USA | Halter Ranch Vineyard has achieved the prestigious organic certification by the California Certified Organic Famers Association.
Halter Ranch, a 2,700-acre nature estate located in the heart of California's wine country, has announced it has achieved organic certification for its vineyard at luxury tasting room Halter Ranch Texas, making it the first-ever vineyard to be certified organic in Fredericksburg, TX.
California's Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) granted this significant milestone to 1.17 acres at Halter Ranch Texas, which opened in May of this year.
This accomplishment has underscored Halter Ranch's unwavering commitment to sustainable farming and the production of exceptional wines made from 100 percent organic grapes. CCOF certification requires rigorous adherence to its standards; any product put on or in the ground needs to be pre-approved by the organisation. Led by Halter Ranch General Manager and Vice President Bryce Mullins and Winemaker Kevin Sass, the team at Halter Ranch Texas underwent detailed planning, preparation and forecasting to attain the certification.
Sass will begin planting Blanc du Bois grapes this month at Halter Ranch, Texas, the first grapes grown on the property. He chose the grape variety because it is native to the southern U.S. and produces crisp whites in a warm climate. With the first harvest, he has aimed to produce sparkling wine.
"This specialist farming requires many inspections and audits, but most importantly, it requires patience," said Sass.
"All geographical environments are different and, with careful evaluation, we hope to produce an outstanding wine representative of Hill Country terroir. We're excited to trial Blanc du Bois as the first 100 percent organic grapes planted at Halter Ranch Texas and in the Fredericksburg region at large."
Driven by environmental stewardship, Halter Ranch earned organic certification for its vineyards in Paso Robles, CA in 2023. Certification for the vineyard at Halter Ranch Texas was a plan since the tasting room's inception, and the team is proud to make it a reality.
"We have been welcomed warmly by the Fredericksburg community and are thrilled to contribute to the wine industry here by achieving organic certification," added Mullins.
"At Halter Ranch, we believe that organic farming not only produces superior grapes but also contributes to the preservation of our land for future generations."
