What are the Various Organic, Biodynamic, and Regenerative Certifications?

Growers and consumers navigate a complex ecosystem of agricultural certifications -- each with its own standards, inspection protocols, and philosophical foundations. What does each certification mean? How do they differ? Some focus strictly on inputs, others on ecological outcomes, and even more incorporate social or animal‑welfare criteria. What follows is an overview of the major certifications used in organic, biodynamic, and regenerative agriculture.

Overview

Program	Scope & Focus	Verification Model	Core Principles
USDA Organic	National organic standard for crops & livestock	Third‑party audit under federal regulation	No synthetic fertilizers/pesticides, no GMOs, 3‑year transition
Certified Naturally Grown	Community‑based alternative to USDA Organic	Peer review inspections	Small‑farm oriented; aligns closely with USDA Organic rules
Real Organic Project	Add‑on label reinforcing soil‑based organic farming	Annual inspection	Soil‑grown crops; excludes hydroponics; pasture‑based livestock
Demeter Biodynamic	Whole‑farm ecological system	Third‑party audit	Biodiversity, closed nutrient cycles, biodynamic preparations
A Greener World – Regenerative Certified	Regenerative outcomes across crop & livestock systems	Third‑party audit	Soil health, biodiversity, measurable ecological improvement
Soil & Climate Initiative	Outcome‑based regenerative verification	Annual measurement & reporting	Continuous improvement in soil function & climate impact
Regenerative Organic Certified (ROA)	Regenerative organic agriculture	Tiered certification (Bronze–Gold)	Soil health, animal welfare, social fairness
Regenified™	Regenerative performance standard	Tiered verification (Levels 1–6)	Six soil‑health principles; whole‑system outcomes
Soil Regen	Regenerative agronomy consulting & verification	Data‑driven assessment	Soil testing, biological improvement, farmer profitability
Regenerative Viticulture Foundation	Regenerative grape‑growing & education	Voluntary participation	Soil restoration, biodiversity, One Block Challenge™
Land to Market	Regenerative sourcing for food, fiber & leather	Outcome-based verification using Ecological Outcome Verification (EOV)	Soil health, biodiversity, ecosystem function measured annually
Fibershed Climate Beneficial™	Regenerative fiber & textile systems	Practices verified through carbon‑farm planning	Soil carbon drawdown, climate‑positive land stewardship
Ethos™	Regenerative supply‑chain transparency	Digital verification & traceability platform	Outcome tracking, soil‑health metrics, producer‑level data integrity

Organic Certifications

USDA Organic (National Organic Program)

The USDA Organic seal represents the United States’ federal regulatory standard for organic production. It prohibits synthetic fertilizers, most synthetic pesticides, sewage‑sludge‑based amendments, and genetically modified organisms. Land must undergo a three‑year transition period before certification. Farms maintain an Organic System Plan (OSP) and undergo annual third‑party inspections.

USDA Transitional Organic

This designation supports farms during the required three‑year transition to full USDA Organic status. It does not permit organic labeling on products but verifies that land is under compliant organic management. Transitional certification helps growers communicate progress to buyers and lenders.

Certified Naturally Grown (CNG)

CNG is a peer‑reviewed alternative to USDA Organic designed for small, direct‑market farms. Standards closely mirror USDA Organic, but inspections are conducted by fellow farmers rather than accredited auditors. CNG emphasizes transparency and community‑based verification.

Real Organic Project (ROP)

ROP is an add‑on label for USDA‑certified farms that meet additional soil‑based requirements. It excludes hydroponic production and confinement livestock systems, reinforcing traditional organic principles centered on soil health and ecological integration.

 

Biodynamic Certification

Demeter Certified Biodynamic

Demeter is the global biodynamic standard and one of the oldest ecological farming certifications. It builds on organic requirements and adds whole‑farm ecological criteria, mandatory biodiversity areas, limits on imported fertility, and use of biodynamic preparations. Certification requires annual inspections and licensing fees based on gross sales.

Regenerative Certifications

Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC)

ROC is administered by the Regenerative Organic Alliance and layers regenerative requirements on top of USDA Organic. It evaluates farms across three pillars: soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness. Practices include cover cropping, reduced tillage, and verified labor standards. ROC offers three tiers—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—based on performance. See also Regenerative Farming at Grgich Hills Estate and Domaine Bousquet, GAIA, and Regenerative Farming.

Regenified™

Regenified™ provides a structured way to document how farming decisions influence soil function and long‑term site health. Its 6‑3‑4 Standard aligns with many practices already familiar to growers: reduced tillage, permanent or seasonal cover crops, mixed‑species plantings, maintaining living roots through the year, and the controlled use of livestock for vegetation management. See also Understanding Certified Regenified™ Through Ashton Creek Vineyard.

Land to Market (Savory Institute)

Land to Market, developed by the Savory Institute, is an outcomes‑based regenerative verification. It uses Ecological Outcome Verification (EOV) to measure soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem function through short‑ and long‑term monitoring. Certification is tied to demonstrated ecological improvement rather than prescribed practices.

Soil & Climate Initiative (SCI)

SCI is a regenerative verification program focused on measurable improvements in soil health and climate outcomes. It prioritizes continuous improvement rather than strict practice‑based standards, making it accessible to farms at various stages of transition.

Fibershed Climate Beneficial™

Fibershed’s Climate Beneficial™ certification applies to fiber and textile producers. It verifies that farming and grazing practices sequester carbon and improve soil health within regional fiber systems. The program is part of Fibershed’s broader effort to localize textile production.

A Greener World (AGW) 

A Greener World promotes practical, sustainable solutions in agriculture by supporting farmers and educating consumers. They offer a regenerative certification emphasizing soil health, biodiversity, and verified ecological outcomes. Standards apply to farms of various sizes and production types, including mixed crop‑livestock operations.

Soil Regen

Soil Regen is a science‑based agronomy group that supports growers transitioning to regenerative systems through soil‑health testing, data‑driven consulting, and practical on‑farm guidance. The organization emphasizes measurable biological improvements rather than prescriptive practice lists. Their work connects soil function with economic resilience, helping producers adopt regenerative methods that fit their specific soils, climates, and operational goals.

Regenerative Viticulture Foundation  (RVF)

RVF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing soil‑centered, climate‑positive grape growing through education, collaboration, and measurable outcomes. Its mission is to help winegrowers transition from extractive to regenerative practices that restore ecosystem function, improve soil health, and strengthen vineyard resilience. The foundation’s flagship initiative, the One Block Challenge™, invites growers to dedicate a single vineyard block to regenerative management—serving as a living demonstration of how small, evidence‑based changes can yield ecological and economic benefits. 

Ethos™

Ethos™ provides regenerative verification for farms and ranches, focusing on soil health, ecological outcomes, and transparent documentation. It is a data-driven platform that collaboratively monitors and reports on the holistic impacts of regenerative agriculture, from soil health to farmer and community wellbeing.

Other Resources

Dodon Center for Ecological Farming

The Dodon Center for Ecological Farming promotes a transition to ecological farming and a sustainable food system through practical education, regenerative practices, and strategic partnerships. Their focus is on soil health, biodiversity, and local food production—bringing together farmers, consumers, and policymakers to build a resilient and fair future. 

Start Practicing Regenerative Agriculture Through the NRCS Regenerative Pilot Program

"This pilot program addresses whole-farm resource concerns through support for voluntary regenerative agriculture conservation plans. It also puts American farmers first as a part of the solution to provide access to American-grown whole foods, critical to addressing the chronic disease crisis nationwide." --  Natural Resources Conservation Service

If vineyard owners - and farmers in general - are interested in moving to more organic and regenerative practices, in December 2025, the U.S. U.S. Department of Agriculture launched a program to provide assistance. The NRCS Regenerative Pilot Program was initiate through the department's Natural Resources Conservation Service as a "farmer first, outcomes-based approach to conservation designed to return the agency to its core mission – helping people help the land. NRCS is investing $700 million to specifically support regenerative agriculture." 

This $700 million program repackages existing funding in USDA conservation programs into a more streamlined approach with $400 million allocated through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and $300 million through the Conservation Stewardship Program. The streamlined access is intended to allow farmers to pursue whole-farm planning instead of a piecemeal approach and results will be measured through an outcomes report. 

The USDA program targets the most friction-filled phase of any regenerative investment: the three-to-five-year transition window during which farmers adjust practices, absorb upfront capital costs and wait for the agronomic and financial benefits to materialize. EQIP is a cost-share program that reimburses farmers for implementing specific conservation practices—directly reducing that burden and shortening the highest-risk phase for private capital. 

The practical implications break down across two areas worth watching closely.

First, operator behavior. Federal payments reduce the financial barrier to transition, which makes it more likely that farmland operators move toward regenerative practices over the next several years—not out of conviction, but out of economic incentive. For investors evaluating assets, this increases the supply of transition-stage and post-transition farms available for acquisition or partnership. It also raises the floor on what standard practice looks like, which has direct implications for how conventional farms are valued relative to regenerative ones.

Second, the definition problem. As regenerative practices become more widespread, the premium that verified regenerative farmland commands—from buyers, supply chain partners and in lease negotiations—will depend increasingly on how credibly farms can demonstrate outcomes. Investors who have built rigorous evaluation frameworks are better positioned to identify which assets will retain and grow that premium, and which will see it compress as the label becomes more common. -- Forbes

According to the Farm Journal, "USDA says farmers and ranchers interested in regenerative agriculture are encouraged to apply through their local NRCS Service Center by their state’s ranking dates for consideration in FY2026 funding. Applications for both EQIP and CSP can now be submitted under the new single regenerative application process." 

Benefits to producers include:

• Bundled practices will be integrated into a single application, making programs easier to access and more impactful;
• Whole-farm holistic conservation planning is the centerpiece of the program, ensuring that all resource concerns (soil, water, and natural vitality) are addressed together, not piecemeal;
• Conservation planning and producer objectives drive the process, ensuring site-specific solutions that work for the producer;
• Outcomes are tracked, measured, and credited back to the farmer; and
• Producers at every stage, from beginners just starting out with cover crops to advanced operations with years of conservation experience, will find a pathway through this pilot program.

As part of participating in Regenerative Pilot Program, producers must:

• Work with NRCS staff, partners, or technical service providers to conduct a whole-farm assessment.
• Use at least one primary regenerative management practice.
• Agree to perform soil health testing in the first and last year of the contract (at a minimum) to establish a starting baseline and to record the resulting changes. 

 Primary practices include:

• Conservation Crop Rotation
• Contour Farming 
• Contour Orchard and Other Perennial Crop
• Cover Crop
• Drainage Water Management 
• Forage Harvest Management 
• Forest Stand Improvement 
• Irrigation Water Management 
• Mulching 
• Nutrient Management 
• Pest Management Conservation System 
• Grazing Management 
• Residue and Tillage Management, No Till 
• Residue and Tillage Management, Reduced 
• Stripcropping 

Understanding Certified Regenified™ Through Ashton Creek Vineyard

Recently we read that Ashton Creek Vineyard becoming the first vineyard in Virginia to earn Certified Regenified™ status.  We have written previously about Regenerative Farming and the various regulations stipulated through USDA Certified Organic, Demeter Biodynamic, or Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC).  But not Regenified™.

In general, Regenerative agriculture is a collection of practices that focus on regenerating soil health and the full farm ecosystem. In practice, regenerative organic agriculture can look like cover cropping, crop rotation, low- to no-till, compost, and zero use of persistent chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Layered into these practices, depending on a farm’s needs, could be the addition of perennials, development of pollinator and wildlife habitats, incorporation of agroforestry systems, vegetative barriers, and other regenerative practices that are shown to contribute to the development of soil organic matter

More specifically, Regenified™ provides a structured way to document how farming decisions influence soil function and long‑term site health. Its 6‑3‑4 Standard aligns with many practices already familiar to growers: reduced tillage, permanent or seasonal cover crops, mixed‑species plantings, maintaining living roots through the year, and the controlled use of livestock for vegetation management. 

The 6‑3‑4 Standard is Regenified™’s core framework for evaluating regenerative agriculture, combining six soil‑health principles, three rules of adaptive stewardship, and four ecosystem processes into a single, measurable structure. The six principles—context, minimizing disturbance, soil armor, diversity, living roots, and livestock integration—outline the foundational conditions needed for healthy soil function. The three adaptive‑stewardship rules emphasize planning with intent, monitoring conditions, and adjusting management as variability occurs. The four ecosystem processes—energy flow, water cycle, mineral cycle, and community dynamics—describe how a functioning landscape moves energy, water, and nutrients through the system. Together, these components allow Regenified™ to assess both the practices a producer implements and the ecological outcomes observed on the ground, forming the basis for its data collection and tiered certification program.

During verification, trained assessors collect more than sixty ecological data points within vineyard blocks—water infiltration in alleys, ground‑cover percentages, compaction layers that affect rooting depth, biological activity around root zones, and the diversity of plant communities that influence soil structure and pest dynamics. These measurements create a practical record of how the vineyard is functioning beyond yield and canopy metrics. Growers are then placed within a tiered certification system that reflects their current alignment with regenerative principles and the ecological outcomes observed on site. For vineyards interested in demonstrating stewardship with clear, repeatable criteria, the framework offers a consistent way to track progress and communicate improvements to buyers, neighbors, and regional partners.

Screenshot from Ashton Creek Vineyard's website.

In 2018, Ashton Creek Vineyard started struggling with ever-increasing inputs and declining soil health and two years later began moving to a more organic and regenerative approach to viticulture. The idea was to "fix the root cause of the sickness instead of always addressing the symptoms". For example, struggling to keep up with mechanical weeding, they introduced Dorper sheep to their vineyards to help control vegetation and enhance soil health. Next they released beneficial bugs to target vineyard pests and diversified their cover crop plantings. This process eventually led to the Regenified™ program and they earned Tier 3 Certified Regenified™ status in May 20, 2026.  This certification recognizes their "measurable progress in soil health and ecosystem function, achieved through practices such as replacing diesel mowers with a flock of sheep, eliminating synthetic inputs, and increasing soil organic matter". 

In practical terms, adopting these practices have allowed Ashton Creek Vineyard to "eliminate synthetic fertilizers and herbicides, decrease fungicide use by 40%, limit mowing and labor, reduce outside inputs by 65%, and increase their soil’s organic matter by 400% and carbon capture by 350%." --Virginia Farm Bureau. 

If other vineyards or farms are interested in replicating Ashton Creek Vineyard's success, our next Regenerative Farming post will explain the NRCS Regenerative Pilot Program - a new program encouraging regenerative farming through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service. 

Regenerative Viticulture at The Vineyards at Dodon

"With nature as our guide and learning from those who went before us, we seek to reduce our chemical and physical footprint while returning life and biology to the landscape. It starts by enhancing the biodiversity within and around the vineyard. Spontaneously growing, native and naturalized cover crops, compost, and livestock regenerate soil, add microbial diversity, and restore underground ecosystems." -- The Vineyards at Dodon

During the upcoming 2026 Eastern Winery Exposition, Tom Croghan, executive winemaker and co-owner of The Vineyards at Dodon, will provide two seminars on Regenerative Viticulture. In general, regenerative farming is a conservation‑driven approach to agriculture that focuses on rebuilding soil, restoring biodiversity, and strengthening the natural systems that make food production resilient. It emphasizes practices such as improving topsoil structure, enhancing the water cycle, and increasing on‑farm ecological diversity, all with the goal of creating healthier, more self‑sustaining landscapes. It prioritizes profitability through reduced input costs—such as fertilizer and pesticides—while improving long-term resilience and productivity.

The Dodon Farm

The Dodon farm has a long history from Colonial times to the present which is much too long and complex for this feature but is hinted at through the winery's wine labels. The farm "consists of 555 acres in its current configuration, comprising roughly 400 acres of woodland, 65 acres of pasture, 65 acres of cropland, 17 acres of planted vineyards, and 15 acres of 'farmstead' – houses, barns, sheds, roads, and other non-tillable areas. Since 2010, the vineyard and winery have occupied a section of about 43 acres in the northeastern corner of the property. This estate has more than 31,000 vines densely planted over 17 acres in three adjacent vineyards."

According to the winery's website, "It is a difficult site for agriculture, but it is perfect for a vineyard when coupled with scrupulously tended vines, a nurturing climate, and passionate people. The soils are infinitely complex, a mosaic of nearly a billion years of orogeny and erosion to the west, the rise and fall of oceans during the Miocene, and hundreds of years of human cultivation. Recognizing their distinctive characteristics, they have been designated 'Dodon-series' by the United States Department of Agriculture. They are naturally drained by slope and sandy texture, yet they also include a modest distribution of clay that provides a regular supply of water. At more than 3,000 feet to bedrock, their depth and decomposing shells provide texture and fragrance to the wine....

The climate at Dodon complements the soils and the varieties. The rainfall accelerates weathering of the soils, releasing minerals and creating the environment in which the vines grow. Moderate temperatures during the last weeks of September slow ripening, allowing full expression of aroma and balanced tannins that preserve flavor and extend aging in the bottle. "

Regenerative Farming at Burnt Hill Farm

We are continuing our focus on regenerative farming, this time through the lens of Drew Baker and Maryland's Burnt Hill Farm.  You can review the tenants of this framework at Regenerative Farming: Why the Fuss?.  The Baker family has always been interested in more sustainable farming and winemaking practices since they planted their first vines and opened Old Westminster Winery back in 2011.  Five years later, the Bakers partnered with geologist Ernest "Bubba" Beasley to search for the "perfect" hillside to plant a new vineyard. A year later they purchased an 117-acre site that Beasley determined ".. has the potential to grow extraordinary wines". 

This property contains steep slopes and rocky, well-drained soils (composed of phyllite and schist, layered with veins of quartzite). These soils are naturally low in potassium, a mineral that, in excess, can dull a wine’s acidity. Thus these shallow, skeletal soils had the potential for creating fresh, vibrant, and ageable wines. They then spent two years amending the soil by integrating cover crops and biodynamic practices to enhance the soil quality before planting old-world varieties alongside native and hybrid vines in 2019.  

Today, "Burnt Hill is a complex system of interacting forces — soil, plants, animals, fungi, and people — all working together in delicate balance".   In addition to the grapevines, they raise longwool sheep, woodland hogs, honey bees, log-grown mushrooms, heritage grains, and a small orchard — "always with reverence for the relationships between the land and all things who call it home".  The sheep and hogs are alternatives to mowing and assist in pest control and the bees help pollinate the cover crops - which in turn - are layers of armor protecting the soil from sunlight and maintains moisture.  And they repurpose as much as possible. When ash trees on the farm succumbed to the invasive emerald ash borer, they were immediately harvested and made into foeders used to ferment and age the wine. Minerals from the property were also collected and made into plates that are now used in the tasting room. 

Burnt Hill is comprised of an assortment of grapevines such as as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Gamay, Syrah, Merlot, Tannat, Valvin Muscat, plus the unique hybrid Regent.  These wines made from these grapes are available through both the Estate wine series and collaboration wines with Old Westminster. And they are only available by participating in a Burnt Hill Farm Experience. And this is a fantastic experience. By reserving a tasting, participants are able to sample a plethora of wines paired with dishes prepared by Chef-partner Tae Strain. These dishes include ingredients from the Burnt Hill orchard, gardens, grains, mushrooms, and animals. A treat indeed. Here's a sampling of wines to expect.

Blanc de Blancs ($66)
This method champenoise sparkling wine is a collaboration between Old Westminster and Burnt Hill featuring chardonnay grapes grown at Cool Ridge Vineyard. Eventually the wine will be made from Burnt Hill north block estate Chardonnay. In the meanwhile, this is a fantastic expression of sparkling chardonnay - weighty, creamy, nutty, and with a cyclone of green apples. 

Earthsong 2021 ($88)
A 93%-7% Pinot Noir - Cabernet Franc blend where the Pinot was fermented in the ash wood foeders. Elegant and rustic old world charm. 

2021 Single Barrel Selection RE - 01 Barrel 5 ($105)
See Grape Spotlight: Maryland Regent from Burnt Hill Farm.

Terrafirma 2021 ($88)
Bordeaux-style blend of Merlot (54%) , Cabernet Sauvignon (27%), Cabernet Franc (14%) and Tannat (5%) also fermented in the ash wood foeders (except that the Cabernet Franc was fermented in concrete). This wine is no where near its full potential. Racy acidity and lively dark fruit with plenty of earthy and herbaceous notes. 

Gamay Barrel Selection 2021 ($132)
The grapes for this wine were harvested from the estate's north block and fermented in the same ash wood foeders. Loads of juicy minerality and general brightness. Unveiling the site's potential.  

Nectar Vin Blanc Doux ($47)
This wine combines the Old Westminster Winery estate Chardonnay with honey made from the Burnt Hill bee collective.  An extremely approachable wine - think honey and pears. 

A Visit to Sugar Sand Distillery - America's Only Estate-grown Sugar Cane Farm Distillery

Driving through tall green sugar cane stalks swaying in a gentle breeze, you find a hidden distillery, a one of kind operation.  Sugar Sand Distillery is the country's only estate-grown sugar cane farm distillery where the sugar cane is grown, processed, distilled, and sold at the same location. In this case, Lake Placid in south central Florida.  Founder Don Davies grows four acres of cane on a former 10 acre citrus grove. The cane stalks are fed by a hydroponic system that delivers water and nutrients directly to the base of each plant; a by-product of Don’s decades of experience in the fertilizer industry.  The distillery opened in April 2018 and offers numerous spirits based on proprietary cane juice and corn mash recipes. These include small-batch rum, whiskey, vodka, limoncello and moonshine.  

Their rum is extremely rare for a U.S. made rum as it is made from sugar cane juice in the French Rhum Agricole method - and not molasses, cane syrup, or sugar crystals.  And if you are interested in regenerative farming you have to respect a micro distillery that grows and processes its produce onsite. 

The Rhum Agricole process begins with harvesting the sugarcane and crushing it quickly to prevent oxidation and spoilage. Traditionally the cane is crushed using a roller mill but Sugar Sand uses a special device that peels the cane before crushing that leads to a cleaner juice. This juice or "vesou," is filtered and quickly prepared for fermentation.  A common anecdote explains that sugar cane and its juice has a "shelf life of soft serve ice cream". At Sugar Sand, this fermentation takes place in open, stainless steel tanks and typically lasts 24 to 72 hours.  The fermented juice, or "vin," is then distilled using a wood-encased copper pot still.

During my visit I sampled a healthy range of their offerings. These are available to purchase at their tasting room or at The 301 brewstillery and eatery located in nearby Sebring. 

Lake Placid Rum (White Rum): Taste the true spirit of rum. Expect sweet grassy and herbaceous aromas with textured core and a slightly smoky finish.  

Lake Placid Rum (Aged Rum): This is the White Rum aged four to five years in new American oak barrels freshly sourced from Kentucky. This oak treatment mellows the and rounds out the spirit providing a little more smoke and some caramel. But no baking spices - still spirit driven and not oak driven,  

Lake Placid Spiced Rum: This spirit is made starting with their White Rum augmented with spices and caramel colorings. It's slightly sweeter than the White Rum with a kaleidoscope of spices.

12 Hour Shine (White Shine): This is a combination corn and cane moonshine that is slightly sweeter than the White Rum. Unbelievably easy to drink with a sweet texture and easy finish.  

12 Hour Shine (Aged, Midnight Shine): Like the Aged Rum, this spirit takes the White Shine and is aged in new American oak barrels. Here you will get slight baking spices, more body and a rounded finish. Excellent. 

Crane Vodka (Lemon): This is a limoncello-like vodka with distinct lemon flavors and an oily texture. will love our lemon-flavored Crane Vodka.  Made from infusing the skins of locally grown lemons.

Hammock Gin: This is a juniper thin gin using six botanicals and sipping rather easily. 

Grape Spotlight: Maryland Regent from Burnt Hill Farm

The Regent Diamond is a 140.64-carat (28.128 g) diamond, classified as D color with a slight bluish tinge, cut into a cushion brilliant shape and internally flawless, making it one of the most historically significant and valuable diamonds in the world.  Discovered in India and cut in London, the diamond has adorned numerous French royal regalia - plus Napoleon - throughout history. Today it is hopefully secure at the Louvre and estimated to be worth US$60,000,000.  

With this background in mind, grape breeders at the Geilweilerhof Institute for Grape Breeding in Germany named a new hybrid after the diamond - the Regent grape. Big expectations. The grape was bred in 1967 by Professor Gerhardt Alleweldt with the intent to create a high-quality grape that could survive in cold climates.  He eventually crossed Diana (Silvaner × Müller-Thurgau) and Chambourcin - thus blending European vitus vinifera and French-hybrid genetics. After years of experimental plantings, the grape was officially released in 1996.

In general, Regent produces solid yields and is highly resistant to mildew diseases; the variety also has thick dark skins and an abundance of tannins. Chambourcin provides the resistance component whereas the Diana adds vinifera class. Unusually, Regent's flesh is stained red – a condition known as teinturier, and another indication that it is genetically geared toward producing powerful reds.

Regent has become a symbol of sustainable viticulture, reducing reliance on chemical sprays thanks to its natural resistance. This is what attracted Drew Baker, co-founder of Burnt Hill Farm, to organically farm grape on the their estate.  This fits into the regenerative farming philosophy espoused by Baker which we will highlight in more detail in a future post. In the meanwhile take a stroll through Regenerative Farming: Why the Fuss? which includes a video of Burnt Hill Farm. In general, they treat the farm as its own ecosystem and raise longwool sheep, woodland hogs, honey bees, log-grown mushrooms, heritage grains, and a small orchard. They even harvested dying ash trees to create foeders to ferment and age their wine.

The 2021 Single Barrel Selection RE - 01 Barrel 5 spent three years in one of these foeders before being bottled and released as a single barrel selection. Drew is very enthusiastic about this release and the future of Regent at Burnt Hill Farm.  This medium-full bodied wine reminded me of a partnership between Petite Sirah and Chambourcin.  It appeared to have dark red fruit, more black pepper than spice, and more tannic structure than a typical Chambourcin. Plus an abundant supply of aromatics. Looks very promising. 

Regenerative Farming: Why the Fuss?

Last year we posted a few articles on Regenerative Farming in terms of the core tenets being implemented at Grgich Hills Estate, Ridge Vineyards, and Domaine Bousquet.  Why the fuss over regenerative farming practices? Let's first look at the negative consequences of conventional farming practices. 

• Soil degradation due to wind and water erosion, soil compaction, loss of organic matter, reduced water-holding capacity, and salinization in irrigated areas, which collectively diminish soil productivity.
• The extensive use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides contributes to water pollution, contaminating groundwater and surface waters with nitrates, phosphorus, and other chemicals, leading to eutrophication and the creation of "dead zones" in aquatic ecosystems.
• Monoculture practices and heavy pesticide use reduce biodiversity by harming pollinators and other beneficial insects.
• The overuse of pesticides has also led to the development of resistant pests and pathogens, complicating pest management.
• These practices also pose health risks to farm workers and consumers due to exposure to pesticide residues and the sub-therapeutic use of antibiotics in animal production.
  

Now, let's examine the positive benefits of regenerative farming practices.

• No till agriculture reduces erosion and keeps valuable nutrients and microbes in the soil.
• Bio-diversity in the vineyard through at least four plant groups leads to sharing of nutrients.
• Planting cover crops that become layers of armor by protecting the soil from sunlight and maintains moisture.
• Let animals manage most vineyard activities such as mowing and pest control. 
• Institute labor practices that ensure sufficient wages and worker safety that leads to greater retention and thus increased productivity.

Because of the negative consequences of conventional farming and the positive benefits from regenerative practices, farms are transitioning to various regenerative certifications. These include:

• USDA Certified Organic: While not strictly regenerative, organic farming avoids synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, laying a foundation for further regenerative practices.
• Demeter Biodynamic: This certification focuses on a holistic approach to agriculture, emphasizing soil health and biodiversity.
• Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC): This emerging standard verifies adherence to principles focused on soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness.

Over the next year we will be posting about Regenerative Farming practices implemented at various vineyards and farms such as here at Maryland's Burnt Hill Farm. As you can see in the video below the farm practices bio-diversity; planting cover crops; and allow animals, in this case sheep, to manage many vineyard activities.  

Are there pitfalls and criticism of regenerative agriculture? Absolutely.  There is a solid argument that the global food system cannot transition entirely to regenerative methods without causing deforestation and habitat destruction, as there is insufficient land available for farming. The shift to regenerative practices also places significant demands on farmers, particularly smaller ones, who may lack the resources or support to adopt these new tenets.  Fair enough, but we should move away from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides that are extremely damaging. Your thoughts?

Domaine Bousquet, GAIA, and Regenerative Farming

"Regenerative organic agriculture is a collection of practices that focus on regenerating soil health and the full farm ecosystem. In practice, regenerative organic agriculture can look like cover cropping, crop rotation, low- to no-till, compost, and zero use of persistent chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Layered into these practices, depending on a farm’s needs, could be the addition of perennials, development of pollinator and wildlife habitats, incorporation of agroforestry systems, vegetative barriers, and other regenerative practices that are shown to contribute to the development of soil organic matter."

Regenerative Farming is a contemporary topic where and increasing number of agriculture entities are following these practices. Domaine Bousquet was the first wine estate outside of the United States (4th overall) to achieve Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC)™ status. Their vineyards (first planted in 1997-98) are situated high above the clouds at 4,000 feet in Gualtallary in Mendoza’s Uco Valley. This dry environment definitely helped achieve many aspects of this status, but they also had to implicitly institute policies and procedures to "rehabilitate soil, respect animal welfare, and improve the lives of farmers and farm workers".

The first tenant of regenerative farming is No-Till Farming. This method offers a range of benefits that can improve soil health, increase crop yields, reduce environmental impacts, and save farmers money.  No-till farming educes soil erosion, preserves soil structure, increases soil organic matter, and reduces soil compaction, leading to better soil biological activity and improved soil health. Fields managed using no-till farming for multiple years have a higher water-holding capacity. And farmers benefit from reduces fuel and labor costs. 

Grapes for the GAIA label have always been grown organically and the "Greek goddess of the earth, has been the Bousquet family’s inspiration since founding our winery 1997".  The grapes for this brand come from the estate vineyards in Tupungato, Alto Gualtallary -- located at the foothills of the Andes at 4,000 ft. altitude. This location provides intense sun exposure and huge shifts in day-to-night temperatures combine to both mature the grapes and retain acidity.  The Gaia Organic Pinot Noir Rosé exudes red berries both on the nose and its creamy palate. Expect racy acidity for a refreshing pale rosé.

The next tenant of regenerative farming is Biodiversity through at least four plant groups.  This process increases pollinator populations by providing diverse flower-rich habitats and reduced pesticide use support pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It enhances ecosystem services so that soil biota, decomposers, and predators work together to regulate pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical controls. Biodiversity improves habitat connectivity as regenerative farms with diverse habitats and corridors can support wider species distributions and population growth. And is sequesters carbon as healthy soils and diverse ecosystems help sequester carbon, mitigating climate change and its impacts on biodiversity.

The Gaia Organic Malbec 2022 spends between eight and ten months in French oak providing complimentary vanilla tannins to the juicy ripe blackberry notes. This is an extremely approachable wine with a touch of spice to liven the glass.

The third tenant of regenerative farming is planting Cover Crops that become layers of armor by protecting the soil from sunlight and maintains moisture. Regenerative farming and cover crops are intertwined concepts that promote soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. Regenerative agriculture focuses on enhancing natural processes to improve soil fertility, structure, and overall ecosystem function. Cover crops play a vital role in this approach, serving as a bridge between cash crops and soil regeneration.'

The fourth tenant of regenerative farming is incorporating Animals as a key component to achieve the regenerative goals. This includes grazing management emphasizing rotational grazing, where animals are moved to different pastures to mimic natural grazing patterns. This approach promotes soil health, increases biodiversity, and sequesters carbon.  Manure is used as a natural fertilizer, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and minimizing carbon emissions associated with their production and transportation. Animals like chickens, ducks, and geese can be used as natural pest managers, reducing the need for pesticides and promoting soil health. Holistic approach: Regenerative farming recognizes the interconnectedness of soil, plants, animals, and ecosystem services. By incorporating animals into the farming system, farmers can create a more resilient and diverse ecosystem.

Like the Malbec, the Gaia Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 ages between eight and ten months in French oak. In contrast, there is more intense dark cherry notes with saline flowing through the soft finish. 

The fifth and final tenant of regenerative farming is instituting Labor Practices that ensure sufficient wages and worker safety. Regenerative farmers prioritize fair labor practices, ensuring decent working conditions, safe working environments, and equitable compensation for farmworkers. Regenerative agriculture values the dignity and well-being of farmers and farmworkers, recognizing their importance in maintaining healthy ecosystems and producing nutritious food. Regenerative farms strive to provide comfortable and safe working conditions, including adequate shade, ventilation, and access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Regenerative farmers avoid using synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, reducing exposure risks for farmworkers and promoting a healthier environment. Regenerative agriculture often involves community-based approaches, fostering relationships between farmers, farmworkers, and local communities to promote social and environmental sustainability. Regenerative farmers invest in training and capacity-building programs for farmworkers, enhancing their skills and knowledge in sustainable agriculture practices. Regenerative practices like agroforestry, cover cropping, and crop rotation can reduce labor requirements, improving working conditions and reducing the risk of labor exploitation. Regenerative farmers prioritize continuous learning and improvement, adapting to changing environmental and social conditions while refining their labor practices to ensure long-term sustainability.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from Across the Domaine Bousquet Landscape

We love receiving wines from Domaine Bousquet, not only because of their quality and value, but also to learn more about regenerative farming. Their vineyards (first planted in 1997-98) are situated high above the clouds at 4,000 feet in Gualtallary in Mendoza’s Uco Valley. This dry environment definitely helped the winery achieve Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC)™ status -- only the fourth wine estate (and the first outside the U.S.). 

"Regenerative organic agriculture is a collection of practices that focus on regenerating soil health and the full farm ecosystem. In practice, regenerative organic agriculture can look like cover cropping, crop rotation, low- to no-till, compost, and zero use of persistent chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Layered into these practices, depending on a farm’s needs, could be the addition of perennials, development of pollinator and wildlife habitats, incorporation of agroforestry systems, vegetative barriers, and other regenerative practices that are shown to contribute to the development of soil organic matter."

Domaine Bousquet Gaia Organic Cabernet Franc 2021 ($20)

The first tenant of regenerative farming is No-Till Farming. This method offers a range of benefits that can improve soil health, increase crop yields, reduce environmental impacts, and save farmers money.  No-till farming educes soil erosion, preserves soil structure, increases soil organic matter, and reduces soil compaction, leading to better soil biological activity and improved soil health. Fields managed using no-till farming for multiple years have a higher water-holding capacity. And farmers benefit from reduces fuel and labor costs. 

Grapes from the GAIA brand have always been grown organically and the "Greek goddess of the earth, has been the Bousquet family’s inspiration since founding our winery 1997".  This 100% Cabernet Franc wine was aged in French oak between 8 and 10 months and shows luscious layers of dark fruit intertwined with earthy herbaceous notes.

Domaine Bousquet Gran Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ($25)

The next tenant of regenerative farming is Biodiversity through at least four plant groups.  This process increases pollinator populations by providing diverse flower-rich habitats and reduced pesticide use support pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It enhances ecosystem services so that soil biota, decomposers, and predators work together to regulate pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical controls. Biodiversity improves habitat connectivity as regenerative farms with diverse habitats and corridors can support wider species distributions and population growth. And is sequesters carbon as healthy soils and diverse ecosystems help sequester carbon, mitigating climate change and its impacts on biodiversity.

The Gran Domaine Bousquet label features the best grapes from the “home” vineyard – the original vineyard planted by Jean Bousquet in the late 1990s.  The vines live in sandy soils and the grapes benefit from a dramatic diurnal temperature swing. The wine is aged 12 months in French oak lifting the fruit but allowing the layers of dark cherry and dried figs flavors to ride through the palate. The best food pairing: peppered beef jerky. 

Domaine Bousquet Reserve Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 ($18)

The third tenant of regenerative farming is planting Cover Crops that become layers of armor by protecting the soil from sunlight and maintains moisture. Regenerative farming and cover crops are intertwined concepts that promote soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. Regenerative agriculture focuses on enhancing natural processes to improve soil fertility, structure, and overall ecosystem function. Cover crops play a vital role in this approach, serving as a bridge between cash crops and soil regeneration.'

A step up from the premium varietal line, these blends of Domaine Bousquet 4,000-foot elevation estate-grown grapes from plots with low yields offer more of everything – more body, more tannin in the reds, and more flavor. The wine includes 15% Malbec and was aged 10 months in French oak. This is a wine to savor - layers of dark cherry fruit, traces of minerality and spice and a long lifting finish from the acidity and approachable tannins. Works well with chili.

Domaine Bousquet Alavida Kosher USDA-Certified Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 ($18)

The fourth tenant of regenerative farming is incorporating Animals as a key component to achieve the regenerative goals. This includes grazing management emphasizing rotational grazing, where animals are moved to different pastures to mimic natural grazing patterns. This approach promotes soil health, increases biodiversity, and sequesters carbon.  Manure is used as a natural fertilizer, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and minimizing carbon emissions associated with their production and transportation. Animals like chickens, ducks, and geese can be used as natural pest managers, reducing the need for pesticides and promoting soil health. Holistic approach: Regenerative farming recognizes the interconnectedness of soil, plants, animals, and ecosystem services. By incorporating animals into the farming system, farmers can create a more resilient and diverse ecosystem.

The Alavida brand celebrates "to life!" which is the Spanish interpretation of the Hebrew toast l’chaim!. The brand also celebrates the diversity of Argentina and the multi-cultural family at Domaine Bousquet. In order for a wine to be designated Kosher ("fit or proper" ) handled throughout the production process by religious Jews under the guidance of a Rabbi. Thus the Domaine Bousquet team does not directly handle the production for this wine but based on the winery's unique style and technique. The winemaking team is in constant contact with the Rabbi and his team throughout the winemaking process. The grapes are hand harvested then fermented with selected yeast in stainless steel tanks. And according to the winery, "by not adding SO2, characteristics identified with the high-altitude, cool-climate terroir of Mendoza’s Uco Valley, are strengthened and enhanced. The purity of fruit, aroma, flavor, and freshness become yet more pronounced. Fruit has to be of superb quality, with great concentration, for the wine to remain stable without the presence of SO2. "

A juicy wine with layers of red fruit, distinct earthiness and minerality and lifting acidity.  Definitely has a different character than the previous wines without the aging process. We paired it with the Taza Wicked Dark Chocolate, but I can sea how others would prefer it with the Sea Salt & Almond or 70% Deliciously Dark. 

Domaine Bousquet Ameri Single Vineyard Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ($36)

The fifth and final tenant of regenerative farming is instituting Labor Practices that ensure sufficient wages and worker safety. Regenerative farmers prioritize fair labor practices, ensuring decent working conditions, safe working environments, and equitable compensation for farmworkers. Regenerative agriculture values the dignity and well-being of farmers and farmworkers, recognizing their importance in maintaining healthy ecosystems and producing nutritious food. Regenerative farms strive to provide comfortable and safe working conditions, including adequate shade, ventilation, and access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Regenerative farmers avoid using synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, reducing exposure risks for farmworkers and promoting a healthier environment. Regenerative agriculture often involves community-based approaches, fostering relationships between farmers, farmworkers, and local communities to promote social and environmental sustainability. Regenerative farmers invest in training and capacity-building programs for farmworkers, enhancing their skills and knowledge in sustainable agriculture practices. Regenerative practices like agroforestry, cover cropping, and crop rotation can reduce labor requirements, improving working conditions and reducing the risk of labor exploitation. Regenerative farmers prioritize continuous learning and improvement, adapting to changing environmental and social conditions while refining their labor practices to ensure long-term sustainability.

Today Domain Bousquet is managed by founder's Jean Bousquet's son-in-law and daughter: Labid al Ameri & Anne Bousquet. al Ameri had joined his father-in-law full time in 2005 helping to build the winery while Anne joined the company in 2008. "In 2009, the couple moved to Tupungato full-time, assuming full ownership in 2011". The Ameri label is obviously named after co-owner Labid al Ameri and the grapes come from a single vineyard, located at 4,125 feet, the highest of the estate. These grapes are the last to be harvested. The wine is aged 12 months in French oak and shows blackberries and dark cherries, more intense minerality with traces of herbaciousness. Expect another long finish with layers of fruit and tannins. 

Regenerative Rosé from Domaine Bousquet

This year we have received many samples from Domaine Bousquet and have covered the winery in the Wines with Altitude series based on the fact that their estate vineyards are 4,000 feet above sea level. Yet, we have not covered in detail their most important viticulture accomplishment-- the first Argentinean winery achieving Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC). "Regenerative organic agriculture is a collection of practices that focus on regenerating soil health and the full farm ecosystem. In practice, regenerative organic agriculture can look like cover cropping, crop rotation, low- to no-till, compost, and zero use of persistent chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Layered into these practices, depending on a farm’s needs, could be the addition of perennials, development of pollinator and wildlife habitats, incorporation of agroforestry systems, vegetative barriers, and other regenerative practices that are shown to contribute to the development of soil organic matter."

Domaine Bousquet unknowingly started the regenerative process 25 years ago by farming organically then slowly adding in more features aligning to Regenerative agriculture. Wineries highlight different aspects of certification and Domaine Bousquet focuses on three three key areas:

• Soil Health and Land Management
• Animal Welfare
• Equity between Farmers and Workers

According to co-owner and CEO Anne Bousquet, "by nurturing the earth and treating it with respect, the earth will reward us with its finest fruits. Healthy plants, cultivated through these methods, do not require pesticides. The healthiest grapes yield quality yeast, leading to smooth fermentation. Consequently, we reduce the need for adjustments during the winemaking process, resulting in wines that express their true character." Thus the agricultural practices they practice aim to foster a more balanced and nourishing ecosystem. 

Soil Health and Land Management
"Within the realm of regenerative practices, we actively promote various natural processes, with a special emphasis on the use of compost. Compost contributes not only organic matter and nutrients but also enhances microbiology and soil structure. Our vineyards hold certifications for organic agriculture (ECOCERT), regenerative (ROC), and biodynamic (Demeter) practices. All our efforts are directed toward cultivating healthy soils, including composting, rotational grazing, and cover crops. We have also minimized soil tillage to encourage root development and beneficial bacteria, reducing the need for external fertilizers. Collectively, these practices help mitigate erosion, preserve organic matter, and boost soil biodiversity and fertility."

And according to the winery, the climate within the Tupungato mountain range at Gualtallary encourages organic farming. "Thanks to the [Mendoza] Uco Valley's dry climate and phylloxera-resistant sandy soils, organic farming at Domaine Bousquet, from day one, was not only possible, but desirable. Other factors that distinguish this landscape are the constant breezes from the Andes to the west, which help mitigate heat stress in this desert climate. Significant temperature differentials between day and night help enhance aromatics, while the sandy soils result in low fertility, desirable for vine stress and ideal for good drainage. With an average annual rainfall of just 8"/203 mm, groundwater from the Andes snowmelt is vital for vineyard irrigation. Time has shown that the roots of organically grown vines penetrate deeper, allowing greater access to water in times of drought. Not least, organic farming is decidedly better for the long-term well-being of the local environment as well as the people who tend the vines."

Domaine Bousquet Organic Rosé 2023 ($13)
This organic wine is an interesting composition of 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Syrah, 10% Pinto Grigio, and 10% Viognier. Each grape variety provides input to the complex mouthfeel - strawberry, citrus, floral, some spice, and abundant acidity.

Domaine Bousquet Gaia Rosé 2023 ($18)
This wine is 100% organically grown Pinot Noir and after gliding through the floral and strawberry notes, the acidity and creamy texture resides.

Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé NV ($13)
This sparkling wine is 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay with noticeable lemon and white grapefruit notes, some bready yeast, and similar texture as the Gaia. A bargain at this price point.