Spotlighting a Leader in Sustainable Wine Brands: Bonterra

Student: Sameer Abrea Tillman

Faculty Mentor: Kyuho Lee

Wine Business Institute

College of Science, Technology, and Business

This study examines the legacy and evolution of Bonterra, a long-time pioneer in organic winemaking that emerged as an early adopter of sustainable practices in the 1980s. Expanding its sustainability strategy beyond agriculture to include climate impact and community engagement, the brand has positioned itself as a leader in regenerative viticulture. This study explores its commitment to transparency, certified regenerative practices, and innovative approaches to packaging and water footprint reduction. Through partnerships with local farmers and industry collaborators, the company continuously advances sustainability within the wine sector. Challenges in measuring short-term ROI for sustainability initiatives are addressed, along with strategies for aligning long-term impact with brand mission and consumer expectations. The researcher conducted an in-depth personal interview with the director of Bonterra and reviewed an array of academic research papers.