Benessere Vineyards is proudly certified as...

Fish Friendly Farming is a certification program for agricultural properties managed to restore fish and wildlife habitat and improve water quality. Benessere Vineyards has been a proud participant in this program since 2015.

The Chinook salmon and steelhead trout in northern and central California rivers are listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. Coho salmon are listed as endangered. Many different land uses--urban sprawl, reservoirs, gravel mining, roads and highways, water diversions, grazing, and logging as well as agriculture--have caused the decline of steelhead trout and salmon in California. Fish Friendly Farming (FFF) provides a comprehensive approach for farmers to restore habitat for these endangered species. Many farmers are avid fisherman and willing to implement practices that will recover salmon and steelhead populations.

The lifecycle and habitat needs of the salmon and steelhead trout form the basis for the Fish Friendly Farming program. Steelhead trout, Chinook and Coho salmon have a complex lifecycle involving freshwater streams and rivers and the ocean. These fish species are sensitive indicators of ecosystem health. Their recovery and conservation requires that human activities meet high environmental standards. Salmonids are sensitive to changes in water quality and quantity, water temperature, turbidity, and aquatic food webs. The decline of a salmonid population in a creek or river can give an early warning of the decline in the overall health of the environment. By focusing on improving conditions for salmon and trout, the Fish Friendly Farming program takes a comprehensive approach to environmentally friendly land management.

For more information, please visit the Fish Friendly Farming website

Land owners in the Napa Green Certified Land program assess all aspects of their property including farming practices, roads and waterways. Following an evaluation, land owners implement measures to retain soils and prevent erosion, identify and reduce harmful inputs and runoff, conserve water resources and restore wildlife habitats to protect biodiversity.

Land owners and managers ensure the health and vitality of their piece of Napa Valley's ecosystem by developing a customized farm conservation plan. By implementing best practices across an entire property, Napa Green Land takes a holistic approach to sustainability.

Benessere Vineyards has been a proud participant in this program since 2015.  Farm plans are facilitated and audited by the Fish Friendly Farming and LandSmart programs.

For more information, please visit the Napa Green website