About SIP Certified wineries

“Sustainable in Practice” is the mantra for wineries that have passed a thorough inspection and evaluation of their vineyard and cellaring practices. You can rest assured that SIP Certified wineries have passed a vigorous set of criteria and that they must meet the SIP Certified standard yearly. Visit them and be grateful for what they are doing for the wines they produce.

Concepts of SIP Certified

Farming practices that protect the workers, community, and environment

Social responsibility to the workers regarding wages, benefits and educational opportunities

Water conservation and clean water

Safe pest management including the use of beneficial insects, raptors, and cover crops

Energy efficiency and reduced carbon footprint

SIP Certified wineries are located throughout California, but most are concentrated in the Paso Robles wine country and the Santa Barbara wine country. A few wineries outside California are SIP Certified. The movement is growing and, after fifteen years in existence, the SIP Certified standard is making significant influence among all wine regions in California and beyond. When you are in wine country and you spot a SIP Certified signpost, make sure you stop in and appreciate the efforts the winery has made to achieve this standard.

The view from Daou Vineyards and Winery in Paso Robles

About Daou Vineyards in Paso Robles

This is one of the latest wineries in Paso Robles (2007) and perhaps the winery with the most breathtaking views. Imagine yourself sitting on these chairs with a glass of wine pondering life. This is about as gorgeous as it gets in any wine country. The winery is situated on the west side of Highway 101 in Paso Robles. It sits at an elevation of 2000 feet. It may be hot in Paso Robles during the growing season, but this hilltop site is cooled by the breezes coming from the Pacific Ocean through the Templeton Gap. The soil here is all calcareous, and the Daou folks believe this is the ideal terroir for producing Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals. Although the emphasis is on Bordeaux style wines they also produce some lovely Rhone style white wines, namely Viognier and Grenache Blanc. The winery is owned by Georges and Daniel Daou, two brothers who were successful business entrepeneurs in the medical industry. Daniel Daou is also the winemaker. The vineyards are Sip Certified, meaning sustainable farming is in practice throughout the estate. The tasting room is beautiful, and visitors are welcome to Daou Vineayrds in Paso Robles daily from 11am-5pm. The current tasting fee is $20, but waived with a purchase of wine. There are also food pairings available. Check the Daou Vineyards website for complete visiting details and other details about the winery.