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 […]
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 – […]
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 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. Now, let’s examine the positive benefits of regenerative farming practices. Because of the negative consequences […]
Wilding in Vineyards with the Apis Arborea TreeNest
While discussing their Regenerative Farming practices at their American Canyon Vineyard at Grgich Hills Estate, Luke and Ivo Jeramaz showed us the most interesting bee hive. It was cylinder tree log, covered with bark, and located a dozen feet above our head. This TreeNest was designed by the nonprofit organization Apis Arborea in order to promote wild honeybee populations. Seeing the hive […]
Regenerative Farming at Grgich Hills Estate
Are you familiar with the main principles of Regenerative Farming? Grgich Hills Estate has been a leader in this innovation, first by farming organically for the past two decades, then biodynamically, and finally regenerative farming as stipulated by Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) since 2019. Winemaker and Vice President of Vineyards & Production Ivo Jeramaz and his son Luke provided […]
The Pre-Industrial Approach to Farming at Ridge Vineyards at Lytton Springs Estate
During the 2022 BevFluence Livermore Experience we ventured west to the Santa Cruz Mountains in order to visit the famous Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello Estate. Thus we deemed it appropriate during the recently concluded 2024 BevFluence Sonoma Experience to travel to the Dry Creek Valley and visit the Ridge Vineyards at Lytton Springs Estate. Alongside 115-year-old vines we sipped several Ridge wines and learned about the winery’s Pre-Industrial […]
Beyond Organic: How Regenerative Farming is Reshaping the Beverage Industry
The beverage industry, from coffee to craft beer, relies heavily on the health of our agricultural ecosystems. A movement is underway to return the soil to its greatness and give back to the earth. Conventional farming practices can deplete soil health, reduce biodiversity, and contribute to climate change. Much of the beverage industry suffers from […]
