Winners Announced for the Annual California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards

LEADER AWARD, given to the vineyard or winery that excels in the three "Es" of sustainability - Environmentally sound, socially Equitable and Economically viable practices.

Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery

Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery in St. Helena, California, has integrated an unwavering holistic approach into every aspect of its operations for decades. Practicing organic farming since 1985, Spottswoode holds many certifications including Regenerative Organic Certified®, Napa Green Vineyard and Winery, B Corp, California Certified Organic Farmers, Demeter Biodynamic, International Wineries for Climate Action Gold Level and True Zero Waste Gold Level, showcasing its deep commitment to land and community stewardship. Focusing on soil health and biodiversity, Spottswoode is using no-till farming, nutrient-rich cover crops and sheep grazing to enhance soil while reducing environmental impact. Their innovative water conservation efforts - including real-time vine water analysis, nighttime irrigation and high-efficiency cleaning systems - have cut water use 28% since 2010. Solar arrays support wine production, agricultural and office energy use while electric vehicles further reduce their emissions. Beyond their estate, Spottswoode advances environmental stewardship and empowers fellow growers' transition to organic farming through financial incentives and technical assistance. Spottswoode also drives climate advocacy by participating in multiple sustainability-focused boards. For their environmental and community leadership and dedication to a vibrant, sustainable future, Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery is the winner of the 2025 California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leader Award.

ENVIRONMENT AWARD, given to the vineyard or winery that best demonstrates Environmental Stewardship through maximized environmental benefits from implementing sustainable practices.

CHANDON

Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, CHANDON is a pioneer in sustainable winegrowing, continuously pushing the boundaries of environmental stewardship. With CHANDON, water conservation is a top priority with automated irrigation and real-time moisture monitoring on 257 acres of vineyard and drought-tolerant rootstocks planted to even more acres, reducing water use across the vineyard. Over 80% of the water used in their vineyards is recycled, ensuring efficiency without compromising vine health. Through composting, cover cropping and sheep grazing, they nurture soil health while enhancing biodiversity across their vineyards. CHANDON also leads in renewable energy, with solar panels powering operations and a growing fleet of electric and hybrid vehicles replacing fossil fuel-dependent equipment. Beyond their vineyards, CHANDON restores native habitats, planting miles of hedgerows and 1,000 oak trees with a policy to replant three trees for every tree that is dead or removed to enhance biodiversity. Their commitment extends to waste reduction, with a transition to lightweight glass bottles alone cutting carbon emissions by 10%. For their dedication to protecting the land and pioneering sustainable practices, we celebrate CHANDON as the recipient of the 2025 California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Environment Award.

COMMUNITY AWARD, given to the vineyard or winery that is a Good Neighbor and Employer using the most innovative practices that enhance relations with employees, neighbors and/or communities.

Jordan Vineyards & Winery

Located in Sonoma's Alexander Valley, Jordan Vineyards & Winery is a pillar of sustainability and community. A significant portion of Jordan's revenue funds the John Jordan Foundation, which has impacted over 220 organizations in education, health and youth services. The foundation has supported crisis relief efforts, including housing displaced animals during wildfires and donating $100,000 to Sonoma Restaurant Relief during the pandemic. In the past two years, Jordan has hosted a philanthropic event for Smile Train, raising more than $100,000 for cleft palate care. In efforts to share philanthropy with its employees, in 2025, Jordan's 100 employees will receive $1,000 each to donate to a nonprofit of their choice, reinforcing their culture of giving back to the local and international community. With a commitment to preserving over 75% of its 1,200-acre estate as native habitat, Jordan has planted over 2,500 pollinator plants, earning the 2022 Monarch Sustainer of the Year award. Solar panels generate 70% of the winery's electricity while greenhouse gas emissions have dropped 86% by procuring remaining electricity from local renewable energy sources. For its unwavering dedication to community, sustainability and a better future for all, Jordan Vineyards & Winery is the recipient of the 2025 California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Community Award.

BUSINESS AWARD, given to the vineyard or winery that best demonstrates Smart Business through efficiencies, cost savings and innovation from implementing sustainable practices.

Nuveen Natural Capital

With operations throughout California, Nuveen Natural Capital (NNC) exemplifies how sustainability is not just good for the planet - it's good for business. Their commitment to soil health on their managed properties is reflected in their range of responsible practices including biochar application and cover-crop crimping. Such practices improve soil productivity and enhance carbon sequestration. As part of their integrated pest management approach, NNC developed a custom application to monitor pests and pathogens, as well as beneficial organisms. They also experiment with innovative techniques such as UV-C light technology for fungus control and electricity to control weeds with the goal of reducing reliance on crop protection materials and associated costs. These strategies benefit the environment and soil health as well as promote biodiversity, helping to build resilient ecosystems. Their energy efficiency efforts, including the use of renewable diesel across 15,000 acres of vineyards, demonstrate their intent to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase economic efficiency. Another example of the cost benefits of sustainable winegrowing is NNC's investment in PVC liners to fortify porous canals and reservoirs that has saved substantial amounts of water and energy, demonstrating NNC's comprehensive approach to water efficiency. NNC blends sustainability with social equity and opportunities for people with disabilities, proving that every vineyard can cultivate a more inclusive future. Crop managers are encouraged to hire, train and support people with disabilities in viticultural work and over 150 workers have found employment through this initiative. For their integration of sustainable practices with business efficiency, technological innovation and community engagement, Nuveen Natural Capital is the recipient of the 2025 California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Business Award.