site inspections for years 2 and 3.

The vineyard audit is conducted in June through early July of the certification year. You will select an accredited auditor from the list on the last page of the Information Package and submit your Standards documentation for the records audit. Your auditor will schedule an on site audit to review selected Standards and conduct a vineyard walk through. 

The auditor submits the final audit report to CCVT to be blinded.  These blinded audit reports are then  reviewed by an independent advisory committee who determines eligibility for certification.

Vineyard certification fees are divided into three categories: Application, Audit, and Certification. The one time Application Fee is non-refundable and ranges from $500 - $1,000; it includes three hours of pre-audit assistance by program staff. The Audit Fee is charged on an hourly basis and is paid directly to the auditor (estimated fees range from $50 - $100 per hour). Year 1 audits take 8-15 hours and audits in years 2 and 3 take 2-4 hours. The cost of the entire audit depends on the grower’s readiness and organization. Certification Fees are paid on an annual basis and are charged per acre. Note that a single farming company with multiple vineyards will be charged the rate that applies to their total acreage. Certification Fees are as follows:

Certification fees are used for program administration, materials and marketing of SIP Certification.

Great!  Read through the apply page to learn how to get started or contact Beth Vukmanic, Certification Associate at 805.369.2288 or beth@vineyardteam.org

Great! To certify your wines you will need to complete a chain of custody audit showing that the final product is made with at least 85% SIP Certified fruit. Read through the apply page to learn how to get started or contact Beth Vukmanic, Certification Associate at 805.369.2288 or beth@vineyardteam.org

The wine audit is conducted throughout the year to fit your bottling schedule. You will select an auditor from the approved list on the last page of the Information Package and set up an appointment. The auditor will complete a documentation chain of custody audit, verifying block to bottle that the final product is made with at least 85% SIP Certified fruit. 

Wine certification fees are divided into two categories: Audit and Certification. Audits take around 1-4 hours and fees are charged on an hourly basis and paid directly to the auditor (estimated fees range from $50 - $150 per hour). The cost of the entire audit depends on the grower’s readiness and organization. Certification Fees are paid on an annual basis and are charged per case.

Certification fees are used for program administration, materials and marketing of SIP Certification.

*CCVT is offering, for a limited time, a trade with wineries certifing 08, 09, 10 vintages. CCVT will waive the wine certification fee in exchange for wines we can pour at various press, consumer, and trade events. Check our upcoming events for where your wines could be poured and remember it's always changing as new opportunities arise.

Once you are certified you can share your commitment to sustainable farming practices. SIP Certification verifies your efforts to preserve, protect and enhance the environment , ensure business stability, and equitable treatment of workers. You can use the SIP seal on point of sale materials and the bottle (with a chain of custody audit) to convey these practices in the market place.

CCVT is working hard to increase awareness of SIP Certified Vineyards & Wines. We are extremely pleased with the positive press & awards that the program and its participants have received so far. We have developed supporting materials including but not limited to a consumer tri-fold, logo magnets and shelf talkers. You can also find SIP at various press, consumer and trade events. Visit our events page online - but remember this list is evolving as new opportunities arise. We are continually growing our outreach plan to promote SIP and would live to hear your ideas on how we can help.