Bonterra Vineyards is an interesting story, originally the organic farming experiment of Fetzer (the first few vintages were even labeled Fetzer-Bonterra) the winery has in many ways been at the forefront of organic vineyard management practices, which are becoming increasingly common in California, but especially so in Mendocino County. These days the winery has continued that progression using multiple plant species, sheep and yes, even some kids as natural aspects of their vineyard.

Owned by the parent company of Jack Daniels and with an annual production approaching a quarter million cases, they aren’t a good fit for our low production wine clubs, but if you wanted a good intro to what’s happening in the organic farming movement within Mendocino County….there’s  a lot worse places to start.  Prices start at around $10 and move into the $50 for single, estate vineyards that are farmed organically and biodynamically.

I’ll give Bonterra credit for being at the forefront of the organic movement a generation ago and the coming biodynamic movement today, plus I respect any name winery willing to make a Muscat these days.