The Wine Makers & Bedrock Conversations – Introducing S.O.R.B.E.T.
Apr 22, 2025
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Join wine experts Sam Coturri, who champions organic farming from the Coturri legacy, Katie Bundschu of Gunlock Bundschu promoting regenerative practices, and Morgan Twain-Peterson, a wine historian and MW, alongside Chris Cottrell from Bedrock Wine Company. They unveil S.O.R.B.E.T., an innovative tasting event celebrating Sonoma Valley's commitment to sustainable viticulture. Hear them discuss the evolution of organic farming, the importance of community, and the excitement for wine's future, emphasizing collaboration and ecological stewardship in winemaking.
The inaugural S.O.R.B.E.T. event highlights Sonoma Valley's commitment to sustainable winemaking through organic, regenerative, and biodynamic practices.
Zinfandel is celebrated as the versatile grape of 2023, reinforcing its significance in Sonoma's regional identity and culinary versatility.
Conversations reveal the personal journeys of winemakers, showing how familial ties and historical contexts shape their modern viticulture practices.
Deep dives
The Importance of Zinfandel in Winemaking
Zinfandel is highlighted as a versatile wine, particularly praised for its compatibility with barbecue and other cuisines. The discussion emphasizes that 2023 has been marked as 'the year of Zinfandel,' showcasing the grape's significance within Sonoma Valley. This celebration of Zinfandel hints at a collective enthusiasm among the winemakers, suggesting a revival of traditional grape varieties. These contributions underscore how Zinfandel not only reflects regional identity but also fits within contemporary culinary trends.
Generational Influence in Sonoma Winemaking
Several winemakers share their personal stories, revealing that their involvement in the industry was not always a predetermined path. Conversations reveal how each winemaker's family history has shaped their relationship with the land and viticulture, sometimes against their initial wishes. The nostalgia for their school days intertwines with their current roles, illustrating how their experiences have profoundly influenced their professional trajectories. The dialogue highlights a deep connection to the heritage of Sonoma Valley and the collective journey of these winemakers.
Adapting to Sustainable Practices
A conversation focuses on the transition toward organic, biodynamic, and regenerative farming practices within Sonoma Valley. The winemakers discuss the challenges and commitments involved in converting their vineyards to more sustainable methods, underscoring a collective responsibility to improve soil health and farming practices. Anecdotes reveal that this shift not only serves ecological goals but also aims to create better quality wines. They emphasize the historical context of Sonoma Valley as a pioneer in sustainable agriculture, reinforcing their role in leading this movement.
The Sorbet Educational Tasting Event
The upcoming 'Sorbet' event is designed to showcase Sonoma's commitment to organic and regenerative farming through a collective tasting. By gathering numerous wineries, the event aims to educate consumers on the importance of sustainable practices in winemaking. This initiative not only represents the values of participating vineyards but also serves as a platform for community engagement, allowing consumers to appreciate the stories behind the wines. Through this tasting, the winemakers hope to inspire conversations about ethical farming towards the next generation of wine drinkers.
Market Trends and Consumer Expectations
There is a crucial discussion about how market dynamics are shifting in favor of organic wines, reflecting consumer demand for transparency in farming practices. Younger wine buyers seem more inclined to inquire about farming methods compared to their older counterparts. The conversation hints at the challenges faced by traditional winemakers who must navigate modern marketing while staying true to their sustainable practices. This evolving landscape underscores the necessity for wineries to differentiate themselves through quality and ethical farming, reshaping the way they connect with consumers.
What began with a few DMs dunking on misleading “cover crop” Instagram posts—or maybe even earlier, on Napa Valley school bus rides more than 25 years ago—has grown into something much bigger: a groundbreaking tasting event focused on the future of responsible winegrowing.
In this first-ever crossover episode of The Wine Makers Podcast and Bedrock Conversations, Katie Bundschu, Morgan Twain-Peterson MW, and Sam Coturri join Chris Cotrell, Alli Badar, Brian Casey, and Bart Hansen to introduce S.O.R.B.E.T.—the Sonoma Organic Regenerative Biodynamic Education Tasting.
This inaugural event celebrates Sonoma Valley’s critical role in sustainable and ecological winegrowing—past, present, and future. The only two rules for participation:
1) Wines must be farmed organically, regeneratively, or biodynamically.
2) Wines must come from Sonoma Valley.
The result? A dynamic mix of wineries—from garagistes to corporate producers, from emerging natural wine stars to established legacy brands—offering everything from edgy small-batch bottles to ultra-premium pours.
The crew shares the origin of the event, what it means for the region, and why this kind of collective action is more important than ever. [EP 367]
Save the Date: August 17th at Fort Mason, San Francisco.
Get tickets here: Eventbrite – S.O.R.B.E.T.
