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SONOMA, Calif., Oct. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Jeff O’Neill, Proprietor of Ram’s Gate Winery in Sonoma’s Carneros AVA, announces today that the winery’s 28 acres of estate vineyards have earned Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC™) distinction, one of only 25 wineries in the world to achieve this rigorous certification. This milestone builds on the momentum of Ram’s Gate’s California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) certification in 2024 and underscores the company’s deep-rooted commitment to environmentally responsible practices, further demonstrated by O’Neill Vintners & Distillers’ Green Medal Leader Award in 2021 and Certified B Corporation status in 2022.
Ram’s Gate Winery located in Sonoma’s Carneros AVA.
“Ram’s Gate Winery’s Regenerative Organic Certification is an incredible achievement and testament to the passion and dedication of our entire team,” says O’Neill. “This recognition reflects our deep belief that exceptional wine begins with healthy soil, balanced ecosystems, and a collective commitment to land stewardship.”
The ROC™ program, overseen by the nonprofit Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA), sets one of the highest standards in agriculture today. Building on the foundation of USDA organic certification, the principles of ROC™ prioritize soil health by fostering organic matter, increasing diversity, sequestering carbon, integrating animals, and providing social fairness for farm workers. This holistic approach ensures that agriculture benefits both the environment and people, promoting more sustainable ecosystems and communities.
At Ram’s Gate, regenerative organic farming is designed not just to preserve the land, but to restore and enhance it with every vintage. The winery’s approach prioritizes building healthier soils and more climate resilient vineyards, leading to fruit that transparently expresses site, soil, and season. In tandem with the winery’s ROC™ recognition, O’Neill Head of Sustainability Caine Thompson and Winemaker Joe Nielsen launched an ambitious agroforestry initiative in March 2025; an approach practiced by a small set of wineries across France, including Château Cheval Blanc in Bordeaux and Champagne Ruinart. As a part of this initiative, the team planted 40 fruit trees per acre directly within the vineyard rows, which will continue to improve soil health, increase biodiversity, and create a resilient ecosystem built to thrive amid the challenges of a changing climate.
Over the last several years, Ram’s Gate has also eliminated all synthetic inputs and introduced cover crops to improve soil structure and biodiversity. Natural pest control is maintained through falconry and owl boxes, while an annual sheep grazing program assists with weed management and nutrient cycling. Together, these practices reinforce Ram’s Gate’s commitment to environmental stewardship and cultivating a thriving, resilient vineyard ecosystem. Ram’s Gate’s 28-acre estate vineyard has been Certified Sustainable since 2015 and additionally holds the Certified Fish Friendly Farming® designation.
“From the beginning, our philosophy at Ram’s Gate has been rooted in the idea that the best wines come from vineyards in balance with nature,” says O’Neill. “Regenerative farming allows us to go beyond organic practices—to not only protect the land but actively improve it for generations to come.”
For more information about Ram’s Gate Winery, please visit: https://ramsgatewinery.com/
Media Contact
Jarvis Communications
Emma Zimmerman
310.313.6374
[email protected]
SOURCE Ram’s Gate Winery
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