⏱ 1 min read
The Short Version
Forget vague organic labels; Sonoma’s top producers are providing the receipts for true ecological stewardship. This high-integrity collective is moving beyond marketing buzzwords to showcase real-world results like carbon sequestration and erosion prevention through regenerative viticulture.
The acronym stands for Sonoma Organic Regenerative Biodynamic Educational Tasting, but the mission is much more grounded than a catchy name. On November 8 in San Francisco, a collective of high-integrity producers will gather to showcase how Sonoma County is moving beyond mere organic certification toward true ecological stewardship. In an era where greenwashing has become a common marketing tactic, these winemakers are providing the receipts through carbon sequestration, runoff capture, and erosion prevention.
These are producers who are not just farming organically but are sequestering carbon, capturing runoff, preventing erosion, improving ecology, and supporting communities of people.
A Collective Driven by Integrity
The event was organized by three longtime friends navigating the wine business: Morgan Twain-Peterson of Bedrock Wine Co., Katie Bundschu of Gundlach Bundschu, and Sam Coturri of Winery Sixteen600. Their goal is to highlight growers who prioritize soil health and community support alongside their viticulture. These are producers who are not just farming organically but are sequestering carbon, capturing runoff, preventing erosion, improving ecology, and supporting communities of people. By focusing on regenerative and biodynamic methods, the organizers aim to educate consumers on what real sustainability looks like in the vineyard.
A diverse roster of pouring producers—including Abbot’s Passage, Benziger Family Winery, Brown Estate, BUCKLIN, Donum Estate, Hamel Family Wine, Hanzell, Pangloss Cellars, Ram’s Gate Winery, and many others such as Bedrock Vineyard, Gloria Ferrer, and Kivelstadt Cellars—will showcase the breadth of this movement.
Logistics for San Francisco Tasting
Held at Fort Mason Center in Gallery 3082, this walk-around tasting is designed for deep exploration rather than a seated lecture. Tickets are priced at $78.30 and must be purchased in advance online. To navigate an afternoon of excellent wines from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM without losing your head, come prepared: get a good night’s sleep, eat a substantial lunch beforehand, and remember to spit so you can sample the full extent of these exceptional pours.
Do you think organic labeling provides enough transparency, or is regenerative farming the necessary next step?
Questions & Answers
What is the S.O.R.B.E.T. tasting event?
The S.O.R.B.E.T. tasting is a Sonoma Organic Regenerative Biodynamic Educational Tasting designed to showcase winemakers practicing true ecological stewardship. Organized by Morgan Twain-Peterson, Katie Bundschu, and Sam Coturri, the event highlights producers who move beyond basic organic certification. By focusing on regenerative and biodynamic methods, the collective aims to educate consumers on sustainable viticulture. Attendees can explore a diverse roster of pouring producers at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco to learn about real environmental impact.
How do regenerative winemakers combat greenwashing in the industry?
Regenerative winemakers combat greenwashing by providing tangible evidence of their environmental impact through specific agricultural practices. Rather than relying on vague marketing claims, these high-integrity producers focus on measurable actions like carbon sequestration, runoff capture, and erosion prevention. These methods prioritize long-term soil health and ecological improvement over mere organic labeling. By demonstrating these concrete results in the vineyard, the winemakers aim to provide transparency and show consumers what genuine sustainability looks like in practice.
When and where does the S.O.R.B.E.T. tasting take place?
The S.O.R.B.E.T. tasting takes place on November 8 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco. Specifically, the walk-around tasting event is held in Gallery 3082. Participants must purchase tickets in advance online for a price of $78.30. Because the event features an extensive lineup of exceptional pours from various Sonoma producers, organizers recommend that attendees eat a substantial lunch and come prepared to sample the diverse range of wines.
Why are Sonoma winemakers focusing on regenerative and biodynamic farming?
Sonoma winemakers are focusing on regenerative and biodynamic farming to prioritize soil health, community support, and true ecological stewardship. This movement seeks to go beyond standard organic certifications by implementing practices that actively improve the local environment. Key objectives include sequestering carbon, capturing water runoff, and preventing soil erosion to ensure long-term vineyard viability. By adopting these advanced methods, producers can support both the natural ecosystem and the communities of people that rely on healthy, sustainable viticulture.
Originally reported by Vinography.
