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Regenerative Organic Agriculture

Today, Bonterra is the largest winery to achieve the rigorous certification of Regenerative Organic (ROC) by the Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA). Established in 2017, the ROA is a collective of farmers, business leaders, and experts in soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness.

Practices Explained

Enhancing farm, fruit, and soil health while building resilience.

Cover Cropping

Each spring, we plant cover crops between vineyard rows to promote biodiversity, soil fertility, prevent topsoil erosion, and naturally suppress weed growth.

Sheep Grazing

Each winter, we partner with a local sheepherder to bring flocks into our vineyards to graze on weeds while adding natural fertility to the soil.

Compost Application

Following harvest, we compost the pomace (grape skins and seeds) left over from wine production and later reintroduce this material into our vineyards to boost soil health and close the nutrient loop.

Avoiding Synthetic Inputs

We never use harmful synthetic inputs in our vineyards, instead opting for farming methods that foster soil health and natural vitality through integrated pest management.

Reduced/No Tillage

Our team reduces tillage by pursuing a no tillage regime for the row middles that promotes topsoil stability, reduces soil compaction, and decreases greenhouse gas emissions.

Planting for Biodiversity

Around our vineyards, we protect riparian areas and habitat corridors by planting shrubs, fruit trees, and native species that provide homes for beneficial insects and create ecosystem balance.

Principles Of Our Approach

Our set of principles guides how we approach regenerative organic agriculture to create the best possible outcomes.

Reducing our carbon footprint and contributing to sustainability.

As plants die and decompose, the carbon created during photosynthesis can either be stored in the soil or released back into the atmosphere. By minimizing our tilling and using sheep to graze the vineyards, we sequester carbon in the soil.

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Carbon Reintegration

Creating diversity in form and function.

By planting grasses, legumes, brassicas and herbs as cover crops in our vineyards, we help reduce soil erosion and keep weeds in check naturally. Cover crops are part of a living soil system that eliminates the need for synthetic inputs.

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Cover Crops

Appreciating the help of our fellow creatures.

We partner with local sheepherders to bring flocks to our vineyards in the winter where they enjoy grazing on weeds and contributing to the fertility of the soil. The organic matter they add gives our soil a boost and reduces compaction.

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Animal Integration

Why Regenerative Organic Agriculture?

It’s not just good for the earth, it’s good for our society.

Regenerative organic farming methods can help improve our overall health and reduce the long-term medical costs associated with diseases that thrive under our current food production methods.

Unfair wages, strenuous hours, physical harm, and discrimination are just some of the issues of food system labor practices that disproportionately affect people of color. At the heart of ROA is a commitment to improved labor practices that provide equity for our vineyard and production workers.

We believe in honoring the agricultural practices of Indigenous peoples and uplifting underrepresented communities whenever possible. The ROC supports farms that provide positive social impact by encouraging the return of historically marginalized farmers to the land and establishing programs that encourage the use of regenerative organic farming practices.

The ROC standards include equal pay and equal treatment for all, regardless of gender. This includes freedom from workplace harassments and the prohibition of child labor.

Why Regenerative Organic Agriculture?

It’s not just good for the earth, it’s good for our society.

Poverty

Justice and Equity

Uplifting Underrepresented Communities

Gender Equality

Regenerative organic farming methods can help improve our overall health and reduce the long-term medical costs associated with diseases that thrive under our current food production methods.

Unfair wages, strenuous hours, physical harm, and discrimination are just some of the issues of food system labor practices that disproportionately affect people of color. At the heart of ROA is a commitment to improved labor practices that provide equity for our vineyard and production workers.

We believe in honoring the agricultural practices of Indigenous peoples and uplifting underrepresented communities whenever possible. The ROC supports farms that provide positive social impact by encouraging the return of historically marginalized farmers to the land and establishing programs that encourage the use of regenerative organic farming practices.

The ROC standards include equal pay and equal treatment for all, regardless of gender. This includes freedom from workplace harassments and the prohibition of child labor.

Learn More About Our Commitments

America's #1 Organic Winery
Certified B Corporation
Certified Climate Neutral
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True Zero Waste
Drone shot of Bonterra Organic Estates vineyard

Join Our Journey

Become part of our spirited team committed to making an impact and making a difference.

 
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