One year after the launch of La Grande Bleue and the announcement of its partnership with the international NGO Oceana, Gérard Bertrand is pleased to share a highly encouraging first-year review.
Marked by distribution across 49 countries and strengthened initiatives to preserve marine biodiversity, the partnership continues to grow in both scale and impact.
June 24, 2026 (Narbonne, FR) — One year after unveiling their collaboration in Marseille and introducing La Grande Bleue, an organic Mediterranean IGP wine, Gérard Bertrand and Oceana are celebrating the first milestones of their shared commitment to protecting the world’s oceans.
Now available in 49 countries, La Grande Bleue has quickly established itself as an international benchmark for Mediterranean IGP wines. Inspired by the sea that borders the vineyards of Southern France, this organically certified cuvée embodies a vision in which winemaking excellence goes hand in hand with meaningful environmental responsibility.
Beyond its commercial success, La Grande Bleue has become an important bridge between the wine industry and the world’s largest international organization dedicated exclusively to ocean conservation. Through this collaboration, Gérard Bertrand and Oceana aim to raise awareness among a growing audience about the urgent need to protect our oceans and transform awareness into policy action. Throughout the year, both organizations have worked closely together through regular exchanges and international initiatives designed to amplify their shared message.
A Year of Action from Gérard Bertrand
- In the Netherlands, cross-merchandising initiatives paired La Grande Bleue with seafood departments, accompanied by educational content on sustainable fishing practices. Dedicated food and wine pairing masterclasses also helped raise awareness among hospitality professionals about responsible seafood sourcing.
- In France, a digital recipe booklet featuring sustainably sourced seafood, alongside an educational guide on fish seasonality and responsible fishing methods, was developed to help consumers make more informed choices.
- In Germany, several national campaigns carried out with wine merchants and e-commerce partners highlighted the shared commitments of Gérard Bertrand and Oceana to thousands of consumers.
- La Grande Bleue also promoted the partnership through a dedicated awareness campaign at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, reaching international travelers and the general public.
- In the United States, an awareness initiative targeting media and hospitality professionals, developed in partnership with restaurant group The Oceanaire, is scheduled for late June.
This momentum will continue in the coming months through initiatives led jointly by Gérard Bertrand and C Mauritius (the luxury hospitality brand of the Constance Hotels & Resorts Group), including a coral restoration and lagoon clean-up operation in Mauritius during the international C-Kite kitesurfing championship, as well as support for major Oceana fundraising events in California and New York.
Beyond these initiatives, Gérard Bertrand and Oceana maintain a close collaboration, enabling both organizations to develop strategic long-term actions, share progress, and continuously strengthen the impact of their partnership.
Delivering Tangible Policy Results for Ocean Protection
Alongside activities in the wine and hospitality industries, Oceana has also achieved significant conservation victories worldwide in the last year.
Recent achievements include:
- Mandatory International Maritime Organization identification numbers for large fishing vessels operating in the Mediterranean, enhancing transparency and enforcement efforts;
- A new law in New Jersey aimed at reducing single-use plastics in restaurants and takeout services;
- A national framework in Canada, the “Whalesafe Fishing Gear Strategy,” which will help advance alternative fishing gear and prevent whale entanglements.
- New protections for the deep-sea coral reefs on Sur Ridge, off the coast of Monterey, California;
- A new law in California to phase out set gillnets. Removing this fishing gear will protect more than 100 different ocean animals, including sea lions and sharks, from being unintentionally entangled in these nearly invisible, mile-long nets.
- Stronger rules in Spain to improve monitoring of fishing vessel engines and combat illegal fishing activities;
- Five new Marine Protected Areas and one area of special importance for birds in Spain, covering more than 17,000 square kilometers;
- The creation of the Panaon Island Protected Seascape in the Philippines, safeguarding coral-rich waters that are home to whale sharks, hawksbill turtles and Philippine ducks.
These achievements demonstrate what Oceana has excelled at for 25 years – transforming science-based advocacy into concrete policy decisions that restore ocean abundance and protect communities that depend on healthy marine ecosystems for their health and livelihoods.
A Long-Term Commitment
One year after its launch, this partnership continues to fulfil its purpose: raising awareness among both professionals and consumers, promoting exemplary initiatives, inspiring positive change, and placing ocean protection at the heart of the commitments carried by La Grande Bleue.
“One year ago in Marseille, we announced our intention to work alongside Oceana to help protect our oceans. Today, I am proud to see that this commitment is translating into meaningful action across many countries. The Mediterranean is a life-giving sea, a source of inspiration and a precious heritage. As winegrowers, we understand that everything is interconnected: soil health, biodiversity, climate and the oceans. This is why, just as we do across our biodynamically farmed estates, we view our commitment alongside Oceana as a long-term endeavor. We will continue supporting their actions and raising awareness among our partners and consumers about the importance of protecting this shared resource: the sea.” – Gérard Bertrand
“Over 25 years, Oceana has more than 350 policy wins that reduce overfishing, protect marine life and habitats, curb plastic pollution, and increase transparency at sea. None of this would be possible without allyship, from coastal communities and artisanal fishers around the world to key partners and funders like Gerard Bertrand, it takes so many people working together to accomplish these important results.” – Alexandra Cousteau, Senior Advisor to Oceana
La Grande Bleue: The Essence of the Mediterranean
Launched in 2025 with its inaugural 2024 vintage, La Grande Bleue is a tribute to the Mediterranean Sea. Fresh, elegant and marked by a distinctive saline minerality, the wine evokes the sea breeze and landscapes of the Mediterranean coastline.
Each bottle carries the message of the partnership with Oceana and contributes to raising awareness among consumers and professionals about the importance of protecting our oceans and their resources.
La Grande Bleue, 2025 Mediterranean IGP – Organic Certified
- Blend: Rolle, Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
- Pale yellow colour with green highlights. Expressive aromas of white-fleshed fruits, citrus and white flowers.
- The palate is vibrant, saline and elegant, leading to a refreshing finish reminiscent of sea spray.
- Food Pairing: Seafood, grilled fish, summer salads, light Mediterranean cuisine and fresh cheeses.
- Recommended Retail Price: $19.99
Available in restaurants, wine merchant and at gerard-bertrand.shop
About Gérard Bertrand
A global pioneer of biodynamic viticulture, Gérard Bertrand has spent more than thirty years promoting regenerative agriculture that respects natural ecosystems. Today, his group represents the largest Demeter-certified biodynamic vineyard estate in the world and pursues a clear ambition: demonstrating that excellence, biodiversity and environmental commitment can thrive together.
About Oceana
Oceana is the largest international organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Our mission is to rebuild abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies that stop overfishing, protect habitats and threatened species, curb oil and plastic pollution, and increase transparency at sea. With more than 350 victories, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results – for the oceans, for coastal communities, and for the planet. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy, climate-smart seafood meal every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Join us at Oceana.org.
