Since Broadside’s beginning, our mission has been to produce wines that reflect and honor the land from which they’re sourced. Sustainability has always been an essential component of this philosophy and every vintage we’re proud to work with winegrowers and vineyard partners who show their commitment to sustainability through the SIP certified program.
SIP (standing for “Sustainability in Practice”) is a rigorous certification program of strict, non-negotiable standards based on science and expert input, independent verification, transparency, and absence of conflict of interest. The program is based on 3 P’s of Sustainability – People, Planet, Prosperity – providing a measurable, holistic approach to sustainability that ensures both natural and human resources are protected.
Under direction of SIP, our vineyard partners are committed to comprehensive sustainable practices. Priorities are water management, erosion control, safe pest management, energy efficiency and natural habitat maintenance. The practices are clearly seen in action on a visit to any of our vineyards. Ponds and reservoirs are fitted with rain catchment systems to utilize rainfall, in tandem with advanced irrigation systems. Cover crops are planted to encourage biodiversity and to aid with natural erosion control. Owl boxes are scattered throughout the vineyards to help with rodents. Ancient oak trees are protected among the vines and in the surrounding areas, providing natural habitat for native predators that aid with pest control, and contributing to a balanced ecosystem within the overall farmland.
Beyond these crucial viticultural practices, we’re proud to work with partner wineries who have implemented SIP practices into their operations. Our partner Center of Effort (COE) was the first SIP certified sustainable custom crush facility. The winery has been solar powered since 2014 and provides energy back to the grid when available. As of 2021 energy efficiency remains a top priority, with large-scale renovations underway to further improve power conservation. The organization also implements fair labor practices, providing competitive wages, continuing education reimbursement and professional development plans for all employees.
Combined together these practices contribute to an intensive, holistic approach to sustainability – ensuring our wines can be produced for decades to come and that our partner farms and vineyards are preserved and shared with future generations.
