The wine industry has long been a significant contributor to environmental degradation, but Domaine Carneros is revolutionizing the way winemaking operates by introducing a state-of-the-art microgrid system. The winery’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its cutting-edge technology, which provides nearly 80% of its energy needs while reducing carbon emissions by 375 metric tons of CO₂ annually. A partnership with Schneider Electric, the world’s most sustainable company, has enabled Domaine Carneros to deploy the EcoStruxure(tm) Microgrid, a system that integrates 614 upgraded solar panels generating 427 kilowatts of clean energy with a 250KVA battery backup and generator. This infrastructure ensures uninterrupted operations during increasingly common power outages due to wildfires and severe weather events, and the system stores excess solar energy generated during the day for use in the evenings or early mornings during peak demand. The microgrid’s intelligent controls leverage AI to optimize energy usage in real time, resulting in significant operational benefits. Some of these benefits include:

• Self-generation of nearly 80% of energy for winery operations
• Annual savings of $70,000
• Ability to operate in “island mode” during grid outages
• Solar power production of 740MWh in the last year, equivalent to taking 110 cars off the road

The system also powers four electric vehicle charging stations for guests, seamlessly integrating green technology throughout the visitor experience. This forward-thinking approach is not only beneficial for the environment but also provides a unique experience for visitors. Domaine Carneros has earned numerous prestigious recognitions for its comprehensive approach to sustainability, including the 2025 RISE Leadership Award for Energy Efficiency and Savings, the 2024 City of Napa Leadership Recycling Award, and the 2023 RISE Leadership Award for waste prevention and supply chain greening. The winery maintains multiple environmental certifications, including California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, Napa Green Vineyard & Winery, Bay Area Green Business, and Fish Friendly Farming. Its commitment to sustainability extends beyond energy generation, with initiatives such as:

1. Diverting approximately 90% of solid waste from landfills through composting, recycling, and reuse
2. Recycling and reusing water used in production to irrigate estate vineyards
3. Reusing 20-25% of packaging materials, saving over a million pieces since 2010
4. Practicing Integrated Pest Management with owl boxes and beneficial cover crops
5. Composting approximately 450,000 pounds of food waste since 2013
6. Implementing lighter weight bottles to reduce shipping impacts
7. Offsetting carbon emissions from wine club shipments

These efforts demonstrate Domaine Carneros’ dedication to environmental stewardship, and its commitment to preserving the quality tenets of the methode traditionelle of sparkling wine production. “Our commitment to environmental stewardship is fundamentally rooted in our estate vineyards under Allison Wilson’s visionary stewardship,” notes CEO Remi Cohen. “This commitment is further demonstrated through two decades of solar energy innovation powering our winemaking, ensuring our tradition of excellence thrives sustainably for generations to come.”
Domaine Carneros is a pioneering winery in the world of sustainable winemaking. Its dedication to reducing its environmental footprint is evident in its cutting-edge technology and comprehensive sustainability initiatives. As the wine industry continues to evolve, Domaine Carneros is setting a new standard for environmental leadership, and its commitment to sustainability will undoubtedly inspire others to follow in its footsteps.

This pioneering winery is not only reducing its environmental impact but also showcasing the benefits of sustainable winemaking practices. As the wine industry continues to grow and evolve, it is essential to prioritize environmental sustainability, and Domaine Carneros is leading the way.

Empowering a Greener Future

By introducing a state-of-the-art microgrid system, Domaine Carneros is empowering a greener future for the wine industry. Its commitment to sustainability is not only a moral obligation but also a business opportunity. As the world becomes increasingly aware of the importance of environmental sustainability, the wine industry must adapt and evolve to meet the demands of a changing world. “The future of our planet depends on the choices we make today,” notes CEO Remi Cohen. “At Domaine Carneros, we are committed to making those choices, and we invite others to join us on this journey towards a more sustainable future.”
The wine industry has the power to shape the future of our planet, and Domaine Carneros is taking the lead in this effort. By prioritizing sustainability and reducing its environmental impact, the winery is setting a new standard for the industry, and its commitment to environmental stewardship will undoubtedly inspire others to follow in its footsteps. “We are not just making wine, we are making a difference,” notes CEO Remi Cohen. “At Domaine Carneros, we are committed to creating a better future for our planet, one bottle at a time.”
By embracing sustainable winemaking practices, Domaine Carneros is not only reducing its environmental impact but also creating a better future for generations to come. Its commitment to sustainability is a shining example of what can be achieved when businesses prioritize the environment and prioritize the well-being of our planet.

Awards and Recognition

2025 RISE Leadership Award for Energy Efficiency and Savings

The 2025 RISE Leadership Award for Energy Efficiency and Savings recognizes Domaine Carneros’ commitment to reducing its energy consumption and reliance on non-renewable energy sources. The award acknowledges the winery’s innovative use of solar energy and its efforts to increase energy efficiency in its operations.

2024 City of Napa Leadership Recycling Award

The 2024 City of Napa Leadership Recycling Award recognizes Domaine Carneros’ efforts to reduce waste and promote sustainability in its operations. The award acknowledges the winery’s commitment to recycling and reusing materials, and its efforts to reduce its environmental impact.

2023 RISE Leadership Award for waste prevention and supply chain greening

The 2023 RISE Leadership Award for waste prevention and supply chain greening recognizes Domaine Carneros’ efforts to reduce waste and promote sustainability in its supply chain. The award acknowledges the winery’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact and promoting sustainability in its operations.

2020 Napa Climate NOW! Climate Champion in the Business Category

The 2020 Napa Climate NOW! Climate Champion in the Business Category recognizes Domaine Carneros’ commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainability in its operations. The award acknowledges the winery’s efforts to reduce its energy consumption and reliance on non-renewable energy sources.

2019 California Green Medal Business Award

The 2019 California Green Medal Business Award recognizes Domaine Carneros’ commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Sustainability Initiatives

Domaine Carneros is committed to sustainability and has implemented a range of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. Some of these initiatives include:

1. Diverting approximately 90% of solid waste from landfills through composting, recycling, and reuse
2. Recycling and reusing water used in production to irrigate estate vineyards
3. Reusing 20-25% of packaging materials, saving over a million pieces since 2010
4. Practicing Integrated Pest Management with owl boxes and beneficial cover crops
5. Composting approximately 450,000 pounds of food waste since 2013
6. Implementing lighter weight bottles to reduce shipping impacts
7. Offsetting carbon emissions from wine club shipments

These initiatives demonstrate Domaine Carneros’ dedication to environmental stewardship and its commitment to reducing its environmental impact.

Conclusion

Domaine Carneros is a pioneering winery in the world of sustainable winemaking. Founded in 1987, the winery reflects the hallmark of its founder, Champagne Taittinger, in creating a vision of terroir-driven sparkling wine and preserving the quality tenets of the methode traditionelle of sparkling wine production. Located entirely within the Carneros AVA, between Napa and Sonoma counties, the six estate vineyards total approximately 400 acres with 150 acres planted to Chardonnay, and 250 acres planted to Pinot Noir. The winery focuses on making ultra-premium Carneros sparkling wines largely estate grown and limited production Pinot Noirs.