MCE Shines a Light on Savings with Dominus Estate

  • |
  • All Sustainability Stories, Energy Efficiency

Dominus Estate is a leading Napa Valley winery situated on the historic 124-acre Napanook vineyard in Yountville, California. It is celebrated for its complex, elegant, and long-lived Bordeaux-style blends with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery achieves this distinct style by masterfully combining high-quality Napa Valley fruit with traditional French winemaking techniques to make premier wines. 

As part of their holistic sustainability initiatives, Dominus Estate achieved Napa Green Winery Certification in 2020. As part of their initial integrated water, waste and energy resource assessment, it was noted by the Napa Green team that there were  T-12 lights, which are older, linear fluorescent tubes commonly used in commercial and residential settings, that should be phased out in favor of T8 or LED alternatives for environmental energy efficiency. 

Replacing T-12 fluorescent lights with LEDs reduces energy consumption by 50–80%, significantly cutting electricity bills. In addition, LEDs last 2 to 3 times longer (50,000+ hours), reducing maintenance costs. They also offer better light quality, eliminate flickering, and reduce heat, which lowers HVAC loads. In addition to reducing the carbon footprint and energy costs, the quality of light can be particularly critical in the tank room, warehouse, and bottling line, which is essential to the winemaking team, to visually assess wine quality. 

Napa Green partner, MCE (formerly Marin Clean Energy) is a local, not-for-profit, community-governed utility agency providing cleaner, often more affordable electricity compared to traditional utilities. MCE drives California’s state renewable energy goals by offering 60%–100% renewable energy, supporting local green jobs, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and offering stable, competitive rates. In addition, they also offer energy efficiency programs and incentives to support local homes and businesses in Napa, Solano, Contra Costa, and Marin Counties. 

In 2023, Dominus did an LED retrofit with MCE saving an estimated $14,500/year with an additional $5,800 incentive. Talk about green!!

“We replaced 275 light bulbs with LED bulbs and we worked with MCE’s program to do that. They provided incentives of $5,800 to offset the investment of $7,500, and additionally, we're saving annually $14,500 from that change.”
tod mostero
Director of Viticulture and Winemaking at Dominus Estate
“We love partnering with MCE. Not only does their mission align with ours, to strengthen community and reduce carbon emissions, but they also provide direct support to help members achieve their targets and goals. Our impact is greater when we work together.”
Megan Scott
Operations Director at Napa Green

subscribe

* indicates required
I am interested in hearing about:

Intuit Mailchimp

napagreen

793 4,866

From soil to bottle - the leading sustainable wine growing certification program for Napa County Vineyards & Wineries.
Follow @risewinesymposium

We’re thrilled to announce the new @napagreen Board Chair, Molly Sheppard, who is the VP of Winery Strategy @spottswoodewinery, a leader in sustainability.

@mkshepp’s dedication to sustainable practices and ongoing support of the Napa Green community make her the perfect fit for this leadership role.

We’re grateful for an amazing board of industry leaders and advisors who bring diverse perspectives, expertise, and passion for climate action to support the success of Napa Green and our members!

#womeninwine #wineindustry #nonprofit

Open post by napagreen with ID 18085529147244363
We’re thrilled to announce the new @napagreen Board Chair, Molly Sheppard, who is the VP of Winery Strategy @spottswoodewinery, a leader in sustainability. @mkshepp’s dedication to sustainable practices and ongoing support of the Napa Green community make her the perfect fit for this leadership role. We’re grateful for an amazing board of industry leaders and advisors who bring diverse perspectives, expertise, and passion for climate action to support the success of Napa Green and our members! #womeninwine #wineindustry #nonprofit
131 16

We all know that sheep are the cutest but why are they in so many vineyards?

Cori Carlson, owner of @napapastureprotein shared the ecological goals of grazing a vineyard, along with this one key takeaway at our recent @napagreen workshop.

🐑 🐑 🐑

#woolyweeders #regenerativevineyard #soilhealth

Open post by napagreen with ID 17892359370430145
We all know that sheep are the cutest but why are they in so many vineyards? Cori Carlson, owner of @napapastureprotein shared the ecological goals of grazing a vineyard, along with this one key takeaway at our recent @napagreen workshop. 🐑 🐑 🐑 #woolyweeders #regenerativevineyard #soilhealth
87 8

Join us on April 9, 2026 @charleskrugwinery to explore climate smart opportunities, sustainable glass, closures and more ways to green your supply chain.

We will share case studies, hear about climate-smart and alternative packaging, clarify what materials are truly recyclable, and identify new ways to divert more waste from the landfill.

With speakers from Verallia, @naturalcorkcouncil, @cork_supply, Treasury Wine Estates, @freeflowwines, @revinobottles, @keystonecapsules, Wine Industry Zero Waste Collective, @naparecycling and more!

➡️ ticket link in bio!

#winebusiness #wineindustry #supplychainmanagement

Open post by napagreen with ID 18316947985268291
Join us on April 9, 2026 @charleskrugwinery to explore climate smart opportunities, sustainable glass, closures and more ways to green your supply chain. We will share case studies, hear about climate-smart and alternative packaging, clarify what materials are truly recyclable, and identify new ways to divert more waste from the landfill. With speakers from Verallia, @naturalcorkcouncil, @cork_supply, Treasury Wine Estates, @freeflowwines, @revinobottles, @keystonecapsules, Wine Industry Zero Waste Collective, @naparecycling and more! ➡️ ticket link in bio! #winebusiness #wineindustry #supplychainmanagement
16 1

Discover four exceptional wineries united by a commitment to sustainability, community, and thoughtful hospitality.

These wineries are not only @napagreen certified but also @bcorporation certified, and through their “B Collaborative” partnership this month, they are offering a special tasting experience: wine club members receive two complimentary tastings, and non-members can enjoy a two-for-one tasting.

Learn More by visiting these wineries.

@artesawinery
@cliffamily
@spottswoodewinery
@troisnoixwine

#winetasting #visitnapavalley

Open post by napagreen with ID 17906312196366228
Discover four exceptional wineries united by a commitment to sustainability, community, and thoughtful hospitality. These wineries are not only @napagreen certified but also @bcorporation certified, and through their “B Collaborative” partnership this month, they are offering a special tasting experience: wine club members receive two complimentary tastings, and non-members can enjoy a two-for-one tasting. Learn More by visiting these wineries. @artesawinery @cliffamily @spottswoodewinery @troisnoixwine #winetasting #visitnapavalley
61 5

Learn why Natalie Bath, Winemaker at @ruddestate considers @napagreen an important part of their commitment of land stewardship.

#SoilHealth #WomenInWine #RegenerativeViticulture

Open post by napagreen with ID 18093528419283092
Learn why Natalie Bath, Winemaker at @ruddestate considers @napagreen an important part of their commitment of land stewardship. #SoilHealth #WomenInWine #RegenerativeViticulture
99 15

@napagreen has had a number of growers looking for organic solutions to dealing with nematodes where vines are planted. Our partners at @lallemandplantcareusa have an OMRI approved biological solution.

Learn more in this short video!

#soilhealth #vineyardmanagement #wineindustry

Open post by napagreen with ID 17927417283071797
@napagreen has had a number of growers looking for organic solutions to dealing with nematodes where vines are planted. Our partners at @lallemandplantcareusa have an OMRI approved biological solution. Learn more in this short video! #soilhealth #vineyardmanagement #wineindustry
19 1

Join us March 17th @grgichhillsestate to connect with cover crop expert Keith Berns, with @greencoverseed, and experienced viticulturists, to leans how you can incorporate soil health practices in your vineyard!

➡️ Registration link in bio.

#soilhealth #regenerativevineyard #covercrop

Open post by napagreen with ID 17860662810658005
Join us March 17th @grgichhillsestate to connect with cover crop expert Keith Berns, with @greencoverseed, and experienced viticulturists, to leans how you can incorporate soil health practices in your vineyard! ➡️ Registration link in bio. #soilhealth #regenerativevineyard #covercrop
48 2

What is biochar and why is it so cool?

Hear from @napa.char to learn more.

#climateaction #soilhealth #biochar

Open post by napagreen with ID 17987555075956379
What is biochar and why is it so cool? Hear from @napa.char to learn more. #climateaction #soilhealth #biochar
98 2

🐝 “If you build it, they will hum” - Erin Arnsteen, Western Program Coordinator @monarchjointventure

We are grateful for everyone who attended our Biodiversity in the Vineyard workshop last week! It was an amazing day @grgichhillsestate filled with bees, birds, butterflies, a community passionate about biodiversity, and experts providing resources for building biodiversity in YOUR vineyard.

#regenerativeag #biodiversity #worldwildlife #regenerativeviticulture

Open post by napagreen with ID 17866515702590321
🐝 “If you build it, they will hum” - Erin Arnsteen, Western Program Coordinator @monarchjointventure We are grateful for everyone who attended our Biodiversity in the Vineyard workshop last week! It was an amazing day @grgichhillsestate filled with bees, birds, butterflies, a community passionate about biodiversity, and experts providing resources for building biodiversity in YOUR vineyard. #regenerativeag #biodiversity #worldwildlife #regenerativeviticulture
68 4

Join us in congratulating Megan Scott (@love.dream.breathe), our Operations Director, on 6 years at @napagreen. Megan’s positive attitude and “can do” approach to problem solving has greatly contributed to the success of Napa Green and our members.

Thanks for your work and dedication to sustainability!

📸 @brianamarieweddings
📍 @trefethenfamily

#womeninwine #womeninstem #climateaction

Open post by napagreen with ID 17940059148145831
Join us in congratulating Megan Scott (@love.dream.breathe), our Operations Director, on 6 years at @napagreen. Megan’s positive attitude and “can do” approach to problem solving has greatly contributed to the success of Napa Green and our members. Thanks for your work and dedication to sustainability! 📸 @brianamarieweddings 📍 @trefethenfamily #womeninwine #womeninstem #climateaction
101 34

Thanks to the @naparegister for publishing this Climate Connection contribution from @napagreen’s Vineyard Program Director, Ben Mackie (@soilrainandhope) highlighting the biodiversity @grgichhillsestate.

If you loved this article, you’ll love our Birds, Bees & Butterflies: Biodiversity in the Vineyard workshop happening today!

#climateaction #regenerativeag #regenerativeviticulture

Open post by napagreen with ID 18003453290891700
Thanks to the @naparegister for publishing this Climate Connection contribution from @napagreen’s Vineyard Program Director, Ben Mackie (@soilrainandhope) highlighting the biodiversity @grgichhillsestate. If you loved this article, you’ll love our Birds, Bees & Butterflies: Biodiversity in the Vineyard workshop happening today! #climateaction #regenerativeag #regenerativeviticulture
58 2

Friday night dinner dilemma?

Order takeout from @southsidenapa using promo code DONATE and 20% of your order will be donated to @napagreen.

It’s a win: win! You get dinner and @napagreen gets funding to contribute our impactful climate action work in Napa Valley.

Order online or preorder your Fried Chicken Friday pickup for February 27, 2026. Don’t forget to pair it with Napa Green certified wine! 🍽️ 🍷

#dineanddonate #nonprofit #napavalley

Open post by napagreen with ID 18567042967044519
Friday night dinner dilemma? Order takeout from @southsidenapa using promo code DONATE and 20% of your order will be donated to @napagreen. It’s a win: win! You get dinner and @napagreen gets funding to contribute our impactful climate action work in Napa Valley. Order online or preorder your Fried Chicken Friday pickup for February 27, 2026. Don’t forget to pair it with Napa Green certified wine! 🍽️ 🍷 #dineanddonate #nonprofit #napavalley
18 2

Learn about the herd of cattle calmly grazing the vineyards @ruddestate, contributing to soil health and biodiversity, in our latest post from @soilrainandhope.

➡️ Link in bio.

#climateaction #regenerativeag #regnerativeviticulture #soilhealth

Open post by napagreen with ID 18069077393218625
Learn about the herd of cattle calmly grazing the vineyards @ruddestate, contributing to soil health and biodiversity, in our latest post from @soilrainandhope. ➡️ Link in bio. #climateaction #regenerativeag #regnerativeviticulture #soilhealth
185 10

Thanks to @naparegister and @kcuz for this great article about the @regenerativeviticulture and @napagreen #OneBlockChallenge field day @celaniwines.

We had a great time engaging with attendees about opportunities to implement regenerative practices in their vineyards!

If you’re regenerative curious or want to learn more head to the link in our bio!

#climateaction #regenerativeviticulture

Open post by napagreen with ID 18569212222013075
Thanks to @naparegister and @kcuz for this great article about the @regenerativeviticulture and @napagreen #OneBlockChallenge field day @celaniwines. We had a great time engaging with attendees about opportunities to implement regenerative practices in their vineyards! If you’re regenerative curious or want to learn more head to the link in our bio! #climateaction #regenerativeviticulture
74 2
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins
Error: There is no connected business account for the user .