With SF Climate Week kicking off this weekend, I thought noon on a Friday was the perfect time to tell you about an incredible afternoon Jade and I spent at St. Supéry in the Napa Valley back in January. We were there with some of the most respected voices in the industry, and while the wine was, of course, fabulous, the conversation was even more impactful.
What I really discovered during that visit is just how much hard work is being done behind the scenes by the IWCA (International Wineries for Climate Action). Founded in 2019 by Katie Jackson (of Jackson Family Wines) and Familia Torres, this is a collaborative powerhouse of over 175 wineries worldwide—including icons like Spottswoode, Frog’s Leap, and Opus One —all working toward a single, massive goal: Net Zero emissions by 2050.
What makes the IWCA different? It’s science-based and action-oriented. As Katie Jackson says:
"IWCA is a critical first step for the collaboration required to create scalable solutions rooted in science and the sharing of best practices. It underscores the strategic action the industry must take to change the trajectory we are currently on." - Katie Jackson
One of the most eye-opening facts in the wine world today is that 85% of a winery’s emissions come from packaging and transport. Glass alone accounts for nearly 30% of a winery's total carbon footprint.
For decades, we’ve been told a "heavy" bottle equals a "premium" wine. But the producers I recently spoke with are debunking that myth, proving that luxury is about what’s inside the glass—not the weight of the bottle.
Why Lighter is the New Luxury
Wineries are quietly thinning their glass to prioritize the planet. When a winery removes just 300 grams from a bottle, a single shipping pallet weighs 444 pounds less, drastically cutting the fuel needed for transport.
Kendall-Jackson: The team behind America’s #1 Chardonnay thinned their glass and shrunk the "punt" (the dimple at the bottom). This move eliminated over 1,500 metric tons of CO2 and saves $1 million annually in glass costs.
Spottswoode: They transitioned to bottles that are 38% lighter. The bonus? These bottles actually fit into standard cellar racks without the struggle.
Ridge Vineyards: This world-class icon cut its bottle weight by 20%. That’s equivalent to removing the shipping weight of a fully loaded Boeing 737 every single year.
Real Action, Not Just Offsets
The International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) is unique because it isn't about "buying carbon offsets" to look green—it's about making tangible, often unexciting changes to the business. To be in the IWCA, wineries must pass a rigorous third-party audit and legally commit to cutting emissions by 50% by 2030 and hitting Net Zero by 2050. Here’s how they are helping:
The Commute: At St. Supéry, employees receive a daily bonus to carpool, significantly cutting daily emissions.
The Zero-Waste Effort: Wineries are collaborating to recycle materials once ignored, like the plastic backing from labels and the heavy stretch film used on shipping pallets.
Innovation: Wineries are sharing proprietary secrets—from electric tractors to using sheep as natural lawnmowers—to ensure the entire industry survives for the next generation.
PlanetHAUS in San Francisco: The Sustainability Showcase
On April 22nd, the conversation moves from the vineyard to the city for PlanetHAUS in San Francisco. This immersive experience—held during the height of SF Climate Week—is designed to highlight how environmental stewardship is being integrated into our daily rituals, starting with the wines we choose to enjoy.
On the Ground:
1:15 PM | The Vitality of Organic Farming The afternoon kicks off with a Lightning Talk by winemaker Chris Carpenter. Known for his masterful work at Mt. Brave, Carpenter will provide a transparent look at why organic and regenerative farming are essential for the long-term survival of Napa Valley’s heritage. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear how these methods protect the land while maintaining world-class quality—complete with a featured pre-pour of his latest vintage.
Afternoon | Deep Dive: The Science of Regeneration The dialogue continues with an in-depth exploration of the foundational work required to achieve net-zero emissions. Sustainability experts will pull back the curtain on carbon sequestration and soil health, offering a rare look at the data behind the glass. For those navigating the wine aisle, this session provides the framework for identifying producers who are making substantive impacts on the environment.
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | A Concluding Pour The showcase wraps up with a celebratory happy hour featuring La Crema. It serves as a final opportunity for the community to connect with the minds behind the IWCA movement and witness firsthand how these high-level environmental commitments result in an exceptional final product.
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Jade’s Perspective: The Future is Green (and Delicious)
Making wine 'green' might sound like something a traditionalist would avoid, but after visiting St. Supéry with Monique, I realized it’s exactly the opposite. We joined the IWCA to sample the world’s largest collection of low-emission wines, and the results are impressive.
For these producers, decarbonizing isn't a 'lofty goal'—it’s a matter of survival. Rising temperatures and wildfire seasons have made climate change a daily reality in the vineyard. The IWCA mission is to protect the very terroir that makes these wines unique.
Tasting these bottles turned the concept of 'green wine' into something truly enticing. These sustainable practices aren't a compromise; they are producing vibrant, exploratory, and high-quality wines that prove we don't have to choose between the planet and our palates. — Jade
3 Ways Wineries are Lowering Their Carbon Footprint
The shift toward sustainability involves rethinking every step of the process, from the soil to the shelf:
Lighter Glass: Transitioning to thinner, lightweight wine bottles significantly reduces the energy required for manufacturing and the fuel needed for transport.
Regenerative Farming: Implementing methods that restore soil health allows vineyards to act as carbon sinks, pulling CO2 out of the atmosphere.
Efficient Logistics: Finding innovative ways to ship wine more efficiently—such as optimizing routes and using low-emission freight options—slashes the industry's distribution footprint.
The Sip Tip: How You Can Help
The easiest way to help is to give your bottle a "heft test" in the wine aisle. Look for the IWCA logo—it's a signal that the producer is doing the hard work to keep your happy hour climate-positive.
And remember: Recycle your glass! Most wineries already use 50% recycled glass, but they can't reach 100% until we provide the raw material by hitting the blue bin.
Earth Day Fast Facts:
The Goal: 50% carbon reduction by 2030; Net Zero by 2050.
The Reach: Over 175 wineries representing approximately 3.5% of global wine production.
The Standard: The first agricultural group to join the UN’s "Race to Zero."
Cheers to the planet and the producers protecting our favorite pours!
Monique & Jade 🥂