At Robert Craig Winery, every decision, whether in the vineyard or the cellar, is guided by a long-term view of both wine quality and environmental responsibility, reflecting a commitment to sustainable winemaking in Napa Valley. As a small mountain winery, the team has always relied on the support of its community, and that relationship continues to shape how the winery evolves.
In recent years, guests and collectors may have noticed subtle but meaningful changes in packaging. Most notably, the absence of capsules and a shift toward lighter bottles. While these updates may seem cosmetic at first glance, they reflect a deeper commitment to sustainability and thoughtful production.
Why Eliminate Capsules?
Historically, tin capsules served a purpose in protecting wine from pests in less controlled cellar environments. Today, with modern sanitation and storage practices, they are largely decorative. Capsules are not airtight, nor do they influence how a wine ages. More importantly, unless removed before disposal, they can interfere with proper recycling.
Removing them is a small but intentional step toward reducing unnecessary waste.
What is Sustainable Wine Packaging?
Sustainable wine packaging refers to reducing environmental impact through lighter bottles, eliminating unnecessary materials like capsules, and sourcing glass closer to production to lower carbon emissions.
The Bigger Impact: Bottle Weight and Sourcing
Following the devastating wildfire seasons of 2017, 2018, and 2020 — and continuing through more recent fire concerns in 2025, the winery undertook a comprehensive evaluation of its environmental footprint. While organic farming and energy-efficient equipment remain important, the findings revealed something less obvious:
The single greatest environmental impact came from the glass bottle itself.
Heavier bottles require significantly more energy to produce and transport. In response, Robert Craig Winery made the decision to:
- Transition to lighter-weight bottles
- Eliminate capsules entirely
- Source glass domestically to reduce transportation emissions
These changes were not cost-saving measures. In fact, they increased production costs. But they align with a core belief: that responsible winemaking must consider the full lifecycle of the product.
Extreme Mountain Stewardship
These efforts are part of a broader philosophy known internally as Extreme Mountain Stewardship.
Farming at elevations reaching 2,300 feet demands restraint and precision. Over the past several years, the winery has transitioned to organic farming practices across its estate vineyards. This work has already led to California Certified Organic Farming (CCOF) certification for Mt. Veeder, with Howell Mountain vineyards on a similar path.
Beyond the vineyard, the winery holds both Napa Green Land and Napa Green Winery certifications, ensuring that sustainability extends through every stage of production.
This approach is not only environmentally responsible, it also results in wines that more accurately express their mountain origins.
A Shift to DIAM Closures
Another significant change came with the transition to DIAM closures, beginning with the 2017 vintage.
Natural cork, even at the highest quality levels, introduces variability, whether through oxygen inconsistency or the risk of cork taint. For wines built to age over decades, that variability is unacceptable.
DIAM closures offer:
- Consistent oxygen management
- Elimination of cork taint risk
- Reliable long-term aging performance
For Cabernet Sauvignon, the winery uses DIAM 30 closures, specifically engineered for extended cellaring.
While they may lack the romance of traditional cork, they deliver something more critical: precision and reliability.
A New Aesthetic, A Clearer Purpose
A bottle without a capsule may feel unfamiliar at first. Even within the winery, there has long been an appreciation for the traditional look and feel of heavier glass and classic presentation.
But over time, the meaning behind these changes has come to outweigh tradition:
- Less waste
- Greater intention
- Better performance
And, on a practical note, no more cuts while opening a bottle.
Looking Ahead
At its core, Robert Craig Winery remains focused on producing wines that endure; both in the cellar and in the way they are made. Sustainability is not treated as a trend, but as an ongoing responsibility.
As the Napa Valley wine industry continues to evolve, the winery remains committed to leading with transparency, curiosity, and a willingness to adapt.
The goal is simple: to ensure that the wines are as long-lived as the land they come from.
Experience the results of this approach through our mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon and estate wines. Explore our Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon.
