I still remember an early lunch that same year, 2019, with our late friend and mentor Paul Dolan. Paul, a pioneer in sustainable, organic, and biodynamic viticulture and former president of Fetzer, spoke passionately about the potential of regenerative agriculture. He described its ability to revitalize ecosystems, build climate resilience, sequester carbon, and boost biodiversity — all while producing nutrient-dense, flavorful crops. That conversation lit a spark that changed our life.

Soon after, my wife Nicole and I returned to Nicole’s parents vineyard, Mariah Vineyards, driven by a singular mission: to grow clean, expressive, nature-positive wine that Directly Impacts Regenerative Transformation. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been deeply rewarding. With every challenge, we’ve found opportunities to innovate and grow. And with every success, we’ve seen the transformative power of regenerative viticulture.

We started by further diversifying our cover crops and switching to 100% no-till farming, preserving soil cover year-round. We integrated livestock into our operations and planted pollinator habitats throughout the vineyard, breaking up the monotony of monocrops. Partnering with the Savory Institute, we became a pilot site for their Ecological Outcome Verification program. By embracing holistic land management and meticulously tracking metrics like soil health, biodiversity, and water cycles, we’ve created a vineyard that not only survives but thrives in extreme conditions.

The results have been remarkable. In the face of yet another record-breaking, hot summer in 2024, the vineyard still stands resilient against climate stressors, and our grape quality has reached new heights. But beyond the vineyard, we’ve realized that wine can be so much more than a beverage. It can be a force for change.

Wine has always been unique. It’s an agricultural product steeped in history and tradition, deeply woven into cultures worldwide. It brings us together to celebrate milestones, connect around tables, and create lasting memories. But wine also holds a powerful platform: it’s discussed in magazines, TV shows, podcasts, and blogs; it’s studied by sommeliers, reviewed by critics, and celebrated by enthusiasts who care about the terroir, the winemaking process, and the stories behind every bottle.

What if we harnessed this platform to provide radical transparency? Instead of hiding behind romanticized stories of terroir and sustainability, what if we empowered consumers with the truth? Imagine a world where wine lovers could align their values with their purchases, voting with their dollars for resilient farms, flourishing ecosystems, and nourishing products. We’re committed to making that vision a reality.