SIP Certified ®

What does it mean to be SIP Certified ®

Harmony Estate Wineries of Leelanau, including Bel Lago Winery, French Valley Vineyard, Dune Bird Winery & North Farm – meets rigorous standards.

Certification addresses the 3 P’s of Sustainability

People, Planet, Prosperity – ensuring that both natural and human resources are protected.

People

Community involvement, charitable donations, employee development and safety programs, continuing education, and more are addressed in the program’s Standards.

Planet

Alternative energy, recycling, habitat conservation plans, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), cover crops, organic soil additions, and responsible irrigation management practices help to combat climate change and protect the environment.

Prosperity

You can’t have a sustainable business if you can’t sustain the business. That’s why SIP Certified ® members must have annual/multi-year budgets, sales and marketing plans, and maintain legible inventory and production needs.

Members must uphold the 7 Values

Social Responsibility, Water Smart, Safe Pest Management, Clean Energy, Wildlife Friendly, Built to Last, and Always Evolving.

Social Responsibility

Safe working conditions, trainings, and ongoing education opportunities. SIP Certified ® brands give back to their communities through charitable work.

Water Smart

Native landscaping, cover crop soil testing to determine irrigation needs, and wastewater recycling.

Safe Pest Management

Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques such as beneficial insects, bird of prey, and canopy management to take a proactive and preventative approach to pest management.

Clean Energy

Solar and wind power, alternative fuels, minimal tractor usage, and energy-efficient winery equipment.

Wildlife Friendly

Conservation plans, preserved open space, and native plantings that support biodiversity.

Built to Last

Annual Budgets, sales and marketing plans, accurate records, and ethical business practices. A financially savvy and sustainable business will continue to care for the people and the planet for years.

Always Evolving

Keep up with industry science, technology, legislation, and news; be open to new ideas and methods; and evolve the business over time.