Terra Savia Winery, in Hopland’s Sanel Valley, stands out in Mendocino County for its organic wines and commitment to sustainable farming. Sofia Rivier, originally from Argentina, is the winemaker and farm manager.
“Of course, I love Malbec,” she says. “I’m required to love Malbec!” But she also deeply values the land in Mendocino. “People don’t know much about us, about the quality of Mendocino fruit,” she says. The 2024 season was “amazing,” producing early and high-quality cabernet, Sofia’s personal favorite.
Organic from the start
Terra Savia, co-owned by Yvonne Hall and Jurg Fischer, has followed organic practices since its founding in 2005. Beyond wine, they produce organic olive oil and keep a small sanctuary for rescued animals. Their Baby Doll sheep graze the vineyard, while goats handle vine trimmings, creating a harmonious balance between the vineyard and the environment.
Minimal intervention winemaking
Sofia’s winemaking approach follows the winery’s ethos of minimal intervention, letting the land and the fruit shine. Terra Savia offers a diverse range of wines, including chardonnay, petit verdot, and Sofia’s beloved cabernet sauvignon.
Sofia’s dedication to the land and the wines it produces is clear. “This is a special place to make wine,” Sofia says. Visitors experience the blend of passion, quality, and the untouched potential of Mendocino County’s terroir in every glass.
The Terra Savia tasting room is an integral part of a working olive mill, a unique winery experience only 1.5 hours north of the Golden Gate Bridge.
