CCVT and our growers are proud of the robust and comprehensive nature of the Sustainability in Practice (SIP) Vineyard Certification Standards (pdf). The standards require significant documentation and whole farm system management integration. CCVT considers the standards a "living document", meaning as science, technology, and research developments become available the standards will evolve overtime.

SIP Vineyard Certification Standards Chapters (10)

Conservation and Enhancement of Biological Diversity - Vineyard Acquisition/Establishment and Management - Soil Conservation and Water Quality - Water Conservation - Energy Conservation and Efficiency - Air Quality - Social Equity - Pest Management - Continuing Education - Product Assurance and Business Sustainability

The Certification Standards include both Requirements and Management Enhancements.  Requirements are practices which must be completed before earning Management Enhancement points. Requirements consist of many practices, but they also prohibit the use of specific chemicals. In order to achieve certification, a grower must not use any of the active ingredients on this list.

Management Enhancement are practices which allow growers to earn points based on additional, non-required, but suggested management strategies. Also included within the document is a farm plan which is required for certification – the farm plan includes documentation, reporting, and written examples of practices throughout the certification standards.

Overall, a grower must achieve at least 75% of the available points to be eligible for SIP Certification. An independent inspector conducts an in-depth records and on-site audit to verify the grower's practices, and an independent Advisory Committee reviews the inspector's findings.

Please see the following documents for more detailed information:
Frequently Asked Questions (pdf)    Information Package* (pdf)
*Includes Program Details and Forms for those interested in certification. Please contact Kris O'Connor to request the Information Package in editable form.

View 2008 Certified Vineyards  
For more information, contact Kris O'Connor.