Napa Green Eliminates Glyphosate on 6,000 Acres, Cutting Vineyard Costs by 36%

Napa Green, a nonprofit organization focused on sustainable and regenerative winegrowing, has announced that all 56 of its member growers have eliminated the use of Roundup and other glyphosate-based herbicides across 101 certified vineyard properties in Napa Valley. This achievement covers a total of 6,000 acres and meets the deadline set for the end of 2023. Napa Green is now the first wine industry group to reach this milestone as part of a broader certification program that addresses soil health, water management, climate action, and farmworker wellbeing.

The move comes amid increasing concerns from both consumers and scientists about the potential impacts of glyphosate on soil biology, ecosystems, and human health. Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, has been widely used in agriculture for decades but has faced growing scrutiny over its safety. In 2019, a leading Prosecco region in Italy also banned its use, signaling a shift in global winegrowing practices.

Anna Brittain, Executive Director of Napa Green, said that the complete phaseout demonstrates what is possible when growers receive proper support and technical guidance. “This is a tangible achievement that matters to our community and consumers,” Brittain said. “We work with our growers to implement systemic beneficial practices from soil to water to people, and Roundup poses a risk to all three. Napa Green members are showing what is possible. We hope it will resonate with growers worldwide.”

To help members transition away from glyphosate, Napa Green developed a range of support systems. Vineyard Program Manager Ben Mackie led efforts to create a Weed Management Toolkit, organize training workshops, and provide one-on-one assistance tailored to each vineyard’s needs. In 2024, Napa Green also offered matching grants to several wineries—including St. Supéry Estate, Chimney Rock, Paul Hobbs, and Corison Winery—to purchase new mowing equipment and conduct sheep grazing trials as alternatives to chemical weed control.

Financial concerns are often cited as barriers to eliminating synthetic herbicides. To address this, Grgich Hills Estate worked with their accounting firm to analyze costs. They found that their farming expenses were $11,500 per acre in 2024—significantly lower than the Napa County average of $18,000 per acre for 140 operations. The winery credits regenerative practices for creating healthier vineyards that require less intervention and for reducing overall costs through a dedicated farming team.

Cathy Corison, an acclaimed winemaker and longtime organic grower in Napa Valley, recently completed her 30th harvest at Kronos Vineyard without using synthetic herbicides. “For decades, we’ve been able to efficiently and cost-effectively control weeds mechanically,” Corison said. “It is gratifying to see more and more Napa growers making this transition. I applaud Napa Green for this year’s achievement and for making the phaseout of herbicides core to their holistic certification.”

Napa Green’s leadership says this milestone is only the beginning. The organization plans to work with members to eliminate all synthetic herbicides by the end of 2027. Mackie emphasized that moving away from these chemicals is essential for protecting farmworkers’ health as well as the long-term vitality of soils and vines.

The success in Napa Valley offers a model for other wine regions around the world. By combining rigorous certification standards with practical support and financial incentives, Napa Green has shown that ambitious sustainability goals can be achieved across an entire industry sector.

Napa Green is encouraging other wine regions and growers interested in similar transitions to reach out for guidance and collaboration. The organization remains committed to sharing its knowledge and experience as part of a broader effort to promote regenerative winegrowing practices globally.