One Block Challenge™

The Regenerative Viticulture Foundation (RVF) and Napa Green have joined forces to bring the One Block Challenge™ to Napa County winegrowers, combining regional regenerative expertise with global leadership. The One Block Challenge™ is a program of the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation, a UK-based non-profit dedicated to advancing regenerative practices in vineyards around the world. The Napa One Block Challenge (1BC) was launched at an exceptional two-day event on November 18-19 at Opus One and Bedrock Vineyard. Developed by RVF, the 1BC offers growers an accessible and economical on-ramp to pilot regenerative farming practices beginning with just one block. These practices have been shown to enhance soil health and biodiversity, build agroecosystem resilience, elevate grape and wine quality, and meaningfully contribute to carbon storage.

Join the One Block Challenge

If I want to participate in the One Block Challenge what am I committing to?

1

Choose one block (anything from one row to a full vineyard block) to implement four stacked practices:

  • Diverse cover crop
  • No synthetic herbicide
  • No-till in vine row (unless to establish cover crop)
  • One additional biodiversity enhancement (e.g., grazing; compost/compost:biochar blend; insectary rows; bird/bat boxes; hedgerow)

The 2024 study “Quantifying Soil Carbon Sequestration from Regenerative Agricultural Practices in Crops and Vineyards” found that stacking practices is likely to amplify beneficial outcomes. 

2

Basic tests to baseline and track soil health (step-by-step guidance provided):
 
  • Soil compaction test (penetrometer)
  • Water infiltration test
  • Earthworm count
  • Soil macrobiodiversity count

Soil sampling and lab analysis is optional but highly recommended.

3

Participate in field days every 2-3 months to learn from other participating growers and relevant experts.

  • Between field days, share resources, questions, observations, and learnings with the regional 1BC Google group.

Note both Napa Green and the Napa Resource Conservation District are available to support soil sampling and analysis, as well as design and implementation of new practices. Please reach out to vineyard@napagreen.org if you would like support.

"The beauty of the One Block Challenge is that it makes regenerative viticulture accessible to anyone. By starting with a single block, growers can see the benefits firsthand, including improved soil structure, enhanced water retention, increased biodiversity, and often, measurably better fruit quality, without overwhelming their operations or budgets. And they’re not doing it alone; they’re joining a community committed to peer-to-peer learning."
Caine Thompson, RVF Trustee