Green Practices

Domaine Carneros places a high value on preserving the environment and is committed to sustainable farming, not only because it is the right thing to do but also because it results in the highest quality wines.

As early as 1992, Domaine Carneros began using sustainable methods of farming and began replacing inorganic fertilizers with compost in the vineyard and using equipment to control weeds without the use of herbicides. In 2014, the winery began its latest initiative to push the sustainability envelope to ensure the land was protected while producing great grapes and wine, and gained certifications in Fish Friendly Farming, California Sustainable Winegrower, Napa Green Winey and Napa Green Land.

Gaining these certifications has allowed Domaine Carneros to produce lower carbon emissions, less soil compaction, a healthier environment for fish and other animals, better disease control in the vineyards, and an overall better stewardship of the land.

Going Solar and Other Developments

In addition to its commitment to sustainable viticulture, in 2003 the winery installed the largest photovoltaic solar collection system on any winery in the world at that time and led a series of seminars for other wineries to learn about the technology. Twenty-one years later, the winery has ‘amped up’ its solar commitment by doubling its solar capacity and connecting to a state-of-the-art microgrid battery system which supplies the winery with approximately 75% of its energy needs.

Other Sustainability Practices

Re-use and Recycling

• Through composting, recycling, and reuse, over 90% of solid waste is diverted from landfills.
• Water used in the production process is treated and  used to irrigate the estate vineyards, saving millions of gallons per year  
• A decade-long packaging reuse program, whereby 20-25% of cases and inserts are reused for in-house purposes.

Sustainability Practices

• In an ongoing effort to safely reduce the weight of their sparkling wine glass while maintaining the structural integrity needed to withstand 70-90 psi pressures, Domaine Carneros has initiated use of a 7% lighter weight bottle while continuing to strive toward future reduction.
• Solar energy has long been a crucial aspect of Domaine Carneros’ sustainability plan, having installed the largest solar collection system of any winery in the world when it was implemented in 2003. In 2023, Domaine Carneros was among the first wineries in the Napa Valley to install a solar microgrid and battery system, which supplies 75% of the winery’s power, and ultimately allows the winery to be self-sustaining during power outages.
• The winery’s use of skylights, building into the earth, and employing night cooling systems to maintain cellar temperatures all contribute to energy conservation as well as robust employee involvement in daily conservation efforts.
• The winery practices Integrated Pest Management using natural controls for vineyard pests such as boxes to attract owls which feed on voles and using cover crops that attract beneficial insects to control insect pests.
• Grape pomace from harvest is used to feed local cattle in a region of California with historic ties to the dairy business.