Viticulture is arguably one of humankind’s oldest crafts. According to archaeological evidence, the world’s first winery was established in what is now Armenia over 6,000 years ago.

Wine making has come a very long way over the millennium. What was once an uncertain process has now, with the integration of a number of cutting-edge technologies, has become a very exact science. True, vineyards themselves are still subject to the vagaries of the weather and soil, but once the grapes have been pressed, modern science makes it possible to produce a superior product on a more consistent basis. Furthermore, this process can be carried out far more efficiently, using far fewer resources than in the past.

One of the latest Napa wine-making operations to open its doors in California’s famed Napa Valley is Hall Wines Vineyards – which also has the distinction of being the first winery in the Golden State to be a LEED Certified winery. Because of its sustainable architecture, Hall Vineyards has earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. This program recognizes “best-in-class building strategies and practices” when it comes to minimizing use of energy and water resources as well as environmental impact.

An integral part of Hall Winery’s success at achieving this certification is due to the local NECA contractor, Napa Electric, and the electricians and installers of IBEW Local #180, who undertook the complicated electrical construction.  Because of their thorough, ongoing training and commitment to a job done well and right the first time, these electrical construction industry leaders are often able to come up with on-the-spot solutions when encountering design issues that might have worked on paper – but aren’t always viable in practice.

It’s something Hall Winery president Mike Reynolds readily acknowledges when he says, “They’ve done a great job…it gets done in a timely way, and everything works.”

Of course, it’s about more than the electrical systems. For example, rather than relying on traditional HVAC systems for climate control, the buildings use hot and cold water running through the floor tiles. The buildings also feature generous windows and skylights, and are oriented in such a way as to take advantage of the sun. It was a challenge, being as most of the structures were built in the late 19^th Century, when conservation was not consideration – or had even been thought of. Much of the infrastructure had to be retrofitted to accommodate the latest, high-tech fermentation and storage facilities. But it was just the kind of challenge the NECA-IBEW have unhesitatingly undertaken repeatedly on green energy projects throughout the country.

And their efforts have given the Napa Wine Country yet one more thing to take pride in.