Bundschu Company Reflects on Lessons Learned and Impact Made, twelve months after becoming Regenerative Organic Certified®
December 17, 2024 (Sonoma, CA) — After a groundbreaking first year of farming under Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC®), California’s oldest family-owned winery, Gundlach Bundschu, celebrates the successes and hard-earned lessons that have come with this commitment to restoring the land and protecting the future of winegrowing.
“Our motto has always been that sustainability is a journey, not a destination,” shares Meghan Murphy, Gundlach Bundschu’s Sustainability Manager and Wine Enthusiast Future 40 Honoree. “We’re learning every day, and that’s why it’s called practicing organic farming.” Over the past twelve months, the team expanded regenerative efforts with every decision rooted in data and a deep respect for the land. From experimenting with no-till trials to informed composting and cover cropping, these methods are already making an impact—enhancing soil health, improving water retention, and sequestering carbon to combat climate change while mitigating the effects of extreme weather.
One of the key takeaways from the year? Adapting and evolving is just as important as farming. “We started with ambitious plans to raise our own herd of Babydoll sheep, but quickly realized we’re better at growing wine than herding sheep,” Murphy laughs. “This winter, we’re excited to collaborate with neighboring farmers and shepherds to bring hundreds of ruminants to our vineyards for the first time, helping us manage cover crops and improve soil health at a scale we couldn’t achieve alone.”
It hasn’t been an easy year for the wine industry. With visitation down and consumer spending tightened, wineries across the country have faced significant challenges. Yet Gundlach Bundschu has found a bright spot, forging new relationships and continuing to share their ROC® vision to a growing audience.
“Sustainability has always been core to who we are, but we’re now seeing how it translates to real impact—both for the land and in consumer choice,” says Jessica Curotto, Chief Revenue Officer. “We’ve ended the year with our wholesale shipment revenue up 17% over prior year and our new GUNBUN brand up 62% compared to the previous twelve months. New placements with partners like Del Frisco’s Grill and Target are helping us bring our sustainable wines to more tables than ever before.”
For Gundlach Bundschu, regenerative organic farming isn’t just a winegrowing philosophy—it’s a call to action. According to a recent Wine Market Council survey, “young adults find restaurant wine lists uninspiring…boring, and tired.” As consumers increasingly seek wines that reflect authenticity, transparency and approachability, the Bundschu family continues to lead by example. As they look ahead to 2025, Gundlach Bundschu remains steadfast in its mission: nurturing their Rhinefarm Estate for generations to come and encourage the industry to support brands that are making a difference.
