Bonterra Organic Estates has announced changes to its winemaking team after seeing a 16 percent sales increase in the first quarter of 2024. Margaret Leonardi-Pruett will take over as senior winemaker for the Bonterra Collection, starting with the 2024 vintage.
Leadership transitions
Leonardi-Pruett steps into the role after Jeff Cichocki’s retirement. She will work with Sebastian Donoso, who will now manage Bonterra’s Regenerative Organic Certified Estate Collection along with the Single Vineyard Collection. Joseph Brinkley will continue overseeing vineyard operations, focusing on climate-smart farming practices.
“I’m excited to join Sebastian in leading a brand committed to environmental and community impact,” Leonardi-Pruett says. “Working with organic grapes from across California allows us to showcase the quality that organic farming delivers.”
Experienced team members
Leonardi-Pruett has nearly 15 years of experience. She joined Bonterra in 2015 and previously led winemaking for Fetzer. Donoso, with over 17 years of experience, joined Bonterra in 2017 and has produced small-lot wines from organic vineyards at Campovida and Saracina in Mendocino County.
Both winemakers emphasize collaboration and innovation. “I’m looking forward to the energy Margaret brings to Bonterra and to our collaboration in crafting our wines,” Donoso says. “I’m particularly passionate about our estate-grown fruit, which highlights the unique qualities of inland Mendocino County.”
Label redesign reflects sustainability
As consumer interest in organic wine grows, Bonterra is updating its label to reflect its commitment to sustainability and biodiversity. Sales of organic wine rose by 27.9 percent in the first quarter of 2024, while conventional wine sales declined by 0.9 percent. The new Bonterra label features a modern block-letter logo and hand-drawn illustrations of beneficial insects and birds, emphasizing the role of wildlife in the vineyard ecosystem.
“Our new packaging celebrates our roots in environmental stewardship and our forward-looking approach to eco-minded winemaking,” Rachel Newman, senior vice president of marketing, says. “This redesign marks a new chapter in Bonterra’s nearly 40-year history, connecting with consumers who value sustainability.”
