Halter Ranch vineyard earns regenerative organic certification
Vineyard joins a growing list of regenerative organic farms in Paso Robles
– Halter Ranch has announced that its original Paso Robles Estate vineyard has earned Regenerative Organic Certified status as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. .
The Regenerative Organic Alliance, a nonprofit organization, sets the highest standards for organic farming practices. Its Regenerative Organic Certified program goes beyond USDA Organic certification by emphasizing three core principles: soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness. This holistic approach ensures that farming practices not only protect the environment but also support people and ecosystems. The certification process requires strict adherence to these principles, reflecting a commitment to improving biodiversity, soil quality, and resilience to climate change.
Halter Ranch’s Regenerative Organic Certified status aligns with its long-standing values of sustainability, quality, and innovation. The vineyard, established in 2000, has always focused on environmentally conscious agriculture under the guidance of owner Hansjörg Wyss. Achieving this certification further underscores the estate’s dedication to organic farming, energy efficiency, and water conservation. “This certification is a natural extension of our commitment to honor the land’s heritage, craft exceptional wines, and create a sustainable future for generations to come,” said the estate in a statement.
The Estate vineyard has long been recognized for its sustainable practices. Previously a model Sustainability in Practice Certified winery for over a decade, Halter Ranch transitioned to organic certification in 2023, earning certification from California Certified Organic Farmers.
The Halter Ranch Estate Vineyard is part of a 2,700-acre nature preserve that emphasizes land conservation, organic farming, and fine art. Nearly 90% of the property is dedicated to natural landscapes and wildlife. In addition to its vineyard, Halter Ranch also produces organic olives, walnuts, livestock, and a culinary garden.
In a further step toward sustainability, Halter Ranch has expanded its sheep program from seasonal grazing to year-round grazing. This change required an investment in raising the trellis height within the vineyard to prevent the sheep from eating the seasonal crop. Winemaker Kevin Sass noted that the sheep not only provide year-round fertilization, but the taller trellis also reduces solar radiation and heat impact on the grapes.
In 2011, Halter Ranch completed a solar-powered gravity-flow production facility that features rainwater collection and a cave system. The sustainable design minimizes the operation’s carbon footprint. The estate’s tasting room showcases wines made from Regenerative Organic Certified vineyards, and it offers a seasonal lunch menu featuring Estate-grown produce and local organic farms. This provides guests with an educational experience that highlights the winery’s commitment to sustainable practices.
Edit to the article: Villa Creek / MAHA Estate was the second winery and vineyard in the Adelaida AVA to achieve the Regenerative Organic Certification in 2022.
Edit to the article: Villa Creek / MAHA Estate was the second winery and vineyard in the Adelaida AVA to achieve the Regenerative Organic Certification in 2022.