FRES.CO: Natural Winemaking in Sonoma Valley

FRES.CO, a natural wine brand from Sonoma Valley, California, is driven by a commitment to low-intervention winemaking. Owned by Jack Sporer, with his uncle Will Bucklin as a business partner, the brand’s ethos is centered around organic and regenerative farming practices. Jack Wolcott joined the team to help with production and marketing, and together, they source grapes from six Sonoma Valley vineyards, all farmed with a focus on sustainability.

At FRES.CO, the winemaking process embraces the philosophy of minimal interference. Grapes are harvested from vineyards that use dry farming, no-till, and no-spray techniques. Wines are made naturally, using native yeast and bacteria, with little to no sulfur added, depending on the cuvée. The goal is to create wines that reflect the health of the vineyards, with the idea that a focus on farming for vine health—rather than high yields—results in better, more balanced wines.

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The wines are crafted at Magnolia Wine Services, a cooperative facility that supports a wide range of natural winemaking practices. FRES.CO works closely with growers to transition towards regenerative agriculture, which includes eliminating the use of herbicides and synthetic pesticides. This approach aims to restore and regenerate the land, creating a healthier ecosystem for both the vines and the surrounding environment.

Regenerative farming, while not a protected term, is integral to FRES.CO’s philosophy. The focus is on healing the land by rethinking farming practices that rely on synthetic chemicals and short-term solutions. Instead, the team emphasizes long-term sustainability, with growers transitioning to practices like no-till and dry farming, which minimize disturbance to the soil.

Natural winemaking, for FRES.CO, is a spectrum of practices, from zero-intervention approaches (no additives, no filtration) to wines that may use minimal sulfur. The core of natural wine production is ensuring that the grapes are organically farmed and that the wine is left alive, preserving its microbial integrity.

FRES.CO's wines reflect the purity of their farming practices, offering a taste of Sonoma Valley that is both natural and regenerative. For more information, visit www.fresh.wine.

Contact:
freshwineco@gmail.com