PASO ROBLES, CA - Nov. 3, 2008 - The Central Coast Vineyard Team is proud to announce the vineyards certified under the Sustainability in Practice (SIP) program. After more than six months of documenting their farming practices and receiving on-site inspections, the program's independent advisory board granted certification. This announcement coincides with the launch of a consumer-friendly website www.sipthegoodlife.org, which represents and important new tool in CCVT's consumer and trade educational campaign.

The 2008 SIP Certified vineyards include Ampelos Cellars, Castoro Cellars, D'Anbino Vineyard and Cellars, Hahn Estates, Halter Ranch, Hiliard Bruce Vineyard, Jackson Family Wines, Laetitia Vineyards, Paragon & Firepeak Vineyards, Paraiso Vineyards, Pomar Junction Vineyard, Robert Hall Winery, Saucelito Canyon Vineyard, and Wolff Vineyards. Over 3,000 acres were certified under the program in Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara Counties.

2008 wines made with certified fruit with these brands are expected to reach the marketplace in 2009. In addition, Baileyana, Kenneth Volk Wines, and Tangent have expressed interest in producing wines made with the certified fruit.

"We are very excited about the response from growers and wineries about this program and expect significant growth in 2009 in both the certified acres and the brands bearing the certification seal," says Kris O'Connor, Executive Director. "The third party certification, which has been under development for four years, verifies how farmers care for their farm and employees and provides an important communication tool for these growers."

In order to qualify for vineyard certification, growers must achieve and document 40 requirements outlined in the Standards. They must also earn 75% of the available points through implementing management enhancements. A third-party inspector verifies a grower's practices through an in-depth records and on-site audit and the auditor reports are verified by an independent advisory committee. Finally, the committee grants certification based on grower compliance. The Standards and full program description are available online at www.sipcertified.org. Applications for the 2009 season are currently being accepted.

More detailed information will be presented during the "Certification Programs for Sustainable Agriculture" seminar at the Sustainable Ag Expo (November 13 & 14 held in Monterey, California). The seminar will highlight three different certification programs and discounted admission is available through November 7th.
Since 1994, the non-profit Central Coast Vineyard Team is dedicated to promoting sustainable winegrowing through agricultural research and education. For more information, visit www.vineyardteam.org or call 805.369.2288.