SIP Certified is stepping into 2026 with a refreshed brand and redesigned website aimed at making sustainably produced wines easier for consumers to recognize and find. The updated visual identity and digital experience strengthen the connection between certified winegrowers and today’s sustainability-minded wine buyers—while maintaining the independent, science-based standards that have defined the program for decades. Research shows that 64% of consumers rank environmental sustainability as a top buying factor. As interest in responsible farming and “better-for-you” products continues to grow, wine buyers are paying closer attention to how their wine is produced. “Buyers are looking more closely at how their wine is grown and produced,” said Beth Vukmanic, Executive Director of Vineyard Team, the parent organization of SIP Certified. “SIP Certified has always represented accountability and science-backed standards. This update ensures that c

When we launched the Sustainable Winegrowing Podcast in 2016, we weren’t sure where it would go. Now, 300 episodes later, it’s become a go-to resource for growers, researchers, educators, and wine industry professionals dedicated to sustainability. To mark this milestone, we flipped the mic around and interviewed our host, Craig Macmillan, PhD — long-time vineyard and winery professional, educator, and now podcasting veteran — to reflect on some favorite episodes, meaningful moments, and what’s ahead. From Zoom Recordings to Global Reach Craig began hosting when the podcast was just an idea sparked by the Vineyard Team’s goal to make sustainable winegrowing knowledge more accessible. “I wasn't a podcast listener at all,” Craig admits. “But I said sure, why not? Let's try it.” Since then, the show has featured scientists, growers, and innovators from all over the world, creating a ripple effect of conversations and c

A 2-day ticket to the Sustainable Ag Expo doesn’t just get you into 17 in-person sessions, it also unlocks access to 13 exclusive online courses. These on-demand courses deliver valuable CE hours, including 3 DPR L&R, 8.5 DPR Other, and 13.5 CCA hours. Learn directly from experts across the country—from Cornell, UC Davis, Cal Poly, USDA, and more—on the latest research and practical strategies in sustainable winegrowing. Get your 2-day pass today and unlock your online course access starting October 13. Courses are available through November 28. Session Spotlight:  Calibration of Vineyard Sprayers | DPR 1.5 L; CCA 1.5 IPM  Dr. Andrew Landers, Cornell University  |  Online Learn why calibrating both liquid and air flow is critical for effective spray coverage. This course covers how air speed, direction, and volume affect penetration, deposition, and drift, helping you improve spray accuracy before the season begins. Want to Put Your

We’re excited to unveil the full in-person schedule for this year’s Sustainable Ag Expo, happening November 11–12 at the Madonna Inn Expo Center. Whether you’re a grower, researcher, or ag business, our two-day program delivers actionable insights to help you grow smarter and more sustainably. Highlights include: Expert-led talks & cutting-edge research — Learn from leading voices in soil health, climate-smart farming, and ag-technology Practical, field-tested strategies — Gain tools you can implement immediately CE-accredited sessions — Earn continuing education hours while you learn Networking opportunities — Connect with peers, exhibitors, and industry experts Don’t miss your chance to plan the ultimate Expo experience!

This November, growers and agricultural professionals will gather in San Luis Obispo for the 2025 Sustainable Ag Expo, an event designed to foster innovation, provide high-impact education, and create meaningful connections across the wine and agricultural industries. When/Where: Kick-Off Event - Monday, November 10, 5:00-7:00 pm  |  at Center of Effort Winery Trade Show & Seminars - Tuesday, November 11 & Wednesday, November 12, 7:00 am-5:00 pm  |  at Madonna Expo Center What to Expect The 2025 program offers a robust lineup of content focused on critical topics like climate resilience, automation, and workforce development, with 17 in-person seminars offering 20+ hours of CE credit. Two-day ticket holders also receive access to 13 online courses with an additional 10+ CE hours available from October 13–November 28. Even More Opportunities to Connect and Learn Kick-Off Event: The event begins with a special Monday Night Kick-Off hosted at Cen

In this WIN Insiders episode, George interviews Beth Vukmanic, Executive Director of Vineyard Team and manager of the SIP Certified sustainable vineyard and winery certification programs. Beth shares her fascinating journey from professional harpist (and being born in a Volkswagen Rabbit!) to leading one of California’s most important sustainability initiatives. She explains how Vineyard Team, founded in 1994 by progressive growers, promotes sustainable farming through education, collaboration, and the SIP Certified program that emphasizes accountability in social equity, soil health, water efficiency, and habitat preservation. Beth discusses the program’s evolution from a 1996 self-assessment checklist to a comprehensive certification now spanning California, Michigan, and Oregon, plus its growing market value as consumers demand sustainably produced wines. She also shares her passion for fitness through her “Beth Size” brand and highlights the One of Ours Me

Amid news of oversupply and decreased demand, the wine industry has an opportunity to adapt to the changing market. Audra Cooper, Director of Grape Brokerage, and Eddie Urman, Central Coast Grape Broker at Turrentine Brokerage, discuss key grape and wine industry trends, from oversupply and vineyard removals to the growing necessity of sustainable certification. They explore regional dynamics, bulk wine market shifts, and future trends, emphasizing innovation, industry collaboration, and better marketing to stay competitive. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST Resources:         258: 5 Ways Certification Makes Brands the SIP | Marketing Tip Monday 259: Winegrape Market Trends of 2024 265: How to Stand Out on Social Media in 2025 268: How to Tackle Leadership Transitions Successfully Turrentine Brokerage Turrentine Brokerage - Newsletter Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Donate SIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet   Susta

Sustainable Story | Happy, Helping Hooves Weeds challenge farms of all sizes. When Melani Harding, Owner and Winemaker at Bon Niche Cellars, decided to stop using herbicides, weeds got out of hand and she looked for more sustainable control methods. She adopted Nigerian dwarf goats, who promptly began cleaning up the property. But since they’ll gladly eat budding and maturing grapes, they can only free-roam the vineyard between harvest and bud break. Babydoll sheep joined the crew next. They are the perfect height for removing excess vine leaves… which also means they can reach the fruit! They also must leave the vineyard at bud break and are welcome back with the goats after harvest. Melani wanted to achieve year-round weed control. After some research, she found the perfect solution: Kunekune pigs with short stature and a natural inclination for grazing. In 2021, Gilbert the Pig joined the farm and quickly became a local celebrity. Over the years, Melani has established

You can glean a lot of information about a wine from the label. The next time you walk down a wine aisle, you may notice that you feel comfortable with the common terms and symbols like vintage, place of origin, and percent alcohol, but feel some confusion when you see some of the increasingly present ones like natural, vegan, and organic. In this week’s Marketing Tip, we’re giving you a green wine glossary: 5 common wine designations defined so you’ll wonder no longer.   Your Green Wine Glossary Vegan  Not every wine fits a vegan lifestyle. During the winemaking process, small particles can cause haziness or unwanted flavor properties. Winemakers can add a fining agent that will bind to these tiny particles and make them large enough to be filtered out. Many fining agents are animal-based – for example: egg whites, casein, and gelatin. Wine that was fined with any of these materials cannot be considered vegan. Vegan wines include those that

  Sustainable farming practices are essential for protecting the environment, improving long-term agricultural productivity, and supporting healthy communities. In fact, many of the methods highlighted today are shared across a variety of certification programs, from sustainable certifications like SIP Certified to regenerative programs like Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC). While each certification has its own specific requirements, the core principles of responsible farming remain consistent. In this week’s Marketing Tip, we’ll take a closer look at three key areas – Water Management, Soil Health, and Habitat Preservation – and how sustainable farmers manage them to ensure future success. Water Management Water is one of agriculture’s most critical resources. Sustainable farmers work carefully to both use water efficiently and protect water quality.   Efficient Irrigation Anyone who has struggled to keep a plant alive knows that plants