This cert is all about wineries doing good stuff like conserving water, using natural ways to deter pests, and treating their workers right. Overseen by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CCSW), this world-renowned program takes a triple-bottom-line approach to sustainability with over 250 best practices in our vineyards, wineries, and communities. It's a win-win (or should we say win-wine?) for both the environment and the awesome people who help produce your favorite bottles.

What happens in the vineyard doesn’t stay in the vineyard—it affects the whole ecosystem surrounding the vines, including salmon (and their little fishy families). The Salmon-Safe certification shows wineries believe everything is connected. To earn it, they’ve proven they have prevented water runoff from the vineyards, have better water quality, and protect native fishery habitats and biodiversity. Because everything is connected, that means their local communities also benefit from their practices. 

The SIP program created in California’s Central Coast wine region centers on the "3 P's": People, Planet, and Prosperity. SIP Certified wine meet stringent criteria for social responsibility, water conservation, pest management, energy efficiency, and more. SIP certification represents a company's commitment to both environmental stewardship and the well-being of its team. 

LIVE is a nonprofit organization that awards a third-party certification to wineries in the Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington, and Idaho) that meet their standards for sustainable winegrowing. Established in 1999, LIVE's certification program relies on the latest research and internationally recognized practices to determine if a winery’s production is environmentally and socially responsible. Fun fact: WillaKenzie Estate was the first winery to be certified under LIVE.   

The Certified California Organic Farmers nonprofit kicked off in California 50 years ago and sticks to the organic rules set by the USDA National Organic Program, which started in 2002 thanks to the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990. These rules cover everything from soil quality and how animals are raised to managing pests and weeds. Wines with this stamp of approval come from grapes grown by farmers who are all about boosting and protecting the environment for the next generation.

Italy's SQNPI certification program isn't just a quality stamp for wines – it's a symbol of sustainable viticulture. These wineries adhere to a strict set of guidelines that promote eco-friendly practices throughout the winemaking process, including water management, soil health, and waste reduction. Additionally, SQNPI ensures traceability from grape to bottle, guaranteeing the origin and high quality of the final product. 

Established back in 1995, getting SWNZ certified means passing yearly check-ups that really dig into how sustainable the vineyard and winery operations are. They look at how they manage their soil, use water, cut down on waste, and save energy. It's all about making wine in a way that's good for our planet. The goal is to keep New Zealand sustainable for future generations.  

It’s important to note that just because a brand doesn’t have a certificate doesn’t mean they aren’t sustainably focused. These certificates are just a formal way for wineries to say, “Hey, look at us, we’re sustainable!” But here at YourWineStore, we’ve rolled up our sleeves and have done our due diligence to make sure every brand we feature is doing their part for the planet. So go ahead and enjoy your sustainable wine sips without the guilt. You can trust the teams behind these brands are really walking the talk because they truly believe that taking care of our planet today will bring about a better tomorrow. 

At YourWineStore, we're passionate about sustainable winemaking. We understand that supporting sustainability best practices is not just about certifications; it's about real commitment to the environment. That's why we curated a selection of wines from brands that share our dedication to sustainability. With every purchase, you're not just enjoying wine - you're also supporting a cause that's close to our hearts. Shop our full selection of sustainable wines below!