A case study on using irrigation automation to conserve water, cut energy use, and elevate vineyard performance.  CHANDON has consistently demonstrated innovation in environmental practices, resource efficiency, and community engagement, setting a new benchmark for sustainable viticulture. The California Green Medal Awards were established in 2014 to recognize vineyards and wineries that lead the industry in the areas of environment, economic development and social equity.  As we all work towards a more sustainable future of agriculture, this recognition highlights the effort of vintners and winegrape growers striving to protect the environment and enrich the community. CHANDON’s 2025 California Green Medal Environment Award CHANDON’s Carneros vineyards are irrigated using a combination of surface water and reclaimed water sourced from the City of Sonoma, while the Yountville site relies primarily on recycled water from the winery’s own wastewater tr

Turning The Tables on Sean Weir, Author The Mad Crush

By Carl Giavanti Sean Weir grew up in Sonoma Valley, Calif. He enjoyed his first crash course in wine appreciation as a 20-year-old backwaiter at the

More Than 220,000 Acres in California are Enrolled in FFF Program  NAPA, Calif. (November 25, 2024) – Thirty-two winegrape growers and wineries from Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino counties have been recognized with the Founders’ Award from the Fish Friendly Farming Certification program for achieving and maintaining certification for more than 20 years. In 1999, the Fish Friendly Farming Certification program was created to protect and enhance the Russian River watershed in Sonoma County. Soon, it was expanded with a specific program tailored for Napa County and other regions. Today, more than 220,000 acres located in thirteen counties in California are enrolled in the innovative program that improves water quality and wildlife habitat. “The Fish Friendly Farming certification has become very popular among winegrowers as a sustainable certification program because it is highly effective in improving water quality and restoring fish and wildlife habitat,&rd

Afternoon Brief: Time to Stock Up the Drinks Cabinet

With President Trump once more headed to the White House, tariffs will make it much more expensive to enjoy your favourite tipple...

You have to be quick on your feet to make sparkling wine. Harvest starts earlier than for still wines and the time frame is considerably more condensed because there just isn’t as much time to pick the grapes. Harvesting is done during the cool nights to eliminate the need to chill the juices and reduce energy consumption. Pauline Lhote, the Director of Winemaking at Domaine Chandon in Napa, describes the pace. “We process fruit every single day. When a block is ready, we have only a couple of days to pick it. If today were a harvest day, we would be pressing, and tonight, we would start doing flotation to clarify the juices. By later tonight or tomorrow morning, the wine would already be inoculated.” Chandon is, of course, all about sparkling — 98% of its wines have bubbles. Its winemaking and production team of nearly 45 employees turns around 30 sparkling wines in this fast-paced environment, from the large case production for its brut and rosé blends

VGS Chateau Potelle Celebrates 40 Years: Four Decades of Excellence in Winemaking

Napa Valley, CA, June 25, 2024 – VGS Chateau Potelle, one of Napa Valley’s most illustrious wineries, proudly honored its 40th anniversary with a grand four-day celebration from June 20-23, […]

Zurich, June 3 - Amcor Capsules – the market leader specializing in the design and manufacture of capsules, closures, and eco-responsible foils for still wines, sparkling wines, and spirits – is preparing to launch ESSENTIELLE, a plastic-free foil made of aluminium and paper, in October 2024. With more than 280 years of history, Moët & Chandon, owned by LVMH, manages the largest vineyard in Champagne, with nearly 1,300 hectares of vines. The brand intends to continue its movement towards more sustainable packaging and is working with Amcor Capsules on the development and launch of its plastic-free foil. AN INNOVATIVE AND ECO-RESPONSIBLE CREATION The ESSENTIELLE foil is created using paper made in Europe, a material that has a lower carbon impact than other solutions made of plastic on the market. Indeed, by replacing plastic by paper the carbon footprint of this product is 31%1 lower compared to standard polylaminate foils. In addition, ESS

The Yountville Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Chandon and the Tasting Rooms and Wineries throughout Yountville are thrilled to bring back Taste of Yountville. Taste of Yountville will highlight delicious wines crafted by our Yountville Tasting Rooms and Wineries. This intimate event is limited to 250 guests. Each winery will be pouring a red and white wine from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. The VIP Reception, will take place from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. before the event opens for General Admission ticket holders. At the VIP Reception you will have access to one additional library wine from each Tasting Room or Winery. The Chandon Culinary Team will be showcasing their skills with Farm to Table bites. This event will take place outside at the welcoming Chandon Gardens. Should weather occur, this event will be moved indoors. We invite you to join us for a fantastic afternoon enjoying great wine, meeting new friends and building new memories. Event Website

Afternoon Brief, August 28th

Brock Lindsay of Lake Chelan’s Succession and Alta Wineries Dies at 40: Brock Lindsay, winemaker and co-owner of Succession Wines and Alta Cellars in the Lake Chelan appellation, died August 26th due to traumatic injuries caused by a utility vehicle rollover accident. He was 40-years old...