Always Growing
SIP Certified® started with a simple question: How can we make wine that’s better for the planet, the people who make it, and the communities that enjoy it?
Back in 1994, our parent nonprofit, Vineyard Team, created the Positive Points System, the first self-assessment tool for sustainable vineyard farming. Growers used it to measure and improve their practices year after year, setting the foundation for what would become one of the most rigorous sustainability certifications in the wine industry.
In 2008, after four years of expert input, scientific review, and field testing, SIP Certified launched as an official certification program.
Today, SIP Certified covers over 40,000 vineyard acres, six wineries, and more than 65 million bottles of wine across California, Oregon, and Michigan—and we’re just getting started.
What We Cover
From the vineyard block to the wine bottle, SIP Certified addresses every part of the winegrowing process. Our Standards span a wide range of sustainability areas, including:
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- Water conservation and quality
- Soil health
- Energy efficiency
- Pollution and waste reduction
- Pest management
- Wildlife and habitat conservation
- Grape sourcing and fruit quality
- Social equity and community care
- Business and financial sustainability
- Ongoing education for continuous improvement
Because sustainability isn’t just one thing, it’s everything.
We’re proud to support a community of growers and winemakers who believe doing good is part of doing business.
Program Oversight
It takes more than good intentions to run a credible certification program. SIP Certified is backed by a structure that ensures scientific integrity, practical relevance, and real accountability.
Vineyard Team Board of Directors
Our nonprofit backbone. They guide our vision, governance, and strategic direction.
Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)
The TAC is responsible for program updates, including rules, guidelines, and the addition or modification of Standards questions.
This group is composed of experienced growers and winemakers who annually review the SIP Certified Standards to ensure the topics and practices covered are relevant, up to date, and keep our members ahead of the curve.
Every five years, we hold a full peer review: we bring in educators, researchers, regulatory experts and other third‑party specialists who are not tied to the program. They review individual chapters based on their areas of expertise, assess the clarity and validity of each requirement, suggest new questions and updates, and help us stay truly at the forefront of sustainable winegrowing.
Certification Advisory Committee (CAC)
The CAC determines eligibility for vineyard, winery, and wine certification.
Made up of independent professionals from government, academia, and the industry, this group brings deep agricultural knowledge and auditing experience to the table. Every year, they carefully review inspection reports and decide if applicants meet SIP Certified’s high bar for certification.
Awards & Recognitions
SIP Certified is proud to stand with other environmental leaders working to preserve our natural and human resources.
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- 2021 John Muir Conservation Award
- 2020 Carl F. Hertz Distinguished Service in Agriculture Award (Kris Beal)
- 2020 Wine Business Monthly Wine Industry Leader (Kris Beal)
- 2020 Wine's Most Inspiring People (Beth Vukmanic)
- 2019 Green Personality of the Year (Kris Beal)
- 2017 Green Initiative of the Year Commendation
- 2017 Environmental Leader Project Awards
- 2016 Association of Environmental Professionals Certificate of Achievement
- 2015 Department of Pesticide Regulation Integrated Pest Management Innovator Award
- 2015 International Green Industry Hall of Fame
- 2015 John Muir Association Non-Profit Conservation Award