In a significant stride towards sustainable viticulture, Bel Lago Vineyard, Winery & Cidery, along with Bel Lago North Farm and its sister winery, French Valley Vineyard have achieved the prestigious SIP (Sustainability in Practice) Certification from the State of Michigan.
This accolade highlights our unwavering commitment to eco-friendly winemaking, our community, and our patrons.
“Since our inception in 1992, sustainability has been the cornerstone of Bel Lago’s operations,” Charlie Edson, Ph.D., founder of Bel Lago and viticulture and oenology expert. “Our commitment to innovative, ecoconscious practices in viticulture and winemaking is unwavering.”
SIP Certified emerges as a hallmark of sustainable practices in the viticulture sector, assuring wine lovers that their favorite wines are crafted with the utmost consideration for people and the planet. This certifi cation, achieved through rigorous third-party verification, underscores our dedication to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
The Pillars of SIP Certification: People, Planet, and Prosperity
• People: At the core of SIP Certification is commitment to community involvement, charitable activities, employee welfare, and continuous education.
• Planet: We are at the forefront of fighting climate change, championing renewable energy, recycling, habitat conservation, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
• Prosperity: Integrating environmental care with prudent financial practices ensures our operations flourish sustainably for the benefit of future generations.
Built on seven foundational pillars, including social responsibility, water management, safe pest management, energy efficiency, habitat conservation, ethical business practices, and continuous improvement, SIP Certification steers toward respecting and nurturing our land and community.
From its initial pilot program to now encompassing over 47,000 vineyard acres across California, Oregon, and Michigan, SIP Certification supports five wineries, including Bel Lago and French Valley, promoting over 60.3 million bottles of wine. This growth facilitates a global movement towards sustainability in wine consumption.
“Sustainability is at our core. Achieving SIP certification is a testament to our dedication to the land,” team member John Heekin said.
