Bob Blue

Founding Winemaker

Bob Blue is a pioneer in the organic wine arena and the founding winemaker for Bonterra, with deep roots in Mendocino’s vineyards. A trail blazer in organic viticulture, who was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for his 25-year dedication to sustainable vineyard management in The Drinks Business Green Awards 2014.

Ironic, given that he grew up in a family of tee‐totalers in Lake County, California. His first taste of wine, in fact, happened on another continent. Bob joined the Army after high school and his world was opened when traveling through Germany as a GI. After graduating from UC-Davis, Bob joined Mendocino County’s McDowell Valley Vineyards and progressed through the lab and cellar.

In 1988 Bob joined what he now calls “Fetzer University,” where he apprenticed and was mentored by legendary California winemakers Paul Dolan and Dennis Martin. He traveled to Bordeaux, Burgundy and on to Australia and the Rhone, broadening his knowledge and sense of style. As General Manager of Fetzer’s Hopland Winery, he continued to influence winemaking and was made Red Varietal Winemaker before being named Winemaker for Bonterra.

Beyond Bonterra, Bob is a passionate table tennis player. He even has a table tennis robot, which has trained him to play ambidextrously!

Jeff Cichocki

Director of Winemaking

Jeff joined the Bonterra team in 2007 and has been an incredible – and ongoing – wealth of knowledge and inspiration for our group.

Beyond Bonterra, Jeff’s three desert island songs are High and Dry – Radiohead, Simple Song – Shins, and Do You Realize? – Flaming Lips (all enjoyed with a cold beer, of course).

Sebastian Donoso

Organic & Biodynamic Winemaker

A passion for organic and sustainable practices infuses every aspect of Sebastian Donoso’s work as a winemaker for Bonterra Organic Vineyards.

Joseph Brinkley

Director of Organic & Biodynamic Vineyards

Joseph is really connected with the farm and all that surround it. He truly believes in Biodynamic farming “I’m enjoying learning the details of farming land, including best practices for compost and soil management—and gaining insight to anything that contributed to the overall health of the farm.”

Our Farm Partners

Organic farming requires passion and dedication. Our farm partners set incredibly high standards for their organic practices, resulting in the highest quality grapes, full of expression.

Joseph Brinkley, Bonterra's regenerative organic champion

Happy National Farmers Day to our very own regenerative organic champion Joseph Brinkley 🌱

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From the vineyards we plant to the workers who harvest, we care about every aspect of our winemaking process being equitable and thoughtful.

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Inspired by these sweet moments from @readtealeaves. Wine glass in hand. Pasta boiling. Kids playing. Spring at our door. Does it get any better?

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Bottle shot of Bonterra Sauvignon Blanc with several dishes in the background

Did your mouth just water? Ours did. Share your go-to wine night spread in the comments below.

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