BEL LAGO VINEYARD & WINERY: A TOAST TO SUSTAINABILITY AND EXCELLENCE
Bel Lago Vineyard, Winery & Cidery, Bel Lago North Farm, and our esteemed sister winery, French Valley Vineyard, proudly celebrate a monumental achievement in our journey toward sustainability. We're honored to announce our recent attainment of the prestigious SIP (Sustainability In Practice) Certification, a testament to our dedication to eco-friendly winemaking, our community, and our cherished patrons.
Understanding SIP Certification
SIP Certified stands as a beacon of sustainable practices within the viticulture industry, offering wine enthusiasts a guarantee that their favorite wines are produced with the utmost care for people and the planet. This esteemed certification results from a thorough third-party verification process, underscoring our commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
The Pillars of SIP Certification: People, Planet, and Prosperity
People: Our community is at the heart of SIP Certification, which emphasizes community involvement, charitable endeavors, employee welfare, and continuous learning.
Planet: Championing renewable energy, recycling efforts, habitat conservation, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM), SIP Certified brands lead the charge against climate change.
Prosperity: By marrying environmental protection with sound financial strategies, we ensure our operations thrive sustainably for future generations.
The Core Values of SIP Certification
SIP Certification is built upon seven foundational values:
- Social Responsibility
- Water Management
- Safe Pest Management
- Energy Efficiency
- Habitat Conservation
- Ethical Business Practices
- Continuous Improvement and Evolution
These principles guide our mission to nurture our land and community with respect and integrity.
The Evolution of SIP Certification
SIP Certification has grown significantly from its humble beginnings as a pilot program to its current status encompassing over 47,000 vineyard acres across California, Oregon, and Michigan. Today, it supports five wineries, including Bel Lago and French Valley, and over 60.3 million bottles of wine, making it easier for consumers worldwide to choose wines that align with their values.
Commitment to Sustainability: Insights from Our Team
John Heekin reflects on our journey: "Sustainability is our essence. Achieving SIP certification reflected our ongoing commitment to the land that sustains us."
Charlie Edson, our founder and a Ph.D. in viticulture and oenology, adds: "Since 1992, sustainability has been at the core of Bel Lago's operations. Our relentless pursuit of innovative, eco-friendly techniques in viticulture and winemaking enhances our wines and our commitment to sustainability."
A Sustainable Future
As proud SIP Certified members, we vow to remain at the vanguard of sustainable practices, embracing the latest advancements in science and technology. Our commitment is not just to produce exceptional wines but to do so in a manner that honors our planet and supports our community.
Join us in celebrating this significant milestone and raising a glass to a brighter, more sustainable future in the wine industry.
Cheers!