Sustainability
Sustainability Initiatives
We believe that sustainability is the right thing to do, for everyone’s future
Since our founding and expanded initiatives starting in 2010, O’Neill has been an industry leader in environmental stewardship and anticipating climate challenges posed to the wine industry and beyond.
Solutions to clean energy, water treatment, and the longevity of our soils have significantly reduced the impact we have on the environment and contributed to our True Zero Gold Certification – diverting 99.49% of production waste from landfills.
Healthy soils lead to delicious wines – O'Neill Vintners is a proud Certified California Sustainable Vineyard & Winery.
BioFiltro Wastewater Solutions
We worked with BioFiltro to construct one of the largest worm-powered winery wastewater system in the world, capable of filtering more than one million gallons of production wastewater per day. A key component of our ongoing commitment to sustainable practices, BioFiltro’s patented Biodynamic Aerobic (BIDA®) System enables us to harness the digestive power of California red wrigglers to recycle up to 80 million gallons of water a year. These worms will convert the nutrients from the wastewater into worm castings, a soil amendment sought after by growers for its microbial activity, nutrient levels, and ability to improve soil health.
Learn more about BioFiltro here.
Solar Farm
Started in 2013, our 5,000-panel solar farm produces roughly 1.102 mil kWh annually and powers 80% of our bottling and warehouse operations.
Annual emissions savings from our solar program are equal to the following:
- 880,000 lbs of CO2 emissions
- 39,000 gallons of gas
Regenerative Field Study
In 2020, O’Neill initiated a living case study for the wider wine community to learn about regenerative viticulture through biodynamic farming techniques, comparing the results with our sustainably-farmed vineyards at scale. The trial will be led by world-renowned biodynamic consultant Philippe Armenier and Robert Hall Winery Managing Director, Caine Thompson — Learn More
Sustainable Grower Certification Program
In 2018 we introduced a grower certification program that supports growers in receiving Certified California Sustainable Vineyard recognition from CCSW — to date, 90% of our Parlier growers and 98% of our Robert Hall grower partners are certified. Our goal: 100% of our growers to be certified sustainable by 2024.
Additionally, we host annual educational luncheons with growers in Lodi, Central Coast, and Central Valley with updates on industry trends and consumer insights.
True Zero Gold Certification
In 2022, O’Neill became a True Zero Gold Certified Winery for diverting 99.32% of solid waste from landfills, incineration, and the environment. Diversion practices include:
- Our retired oak barrels are crushed and used as a filtration layer in our wastewater system
- Leftover grape pomace and stems are used in animal feed.
- Office recycling is taken to local recycling facilities.
In addition, we’ve also made advancements in the following areas:
- Through our partnership with Free Flow Wines, we've saved over 1.4 million bottles from landfill by filling over 57,000 kegs.
- Jacketed and insulated stainless steel tanks
- Decreased natural gas usage in the distillation process
- Recaptured ethanol emissions from storage warehouse