Eco Terreno

ABOUT

Our farming practices are designed to enhance the earth as well as everything that grows within and around it.

At Eco Terreno, farming vineyards is about more than making amazing wine for your glass. It’s about caring for the health and vitality of our world and embracing the benefits of regenerative farming… healing, restoring, and strengthening the land.

Industrial farming has devastating effects on our land and is a large contributor to the dangers of climate change. Changing this narrative is well within our grasp, and soil, when cared for naturally without chemicals, can help us rewrite it.

Our commitment to doing no harm actively boosts the health of our farm, the neighboring river, and the community of insects, birds, fish, and land animals that call our area home.

With diligence and time, our soil has returned to its robust natural state. It now gives back more carbon than it takes. It’s our unsung hero, literally fighting climate change by sequestering carbon while producing excellent organic and Biodynamic® farmed fruit for our wine portfolio.

We have the power to choose our farming practices, you have the power to support our practices and a farm you believe in. Will you opt for beneficial, regenerative farming, or damaging, industrial agriculture? It’s an easy decision for us!

As we challenge the industry norm, we’re grateful you’ve joined us in our commitment to “bee” the change. Your support is a necessary and critical step toward ending the harmful cycles of industrial farming.

Dig deep with us to discover how your wine is farmed. It began with a bird…
It was 2012 and Mark was staying in the house on our vineyard. He noticed a small bird on the ground foraging for food while someone in a hazmat suit sprayed fungicide on the nearby vines. As he witnessed this incongruent scene, a thought began to take root. One that wouldn’t let go.

That summer he toured the vineyards of Bordeaux and was reminded of that day while observing flocks of birds in their chemical-free environments. As he tasted through the famed, select estate wines, he noted their subtle nuance of depth and definitive sense of place.

Upon returning to his vineyard in Alexander Valley, he became determined to capture this expression of regenerative, clean farming in his own wines. But it would take time and commitment. Mark’s challenges, to name a few, included; a lack of soil coverage, vines devoid of their natural defenses and benefits, and most glaring, was the absence of birdsong and sounds of insects and animals.

He knew this image was lacking. He knew he must make a change and be a part of the solution instead of a part of the problem. This began our journey to Biodynamic® farming at Eco Terreno Wines & Vineyards.

It was an undertaking of immense proportions, requiring him to dispel the myths of industrial farming so prevalent in the wine industry. However, never shy of a challenge, Mark and his team have become one of the few leading Biodynamic and organic certified vineyards in the US.

And that desire to make wines with a sense of place?

Mission accomplished! Eco Terreno wines are 100% estate grown with a thoughtful palate that is a perfect reflection of the beautiful Alexander Valley and the biodiversity of our farm.

Maybe you too can hear that little bird in each glass of Eco Terreno wine…

The story of our name.

Eco Terreno, a Spanish phrase, translates to ‘ecology of the land.’ The name reflects our dedication and reverence to the land, and our desire to care for its long-term health and well-being.

Nestled in nature’s beauty.

Eco Terreno lies on the banks of the Russian River, in the premier wine region of Alexander Valley, Northern California. The fog from the nearby Pacific Ocean rolls in, blanketing the farm until mid-morning. Temperatures climb early afternoon, to later subside in the evening. These conditions are ideal for our grapes to mature slowly while we balance the health of the vine. Together the microclimate and ancient soils of our valley bring depth and texture to the canvas of our wines.

Giving back.

The Eco Terreno Wines & Vineyards journey began with a commitment to “do better.” We chose to farm our vineyards with respect and reverence to the land and become part of the solution, as opposed to part of the problem, and to inspire others through our actions.

Mark Lyon, a gay man in an industry typically known as a “boys club,” has never shied away from a challenge. In 2012, an inspiring vineyard visit in Bordeaux further illustrated his evolving understanding of the challenges ahead. During the visit, Mark reaffirmed his beliefs that industrial farming practices contribute to an unhealthy world and he decided to “do better” and adopt an even more progressive and sustainable farming philosophy. He determined Biodynamic® and regenerative practices were the way forward and his research led him to Biodynamic consultant, Daphne Armory. She helped him achieve his goals and continues to support us to this day.

Through the journey of tending to our soil and vines, we became deeply rooted in regenerative farming’s philosophy of giving back. Our philosophy for farming the land became a catalyst for broadening our scope of what it truly means to give back. We are fortunate to recognize and acknowledge that earth and its inhabitants are interconnected, and we must invest in the health and well-being of people and the land.

We now support over 30 non-profit partners and their heroic efforts with donations, time, event space, and much more. In 2019 we launched a “purpose” line of wines created for the many requests we receive for wine donations. Our Pink Pride Rosé supports the LGBTQ+ community. Social Justice Sauvignon Blanc supports immigration and the many socially marginalized communities. Cultivating Community Chardonnay supports the unhoused and unfed community. Climate Conscious Cabernet Sauvignon supports trailblazers working diligently to heal our planet. Eco Terreno Wines & Vineyards commits $1 for every bottle sold to our non-profit partners, supporting important social causes in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond with every bottle sold.

For our Eco Terreno work-family we offer above-average living pay wages, unparalleled benefits, and exemplary work-life balance. We are aware that our team invests more than anyone towards our success and are grateful for their contributions and huge hearts.

The search for the simple task of “doing better” is unending, and as we celebrate our journey we are rewarded two-fold from the strides we’ve made and are excited for those yet to come! Thank you for joining us!