Top Rated California Organic Wineries
Mendocino, California leads the way in environmentally winemaking, at least 25 percent of the county's wine grapes were certified organic compared with 5 percent in the rest of California. To be certified organic, US wine estates have to keep within strict limitations on the use of chemicals and certain other practices.
While some smaller producers, such as Frog's Leap use 100 percent certified organic grapes, this is much harder for large
wine producers to achieve. However even big players, like Gallo, Beringer, and especially Fetzer are increasingly
practicing sustainable or natural farming for producing organic wine. They will resort to using nonorganic chemicals
for their winemaking as a last resort.
Sustainable practices for organic wine producing include using natural fertilizers and cover crops, solar power, water
recycling, and releasing millions of ladybugs as a natural way of controlling aphids and other pests.
Top Organic Wineries Located in California
Bonterra Vineyards | Mendocino, California
(800) 753-4567
Our holistic approach to winemaking took root in 1987 when we were experimenting with wine and food pairings. The fruits, vegetables and herbs we used came from our extensive organic garden. The purity, intensity and freshness of the flavors were amazing. From that point on, we committed ourselves to growing grapes organically.
Lemelson Vineyards | Carlton, Oregon
503 852-6619
We invite you to learn about our quest to make some of the more unique and interesting Pinot noirs you are likely to find. If you’re reading this, you probably share our belief that great wine is a magical, marvelous gift from nature. We give thanks for that gift by growing our wine grapes organically and by using sustainable farming methods to preserve our land. Our winemaking combines traditional methods with modern technology.
Lemelson Vineyards Tasting Room is open daily by appointment only. Call Laura at 503.852.6619 ext 102 to schedule your appointment.
Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery |St. Helena, California
707 963-0134 ext. 18
Spottswoode is a family-owned historic vineyard and winery renowned for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. Established in 1882 by George Schonewald, the estate is distinguished by the historic Victorian home depicted on the Spottswoode label.
The Novak family has farmed organically since 1985.
Frog's Leap Winery | Rutherford, California
800 959-4704
Frog’s Leap is home amongst 130 acres of vineyards in Rutherford at the historic Red Barn. This grand and welcoming building was built in 1884 as the Adamson Winery and renovated in 1994 as Frog’s Leap’s permanent home. Using the best of Napa Valley’s organically grown grapes and the most traditional winemaking techniques, Frog's Leap strives to produce wines that deeply reflect the soils and climate from which they emanate.
Our family-owned winery has been farming responsibly and producing wines since 1981.
Gallo of Sonoma Winery | Sonoma, California
866 942-9463
Matt Gallo works to maximize winegrape quality and ensure the healthy maintenance of the vines while avoiding anything that could possibly have a negative impact on either the land or surrounding environment. The result is a unique method of vineyard management referred to as "Gallo Sustainable Practices".
Handley Cellars Winery | Anderson Valley, California
800 733-3151
Because vineyards in Anderson Valley are interspersed with homes and watersheds, Milla made the decision apply for organic certification, and the Estate Vineyard was CCOF certified in August 2005. José Jimenez, our Estate Vineyard manager, Kristen Barnhisel, our co-winemaker, and Bill Oldham, our consultant, work together as a team to keep our vines thriving. They use compost and mineral supplements to build the soil, thus fostering stronger plants that are less susceptible to disease. They avoid using pesticides and herbicides, allowing beneficial insects to flourish.
Viader Vineyards | Deer Park California
707 963-3816
Today Viader Vineyards is a thriving family business producing world-class wines from a magnificent, mature estate vineyard property complete with small bonded winery, underground caves, and a Hospitality Center which offers tours and tastings by appointment and a sophisticated wine and food pairing Culinary Program.
Heller Estate Organic Vineyards | Carmel Valley, California
800 625-8466
Heller Estate Organic Vineyards is producing chemical-free grapes, without pesticides nor herbicides. They believe that, in the long run, they shall produce even better quality fruit and healthier vines, which live longer - certainly a sound, additional investment.
Coturri Winery | Glen Ellen, California
866 268-8774
Like all of the vineyards grown and maintained by the Coturri's, no pesticides, fungicides, or herbicides are ever used on the Estate vineyard, and it is certified by the CCOF. In 1996, Tony and Phil Coturri earned top honors from the Sonoma Valley Ecology Center for Environmentally Friendly Business Practices with their viticultural farming and winemaking practices.