Our Commitment to Sustainability
Silverado Vineyards has been implementing sustainability efforts since its founding in 1981 – protecting the air, water and land in Silverado’s care and supporting the community that surrounds the winery. Key initiatives include energy conservation via solar power, conserving water through innovative irrigation processes and remaining stewards of the land on the winery’s estate. Silverado continues to apply pioneering technologies to improve efficiencies and further develop their use of green energy toward a goal of becoming carbon neutral in the next decade.
100%
of our five estate vineyards are certified Fish Friendly Farming
335
acres are farmed by Silverado, representing 57% of our total estate
248
acres of the estate are in their original state of oak woodland, coniferous forest and California chaparral
36%
of the winery’s energy needs are powered by solar
Sustainable Winemaking
A 380,000KwH photovoltaic array produces 36% of the winery’s energy needs. Efficiencies in lighting, cellar cooling, building controls, and water treatment have reduced our electricity demand, reducing our carbon footprint by 40%.
Sustainable Farming
Silverado Vineyards farms 335 acres on five Napa Valley vineyards in the Yountville, Coombsville, Carneros and Stags Leap District appellations. 100% of the estate is certified sustainable by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA). We are also monitored and audited by a third-party administrator, Fish Friendly Farming. We were among the first twelve estates in the Napa Valley to earn this certification.
Habitat & Biodiversity
The 335 acres we farm represent 57% of our total estate. The remaining 248 acres are in their original state of oak woodland, coniferous forest and California chaparral. Of this, 70% is preserved in land trust easements exclusively for open space and agricultural use in perpetuity.
One important element of our sustainable farming is ensuring that the estate is welcoming to a number of birds, who act as part of our ecosystem in managing insect populations. In addition to protecting their natural habitat, we have a total of 22 owl boxes and 75 bluebird boxes. Other birds present on the estate include herons, mallards, buffleheads, kingfish, widgeons, egrets, Canadian geese, coots and wild turkeys. The estate is home to a wide array of other wildlife, including bobcats, mountain lions, foxes, otters, turtles, beavers, and deer.
Water Use and Fish-Friendly Farming
Silverado Vineyards is a founding member of the Oakville to Oak Knoll River Restoration project. Working closely with the Napa River Flood Project and our northern neighbor, Rutherford Reach Restoration project, we are returning keystone species such as the North American beaver to the Napa River. The result of these longstanding community efforts is a healthy diversity of over 31 species of fish, including increasing runs of steelhead and Chinook salmon.
Stewards of the Land
Silverado has been a member of the Napa Land Trust since 1994, preserving 381 of our 583 acres to the trust. The Land Trust works cooperatively with landowners and the local community to protect agricultural land, water resources, wildlife and wildlife corridors, scenic open space, forests, ranches, wildflower meadows and native biodiversity throughout Napa County. By carefully prioritizing activities the Land Trust has made significant progress toward creating a network of conservation lands that will continue to provide clean water, wildlife habitat corridors, thriving agricultural lands, and access to nature for all those who live in and visit the Napa Valley.
Our Sustainable Practices have Resulted in the Following Recognition
US Congressional Recognition for Excellence in Water Quality Improvement
California State Legislator Recognition for Dedication to Environmental Stewardship
California Sport Fishing Protection Alliance for Excellence in Water Quality Improvement and Protection