Opus One: IWCA Gold membership

International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) is delighted to announce that Opus One, Napa

Valley, has achieved Gold Membership status.

Their efforts in ensuring that winemaking operations are powered by, at least, 20% of renewable

energy on site and demonstrating a consistent reduction of emissions per liter of wine means that they are the latest Napa winery to gain the highest standards in carbon emission reduction.

Commenting on their new status Opus One’s Sustainability Specialist Haley Nagy shared, “This

milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and

stewardship of the land that sustains us. At Opus One, we strive to cultivate vineyards that flourish in symbiosis with their environment. By minimizing the carbon footprint of our winemaking, we are creating a legacy of resilience and beauty that will endure for generations. Our partnership with IWCA has given us the tools to transform our commitment into measurable action as we advance toward our goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.”

“We are delighted to that Opus One have achieved Gold membership of IWCA,” said Katie Jackson, President of IWCA. “As Napa’s most important wine business, their success comes to reinforce the presence of IWCA there. As vine growers, we are severely suffering from the consequences of climate change, our duty to future generations is to act now. We hope that many more wineries, inside and outside our country, join our cause to accelerate the decarbonization of the wine industry.”

Since Opus One’s first carbon calculation the company has transitioned 100 acres of estate vineyards to regenerative farming practices, incorporating diverse block-specific blends of permanent cover crops, grazing, no-till methods, and precision irrigation strategies. These changes have not only reduced the need for fertilizer and pesticides but also nurtured regional biodiversity, enhanced soil vitality and water retention, and bolstered grapevine resilience.

Opus One’s commitment to environmental stewardship has evolved to reflect a vision of holistic change encompassing landscape diversification, riparian restoration, sustainable natural resource and waste management practices, and deployment of EV charging infrastructure.

The IWCA Annual Report is published each November showcasing members’ individual efforts in their journey to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, giving an exclusive snapshot of how wineries are adopting innovative practices in the face of climate change. It is an essential read for commentators, opinion-formers, buyers, and fellow winery owners who appreciate the real need to tackle the climate crisis in the context of the long-term sustainability of the wine industry.

Join the movement

IWCA actively invites wineries interested in its mission to contact us. The organization is open to any wine company involved in the production process from winegrowing to bottling that believes in taking strategic action to accelerate innovative climate solutions.