Located near the San Francisco Bay area, the Napa Valley is made up of Lake Berryessa, the city of Napa, and the distinctive towns of Yountville, Oakville, St. Helena, and Calistoga. Napa Valley is best known for its commitment to land stewardship and world-class wine. In 1968, Napa Valley became the first agricultural reserve in America. Since then, the Napa Valley has established itself as a leader in sustainable practices.

One of the fundamental reasons why Napa Valley became known for its world-class wine is the Napa Valley Agricultural reserve. According to the semi-annual visitor profile study conducted by Visit Napa Valley, the two things that appeal most to people visiting the region are its wine and beautiful scenery.

The Napa Valley golf course, hotels, restaurants, vintners, and winegrowers preserve and honor the region’s beautiful scenery with the following creative sustainable business practices to ensure Napa Valley continues with its legacy:
Wineries:

Long Meadow Ranch

This family-owned ranch was the first to practice circle farming, an integrated, sustainable, organic farming system that utilizes every inch of the ranch to ensure that the entire operation is healthy and sustainable. Included in the agricultural system are bees, horses, chickens, vegetables, heirloom fruits, highland cattle, olive groves, and vineyards. Vineyards are Long Meadow’s backbone. Over one hundred and fifty acres are cultivated using organic and sustainable practices recommended by California Certified Organic Farmers. The ranch extensively uses an organic composting system throughout the farm. Another sustainable practice by Long Meadow Ranch is the use of solar as a source of energy for their residential and commercial needs. This allows Long Meadow ranch to save almost seventy tons of carbon monoxide every year in comparison to a natural gas power plant.

Alpha Omega

Located in St. Helena, Alpha Omega is a Napa Green-certified vineyard and winery. This winery extensively uses solar power, relying almost solely on solar energy. Over the years, the use of solar energy has been very efficient and has helped Alpha Omega significantly reduce their electricity bill. Alpha Omega’s 580 kWh battery and 400 kWh solar microgrid system consists of an unprecedented, fully integrated battery and solar facility back-up system. One of the winery’s architectural features is 5 solar power arrays designed to provide shade for winery equipment, guests, and parking. Alpha Omega also features one charging station for electric cars and 3 Tesla charging stations. As part of its commitment to sustainable practices, Alpha Omega has stopped using branded plastic bottles, opting for ice-cold water from glass dispensers and eco-friendly, clear cups produced using cornstarch. The coffee cups are entirely made using renewable resources. All Toilet paper and paper towels are made using recycled materials. The winery also provides electronic hand dryers in the employee and guest restrooms to curb the use of paper.

Cakebread Cellars

Located in Rutherford, Cakebread has an eco-friendly parking area featuring permeable pavers laid on eighteen inches of crushed stone that ensures water is free of pollutants. Water is channeled to bioswales using underground drains, before being released to the groundwater table supply. Also, Cakebread Cellars’ parking area features drought-resistant landscaping and is shaded by a group of fruit, nut-bearing, and olive trees.