TAKING CARE OF THIS PLACE IS IN OUR NATURE.
Setting the standard for sustainability
SUSTAINABLE WA is a rigorous, science-based program that ensures responsible practices that protect the environment, support vineyard workers, and strengthen the long-term success of the wine industry.
The only sustainability program tailored specifically for Washington’s vineyards
Fair wages and safe working conditions protect those who tend the vines
Certified vineyards
follow strict standards
to preserve soil, water, and resources
Science-based benchmarks support environmental sustainability
Third-party
certification ensures accountability
Material Safety Lookup Tool
Check whether a pesticide product or active ingredient appears on the Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHP) Watch List or Prohibited Materials list — and verify its registration status in Washington and Oregon.
A thriving wine sector depends on both environmental responsibility and economic success. Sustainable WA upholds fair wages, safe working conditions, and sustainable growing methods to make sure vineyards, wineries, and their workers are supported now and always.
Third-Party certification ensures Sustainable WA meets the highest industry standards for credibility and transparency.
Choosing wines with the Sustainable WA logo means you are supporting vineyards and wineries that uphold sustainable practices, therefore helping preserve Washington’s wine country for generations to come.
SUSTAINABLE WA Standard
Based on years of research and collaboration, the Sustainable WA Winegrape Standard addresses best practices for vineyard management across nine major areas. Certification ensures a commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability for Washington’s winegrape growers.
Chapter 1: Business Practices and Risk Management
An overview of the participant’s business practices to ensure sustainability. This section focuses on financial planning, risk management, and responsible contracting.
Note: Chapter 1 is required for certification, but growers are not required to provide copies of supporting documents during audits — only completion is confirmed.
Chapter 2: Human Resources
A review of employment practices, worker safety, training, fair compensation, and legal compliance. Growers must show they provide safe, fair, and legally compliant workplaces for all employees.
Chapter 3: Vineyard Establishment and Redevelopment
Guidelines for selecting, establishing, and redeveloping vineyard sites. Emphasizes proper site selection, soil health, plant material sourcing, irrigation planning, and responsible redevelopment to ensure sustainable production.
Chapter 4: Viticulture
Focuses on sustainable vineyard management practices throughout the growing season, including pruning, canopy management, fruit quality, harvest practices, and continuous improvement based on vintage assessments.
Chapter 5: Water Management
Covers efficient and responsible water use, irrigation system maintenance, scheduling, and protecting water resources. Special attention is given to practices that conserve water and protect aquatic ecosystems.
Chapter 6: Soil and Nutrient Management
Guidance on maintaining soil health, preventing erosion, monitoring nutrient levels, and managing fertilizer applications to support vineyard productivity while minimizing environmental impact.
Chapter 7: Pest Management
Encourages integrated pest management (IPM) practices, pest monitoring, minimizing pesticide use, and protecting beneficial organisms. Includes specialized plans for insects, weeds, vertebrate pests, and disease management.
Chapter 8: Materials Handling
Ensures safe and responsible selection, application, and storage of pesticides and other hazardous materials. Focuses on minimizing risk to workers, communities, and the environment through best practices and regulatory compliance.
Chapter 9: Whole Farm Ecosystem and Community
Supports biodiversity, habitat conservation, community relations, and stewardship of the broader agricultural landscape. Encourages growers to integrate ecosystem health and community engagement into their farming practices.
Chain of Custody
Wineries that wish to use the Sustainable WA logo on their labels must meet Chain of Custody requirements. These include tracking Sustainable WA certified grapes through processing, keeping certified and non-certified fruit separate, maintaining documentation, and ensuring that wines are made with at least 75% Sustainable WA certified grapes. Chain of Custody safeguards ensure transparency and credibility from vineyard to bottle.