New board role amplifies the voice of organic wine producers in shaping policy, education, and growth across the category.
October 6, 2025 (Hopland, CA) — Joseph Brinkley, Senior Director of Regenerative Organic Development at Bonterra Organic Estates, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Organic Trade Association (OTA). Brinkley was voted into the position by OTA members at the group’s Annual Meeting in September and will serve a three-year term.
The Organic Trade Association advances and protects organic agriculture and products in the United States through policy, advocacy, and promotion. Bonterra has been a longtime member of the association, actively contributing to efforts that strengthen and expand organic farming nationwide.
Brinkley has been engaged with OTA for many years, including serving as former Chair of the Sustainability Council and current Chair of the Wine Council, which he helped found. The council protects and promotes organics in wine by advocating for key policies, educating stakeholders across the three-tier system, addressing trade issues like equivalency agreements, and providing a forum to tackle emerging challenges vital to the sector’s growth. Brinkley also participates annually in the association’s flagship Organic Week advocacy event in Washington, D.C., amplifying support for organics and climate-smart policy.
“The Organic Trade Association works tirelessly to protect and grow the organic sector, and I’ve long appreciated the way it brings together farmers, businesses, and advocates to move us forward,” said Brinkley. “Being part of this community has shaped my journey as both a farmer and advocate, and I’m humbled to now serve on the Board. I look forward to working alongside so many dedicated leaders to strengthen the future of organic agriculture.”
For Bonterra Organic Estates, a winery with deep roots in organic farming, Brinkley’s new leadership role underscores the company’s long-time commitment to organic principles. Partnering with organizations like OTA allows Bonterra to extend its impact beyond its estate vineyards in Mendocino County, promoting regenerative and organic practices across the wider wine and agricultural industries.
“The OTA Board, staff and members are thrilled to have Joseph serving on the Board,” shared Matthew Dillon, Co-CEO of the Organic Trade Association. “Joseph brings a long track record of leadership in organic, as well as a perspective ‘from the soil up’ that includes an understanding of the challenges farmers face. He also recognizes the value of working collaboratively with competitors – having launched the Organic Wine Council and brought in other organic wine producers to participate, Joseph carries the ‘stronger together’ spirit that OTA champions.”
ABOUT BONTERRA ORGANIC ESTATES
The United States’ leading organic winery, Bonterra Organic Estates is an award-winning purveyor of multi-origin wines, selling in over 50 countries worldwide. Founded by Barney Fetzer in Mendocino County, CA, in 1968 as Fetzer Vineyards, and today part of global powerhouse Viña Concha y Toro, Bonterra Organic Estates remains driven by excellence, innovation and longstanding commitments to the environment and responsible business practices. With a focus on crafting wines made from sustainable and organically farmed grapes, Bonterra Organic Estates is a leading U.S. marketer of wines and the nation’s primary importer of South American wines. As a B Corp since 2015, Bonterra Organic Estates is grounded in the transformational goals of regenerative business.
ABOUT THE ORGANIC TRADE ASSOCIATION
The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in North America. OTA is the leading voice for the organic trade in the United States, representing organic businesses and producers across the nation. Its members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers’ associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, brands, retailers and others. OTA’s mission is to promote and protect ORGANIC with a unifying voice that serves and engages its diverse members from farm to marketplace.
