The Nation’s #1 Wine from Organically Farmed Grapes Caps Impressive Year with “Wine Star” Recognition
MENDOCINO COUNTY, Calif., Nov. 10, 2016 — Bonterra Organic Vineyards (“Bonterra”), the leading wine from organically farmed grapes, has been named American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast. The award comes at the conclusion of an exciting year for the winery, which was also named an IMPACT Hot Brand in 2016 for its growth outpacing the overall wine category by a significant margin. Bonterra’s American Winery of the Year recognition – the first-ever awarded to a vintner dedicated to organic farming – will be accepted by Fetzer Vineyards’ CEO Giancarlo Bianchetti at Wine Enthusiast’s Wine Star Awards ceremony in Miami, Florida January 30, 2017.
Wine Star Honors Conferred on 30-Year Organic Leader
Established in the year 2000, the Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards recognize a handful of innovators whose vision, courage to take risks and business acumen set them apart as trailblazers within the beverage industry. Bonterra – which has been farming grapes organically for nearly 30 years – was selected for “its outstanding quality wines, fast-rising popularity among consumers and leadership in environmentally sensitive grape growing.” Further details can be found in Contributing Editor Jim Gordon’s in-depth Wine Star profile of Bonterra at Wine Enthusiast’s website.
“We are honored and humbled to be recognized by the Wine Enthusiast,” Bianchetti said. “This incredible award reflects the dedication of everyone who contributes to Bonterra’s ongoing success. Ultimately, it’s thanks to our extended network of growers, distributors, retailers and loyal consumers that we’re able to achieve such tremendous results year after year. We all share in this honor.”
America’s Favorite Organically Farmed Wine up Nearly 20%
Introduced in 1993 as one of the first organically farmed wines in the US, Bonterra’s acclaimed varietal wines are exclusively made from 100% certified organic California vineyards. Crafted by Winemaker Jeff Cichocki and stewarded by Founding Winemaker Bob Blue, Bonterra wines express the harmony of vibrantly flavorful organic fruit brought together with meticulous winemaking. In addition to a widely available collection of varietal wines, Bonterra crafts a trio of sought-after single-vineyard wines from estate Biodynamic® vineyards in Mendocino County.
Sold in all 50 U.S. states and in 23 countries around the world, Bonterra posted US growth of nearly 20% during a recent 26-week period,1 an acceleration over the four-year period concluding December 31, 2015, during which the winery grew an average of 15.4% annually.2 In addition to acclaim from the Wine Enthusiast and IMPACT publications, the year 2016 saw Bonterra named the Official Wine of Farm Aid, the longest-running concert for a cause in the US.
To learn more about Bonterra, visit Bonterra.com, or connect at Facebook.com/BonterraOrganicVineyards or Twitter.com/BonterraWine. Learn more about the Wine Star Awards at WineMag.com and join the conversation using the hashtag #WineStar.
1 SOURCE: Nielsen data TTL US XAOC 9L EQ % Chg 26 weeks to 10/8: 19.1%.
2 SOURCE: Nielsen data TTL US XAOC 9L EQ % Chg YA, Cal Yr 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015.
About Bonterra Organic Vineyards
The leading organically farmed wine and a green pioneer since 1993, Bonterra Organic Vineyards offers a collection of premium, flavorful California wines that are perfectly in tune with nature. A celebration of farm-fresh flavors, the portfolio features varietal wines coaxed from the earth by integrated, organic farming practices and meticulous winemaking. Long before organic produce filled the shelves of neighborhood groceries, the dedicated team at Bonterra was committed to Biodynamic® and organic farming because they passionately believe that farms teeming with biodiversity—encompassing vines, insects and wildlife, and healthy soils—yield organic grapes leading to better wines. www.Bonterra.com
