Alta Orsa Winery: Where Old-World Meets Regenerative Vision
In the rolling hills of Mendocino County sits a remarkable 160-acre mountain property that tells a story of dedication, vision, and respect for the land. Alta Orsa Winery, one of the treasured artisan wineries proudly featured in Renard Creek's collection, embodies a perfect marriage between traditional winemaking and forward-thinking agricultural practices.
The name itself—Alta (Latin for "high, deep-rooted") and Orsa (Latin for "beginning, undertaking")—perfectly captures the essence of this exceptional winery. Founded through the collaborative vision of winemaker Martin Bernal-Hafner, Roger Peng, and Ricardo Garcia, Alta Orsa represents more than three decades of thoughtful stewardship of their mountain property.
What truly sets Alta Orsa apart is their unwavering commitment to holistic farming. Since establishing their high-density vineyard in the 1980s, they've practiced no-till farming methods, minimized organic sprays, eliminated tractors between vine rows, and refused to use herbicides under the vines. This dedication to regenerative practices wasn't just trendy sustainability—it was foundational to their philosophy long before such approaches became mainstream.
The winery's approach to winemaking mirrors this respect for nature. Their minimal intervention philosophy in the cellar allows each wine to authentically express the unique characteristics of its appellation. Whether sourced from their estate vineyard or from trusted partner growers in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties, every bottle tells a distinct story of place and ecosystem.
Alta Orsa's commitment extends beyond just producing exceptional wine. They've woven their mission of deep connection with the land, their wines, and their patrons into every aspect of their business. Their transparency, focus, and dedication to community resonate perfectly with our own values at Renard Creek.
At Renard Creek, we're particularly proud to feature Alta Orsa's wines in our collection. Their limited production means these wines are typically only available directly from the winery or through select partners—making our offering especially valuable to wine enthusiasts seeking authentic expressions of Northern California terroir.
For those seeking to explore the essence of mindfully crafted Northern California wines, Alta Orsa represents an extraordinary journey worth taking—one bottle at a time.
Cheers!