In recent years, there has been a growing movement toward sustainable living and conscious consumerism. As part of this trend, wines from organically farmed vineyards have been gaining popularity among wine lovers who prioritize environmental sustainability, and who also don’t want to compromise on flavor and experience. The organic wine market in North America – the second-largest organic wine market in the world – has been growing at approximately 10% per year, and is expected to reach $21.1 billion by 2030! (Per a November 2022 report published by market research company The Brainy Insights.) That’s exciting news, since every bottle of wine made from organically farmed grapes is a step away from harmful farming practices, and a step toward a regenerative future for us all.
Bonterra Organic Estates, America’s largest organic winery has been a pioneering brand in wines made from organically farmed grapes since we broke ground in Mendocino County in 1993. We are more committed than ever, having adopted regenerative organic practices and becoming Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC) in 2021.
Environmental Benefits of Organic Wine
Made with Organic Grapes isn’t just a statement on our label; it’s a commitment to sustainable practices from vineyard to winery. One of the most compelling reasons to choose organically farmed wine is its positive impact on the environment. Organic farming practices promote soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem balance. At its core, the process starts with ditching synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in the vineyards. Instead, it relies on natural methods to nurture the vines and protect them from pests and diseases. (As an added bonus, these methods also often help protect against climate impacts).
Certifications like USDA Organic and California Certified Organic Farmers authenticate these practices, ensuring that wines bearing the label meet stringent standards. ROC goes even further, laying out requirements not just for how to avoid harming the land, but for how to improve it. For example, ROC requires the presence of animals on the land for all of the benefits that grazing offers, and has cover crop, mulch, and no-till recommendations built in. All of this works to capture carbon in the soil, a major benefit of ROC. It also leads to reduced water use as well as reduced waste; it’s a win all around!
In addition to strict environmental requirements, ROC also prioritizes the health and well-being of workers with its strong social component, including workers’ rights and living wage requirements. Bonterra is proud of our commitment to regenerative farming, which not only sustains but improves the environment for future generations.
Bonterra has additional certifications like TRUE Zero Waste, the first zero waste certification program dedicated to measuring, improving and recognizing zero waste performance through sustainable resource management. Administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), TRUE enables companies to define and achieve their zero waste goals, and requires a minimum of 90% diversion from landfills.
Our many certifications underscore Bonterra’s leadership in sustainable winemaking, demonstrating our holistic approach to environmental stewardship.
Taste and Quality: A Sip Above the Rest
Contrary to common misconceptions, wines made from organically farmed grapes do not compromise on taste or quality. In fact, the health of the vineyard directly influences the depth, complexity, and richness of a wine’s flavors. When grape vines grow in more nutrient-rich soil in a thriving ecosystem, the grapes they produce often have more minerals and complex flavor profiles than grapes living in an ecological wasteland of bare earth.
There is research available that wines from organically farmed grapes really do taste better. A 2017 study published in Food & Nutrition Journal, “The Taste of Pesticides in Wine,” showed that humans can actually taste pesticides in conventional wine during blind taste tests. In that same study, subjects preferred the organically farmed wine option over a similar conventional wine 77% of the time.
By prioritizing soil health, vine vitality, and natural winemaking processes, Bonterra crafts various types of wines that are as flavorful as they are sustainable. From crisp whites to bold reds, Bonterra wines showcase the diverse and nuanced tastes that organically grown grapes can offer. We invite you to explore our wine online to savor the difference for yourself! For additional guidance on your journey into the world of organic wine, explore our wine tasting tips and the art of wine and food pairings.
Joining the Movement: How Choosing Organic Wine Makes a Difference
Every purchase we make is a vote for the world we want to live in. It may not seem like we are making a dent, but collectively, as more and more people choose organic, regenerative, and other sustainably farmed and crafted products, then the people producing those products have no choice but to sit up and listen. And it’s already happening! Remember, by 2030 the organic wine industry will be worth $20 BILLION WITH A B. That’s not some blip on the radar or a passing fad; that is a very clear and strong trend that isn’t going anywhere, and we can all be a part of growing it.
Choosing organically farmed wine is a powerful way to support environmental stewardship and sustainable agriculture. By supporting brands like Bonterra that prioritize organic farming practices, you as a consumer can become part of a larger movement toward a healthier planet and a regenerative future. Whether enjoying a glass at home or sharing a bottle with friends, each sip of organically farmed wine is a statement of commitment to leaving the earth better than we found it. Cheers to that! To deepen your experience, consider joining our wine club, where you can enjoy quarterly shipments of premium wines, access limited production selections, and receive exclusive member benefits starting today!
