Applying for SIP Certification

SIP Sustainable Vineyard Certification

Documents

Information Package
Standards
Prohibited Materials List (PML)
2012 Updates (to the Information Package and Standards)
2012 Renewal Audit Documentation (for vineyards in cycle 2 or 3)

Review Information Package & SIP Standards

To begin the certification process, review the Information Package and SIP™ Standards. The certification cycle is from December 1 through November 30 of the following year, so it is very important that you review the requirements and are in compliance as of December 1.

Submit Application

Submit the following to 835 12th Street, Suite 204, Paso Robles, CA 93446:

Vineyard Application form
Signed original Mutual NDA
Property map marked with acres
List of vineyard blocks, varieties, and acres
One time application fee ($500 for members, $1,000 for non-members)
Fee Worksheet
Signed original Certification Agreement

Training & Documentation

Within 10 business days of receiving your application, staff will send a SIP binder, which includes the Standards, Information Package, and copies of your application documents plus digital copies of the Standards and Information Package.

Once you receive the SIP binder, you should review the Standards in their entirety. It is important to be aware of the record keeping and documentation required for eligibility. It is recommended that Requirements be addressed first before moving on to Management Enhancement documentation.

New applicants are required to complete one training session (webinar) early in the year.

Audit Process

Select an accredited auditor (Information Package) in May. In June, submit Standards and documentation to your chosen auditor. The actual document and/or on site audit occurs June - July 15.

Advisory Committee Determines Eligibility

The auditor submits reports to be "blinded" by staff. Blinded audit reports are reviewed and voted on by the Certification Advisory Committee (CAC) in August and eligibility is determined.

Eligibility & Certification

Staff communicates your eligibility status in August-September. Final certification of eligible vineyards is granted upon the submission of the Certification Agreement, payment of the certification fees, and submittal of final pesticide use records.

Renewal

Each year, the applicant must submit a Renewal Application. Growers will receive various combinations of documentation audits, interviews, and onsite inspections for years two and three of the cycle and will be prompted by program staff on what documentation should be provided. See the Information Package (pg 3) for details.

Updates for the 2012 Information Package and Standards

2012 Renewal Documentation for vineyards in cycle 2 and 3

SIP Sustainable Wine Certification

The wine application and audit process is flexible for individual winery needs but must allow for credible verification of wine chain of custody with adequate lead time for the winery to incorporate the logo on the sustainable wine labels.

Review Program Rules

Review Chapter 2 of the Information Package (pg 5)

Submit Winery Application

Submit the following in your application:

Wine Application form
Signed original Wine Certification Agreement

Chain of Custody Audit

Select an accredited auditor (Information Package) and complete the chain of custody audit

Advisory Committee

The auditor submits reports to be "blinded" by staff. Blinded audit reports will be reviewed and voted on by the Certification Advisory Committee (CAC).

Eligibility & Certification

You will be notified of SIP Certification eligibility. Final certification occurs when the wine certification fees are paid.

For additional information, contact Beth Vukmanic at 805.369.2288.