From Soil to Sip: The Future of Sustainable Wine

May 24, 2025

This week, Regenerative Insights turns its focus to sustainable viticulture—a field where tradition and innovation meet to shape the future of winegrowing. As the impacts of climate change intensify, vineyards around the world are reimagining their practices to protect soil health, conserve biodiversity, and support community resilience. Our featured article spotlights Yotes Court Vineyard in Kent, England, where regenerative agriculture is not just a method, but a philosophy. With low-impact techniques and a deep commitment to soil vitality, this estate exemplifies how letting nature lead can result in both ecological restoration and high-quality wine.

Our Essential Reads take us across continents—from California and New York to Australia and the UK—showcasing how winemakers are advancing sustainability through dry farming, biodiversity conservation, and innovative regional certifications. Each story offers a grounded example of adaptation, leadership, and long-term thinking.

In Research Corner, we explore a study from the Journal of International Business Studies that examines how social motivations influence the outcomes of vineyard acquisitions. The findings offer a nuanced view of performance beyond purely financial drivers—reminding us that identity, status, and purpose all shape business outcomes.

Let’s delve into this week’s perspectives and practices that are cultivating a more resilient and responsible wine industry.

Featured Article:

Letting Nature Lead

In this Forbes feature, I explore how Yotes Court Vineyard in Kent is redefining viticulture through regenerative agriculture. Led by owner Susannah Ricci and vineyard manager Tony Purdie, the estate has shifted from a depleted fruit farm to a thriving, award-winning vineyard. Their methods combine soil health, biodiversity, and sustainable innovation—letting nature do much of the work.

The team uses low-impact techniques like minimal tillage, organic fertilisers, and sheep grazing to build resilient ecosystems while experimenting with novel grape varieties, such as fungus-resistant Divico. Their regenerative mindset not only improves vine longevity but enhances wine quality without artificial inputs. By focusing on living soils and sustainable business models, Yotes Court exemplifies how environmental care and commercial success can go hand-in-hand.

This article illustrates a thoughtful, scalable model for winemaking grounded in ecological balance and long-term viability—a path increasingly vital in a changing climate.

Essential Reads:

Holistic Wine

Sustainable viticulture takes a broader view than organic farming by addressing social equity, environmental health, and long-term economic viability. Across North America, winemakers like Shiraz Mottiar, Marissa Dineen, and Erik Kramer implement region-specific certifications that prioritize community welfare, responsible practices, and adaptability amid climate challenges. It's a 360° model of sustainability—deeply rooted and future-focused.

Legacy Toast

Fox Run Vineyards marks 35 years of winemaking excellence in the Finger Lakes, evolving from a small family vineyard into a celebrated destination. Known for old-vine Chardonnay, sustainable practices, and a community-focused ethos, Fox Run continues to blend innovation with tradition. Their milestone celebration highlights the people and partnerships behind their enduring success.

Ag Insight

The 2025 Sustainable Ag Expo returns with 30+ speakers and hybrid programming, blending live seminars and online courses. Held in San Luis Obispo, the event features expert insights on climate-resilient farming, pest control, automation, and more. With a robust trade show and networking events, it remains a vital platform for sustainable winegrowing professionals.

SA Excellence

South Australia shines on the national stage with five McLaren Vale vineyards named finalists in the 2025 Vineyard of the Year Awards. These sites, known for sustainability, heritage, and innovation, include standout names like Yangarra, Orbis, and Oliver’s Taranga. The awards spotlight the region’s forward-thinking viticulture and commitment to quality.

Biodiversity Shield

Margaret River winemakers are preserving one of the world’s rare Biodiversity Hotspots through sustainable viticulture, light-touch techniques, and climate-conscious innovation. With nearly half the region certified under Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, producers like Voyager Estate and Wayfinder lead efforts in carbon sequestration, organic practices, and lightweight packaging—crafting wines that protect their unique natural legacy.

Deep Roots

As climate swings intensify in California, dry-farmed vineyards may offer a resilient path forward. With no irrigation, vines dig deep, yielding fewer but more flavorful grapes. Though only 10% of Napa is dry-farmed today, a growing appreciation for terroir and sustainability could make this historic method a vital part of North Bay’s wine future.

Earth First

Santa Barbara County leads the way in eco-conscious winemaking, with estates like Âmevive, Beckmen, Donnachadh, and Grimm’s Bluff embracing organic, biodynamic, and regenerative practices. These producers focus on healthy soils, low-impact farming, and wildlife-friendly vineyards to craft expressive wines that honor both the land and its community.

Research Corner:

This study from the Journal of International Business Studies explores how social dynamics influence the performance of Chinese acquisitions in Bordeaux vineyards. Analyzing 123 deals, the research finds that socially driven acquisitions aimed at status enhancement can boost post-acquisition outcomes—while more conspicuous, prestige-seeking investments often underperform. It reframes how we interpret self-interested acquisitions in international business.

The regenerative business practices and sustainability innovations highlighted in this week's Regenerative Insights directly tackle the critical issues of corporate responsibility explored in my recent book explored in my recent book, The Profiteers: How Business Privatizes Profit and Socializes Cost.

Quick Takeaways:

Broader certifications: Align viticulture with social, environmental, and economic goals.
Celebrate sustainability: Mark milestones by honoring people and eco-driven progress.
Hybrid learning: Join expos for updates on climate-smart farming and innovation.
Award motivation: Use recognition to drive sustainable vineyard practices.
Protect ecosystems: Apply low-impact methods to preserve biodiversity.
Dry-farm revival: Reduce water use with climate-resilient growing techniques.
Healthy soils focus: Embrace regenerative practices for stronger vines and wines.
Guided improvement: Use local tools to enhance vineyard sustainability.

Regenerative Insights