In the heart of Mendocino County, where vineyards meet the challenges of a changing climate head-on, Bonterra Organic Estates emerges as a pioneer in the wine industry's fight against environmental degradation. This era, marked by a collective awakening to the impacts of climate change, calls for a revolution in how we cultivate our lands and craft our wines. Bonterra Organic Estates answers the call with an unwavering commitment to regenerative organic farming and winemaking practices. Their approach not only acknowledges the delicate balance required to thrive in a warming world but also showcases their leadership in forging a path toward a sustainable and thriving planet. Here, at Bonterra, the future of winemaking is being reimagined, setting a new standard for environmental stewardship in agriculture
“Regenerative farming is a fairly new term,” says Hilary Butler, Director of Marketing for Bonterra, “but it’s quickly catching on.” Bonterra is taking sustainability into the future by adopting a more holistic approach—one that not only maintains but rejuvenates the ecosystem. According to Butler, “When you focus in on regenerative agriculture, it’s not just about sustaining the soil, but actually renewing the soil.”
Bonterra Organic Estates: Pioneering a Regenerative Future in Winemaking
BY STORYSTUDIO ON FEBRUARY 23, 2024
The cool climate and nutrient-rich soils here allow grapes to ripen slowly, producing rich flavors we associate with the finest Pinot, Chardonnay, and Cabernet varietals.
Today, Bonterra is the largest North American winery to achieve Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC™) by the Regenerative Organic Alliance. Spread across the wild terrain of Mendocino County, Bonterra's 850 acres of 100% ROC vineyards illustrate this commitment vividly. Through techniques like cover cropping to boost soil fertility, sheep grazing for natural weed control and soil enrichment, and composting to close the nutrient loop, Bonterra not only elevates the quality of its wines but also the resilience of the earth beneath.
“It’s about increasing biodiversity, improving soil health, and enhancing the ecosystem,” says Joseph Brinkley, Director of Regenerative and Organic Development, adding, “Many are already doing that in this industry, but as a leader in this space it is our responsibility to make sure that we’re amplifying their efforts, no matter what scale or what stage they’re at in moving towards regenerative farming.”
Holding a range of sustainability certifications, Bonterra sets a high bar for environmental stewardship and responsible business practices. These accolades are not just badges of honor but a testament to the winery’s commitment to transparency and continued progress. For Bonterra, achieving certifications is all about integrity. “Using these certifying bodies helps validate what we’re doing,” Butler says. “It gives people confidence that we’re fully transparent in all of our practices, that we’re held accountable by another body.” By embracing these practices, Bonterra not only ensures the ecological integrity of their operations, but also champions a wine production process that respects and replenishes our communities and, ultimately, our planet.
SHOP AWARD-WINNING WINES
Limited Release Estate Red Blend 2022
Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Estate Chardonnay 2022
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Regenerative Organic Certified Silver: This is the certification at the forefront of Bonterra's practices, emphasizing the restoration and revitalization of the ecosystem. It combines strict guidelines on soil health, animal welfare, and farmer and worker fairness. By adhering to these principles, Bonterra not only enhances the health of their vineyards and wellness of their workers, but also contributes to a more sustainable and equitable agricultural system.
Certified B Corporation: This certification is awarded to companies that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. It means that Bonterra balances profit and purpose, ensuring their operations benefit workers, communities, the environment, and stakeholders, not just shareholders.
TRUE Certified for Zero Waste: Bonterra diverts more than 98% of all waste from landfill or incineration. Their TRUE Zero Waste certification highlights ongoing efforts in reducing their ecological footprint, reinforcing Bonterra’s role as an environmental leader in the wine industry.
Bonterra's ethos encompasses more than environmental action; it embodies a deep commitment to social responsibility and community engagement. “Social fairness is a key part of our practices,” Butler explains, “it’s not just what we do in the vinification and farming processes, but making sure that everyone who works for us, or who we work with indirectly, is treated fairly with equal pay.” The winery's efforts to support farmers and workers in Mendocino County and across California underscores their dedication to a more equitable and inclusive industry. By championing labor practices that ensure fairness and dignity for all workers, and fostering a culture of respect and equity, Bonterra stands as a pillar of social integrity in the winemaking community. And they know a thing or two about crafting superior wines too.
Bonterra’s acclaimed Estate Collection demonstrates that regenerative and organic practices can coexist with commercial success. Their recent release of the 2022 Estate Collection Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded best in class by San Francisco Chronicle, an indication of how Bonterra’s vision of regenerative practices, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility converge to create wines of unparalleled quality. But according to Butler, quality goes beyond scores and ratings: “Any recognition just underscores all of the great work from our farmers, and all of the work that was done to get ROC certification on our estate vineyards,” she says. By adhering to their principles of regeneration and community, Bonterra not only cultivates exceptional wines but also sows the seeds of change across the wine industry.
Our guests enjoy the luxury of an exclusive experience with friendly, knowledgeable staff.
— Martha Barra, Proprietor
Bonterra Organic Estates' extends an invitation to wine lovers and environmental advocates alike to join in their journey. “How we farm has the power to change the planet, for better or for worse,” says Butler. Oenophiles have power too; to drive change, support sustainable practices, and contribute to a healthier environment. As Bonterra continues to expand their Estate Collection, showcasing the best Mendocino County has to offer, they’re making the choice to support a brighter future an easy one. Visit bonterra.com to learn more or browse their catalog of organically farmed wines.
PLAN YOUR VISITTO Our Tasting Room
Set on 50 acres of organic vineyards planted to organic Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, the tasting room is an architectural phenomenon that dates back to the 1970’s.
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Understanding Bonterra's Certifications
From Soil to Savor: A Closer Look at 2022’s Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyards: A showcase of Mendocino County terroir, the 2022 Estate Cab was crafted predominantly from Butler Ranch Redvine soils alongside contributions from Blue Heron Vineyard. This blend from high mountain rigor and riverside fertility makes for a dynamic bottling.
Harvest: The 2022 vintage emerged from a year of climatic challenges, with lower-than-average rainfall and a summer of high temperatures, punctuated by early autumn rains and temperature variations. These conditions culminated in a harvest that delivered grapes of remarkable depth and complexity.
Vinification: Harvested by hand at the optimal moment of maturity, the grapes underwent careful destemming and pressing, followed by a warm fermentation in stainless steel. Subsequent aging in 100% French oak for six months, 40% new, infused the wine with nuanced barrel notes and a medium toast level.
Tasting: This Cabernet Sauvignon unfolds in the glass with a dark garnet hue tinged with violet. It offers layered aromas of black cherry, black currant, and spice, underpinned by a decadent palate featuring dark fruit, leather, tobacco, and pencil shavings. Full-bodied and structured with ripe tannins, this wine is poised for up to five years of additional cellaring, promising an evolving journey of taste.
Four generations and 100+ years later, Riboli Family Wines is still a family owned and operated winery, having become a massively successful wine empire with wines grown in the finest terroirs of Italy, Napa Valley and the Central Coast. At 100 years old, you still see Maddalena Riboli’s influence in the winery, while the 3rd and 4th generations continue the Riboli family legacy of producing exceptional wines. For winemaker Anthony Riboli, San Simeon holds a special place in the Riboli stable of wines.
“Our mission with our San Simeon collection,” says Anthony, “is to share our passion for high-quality artisan wine expertly curated with detail to satisfy all palates.”
To Anthony, San Simeon’s exceptional vintages epitomize the value of opening a bottle of wine: bringing together people of all backgrounds to celebrate our shared values of family and human connection. He’s hoping San Simeon will bridge the gap to the next generation of wine lovers.