FRES.CO Wines: Sonoma's Regenerative & Natural Rebels

FRES.CO (often stylized as Fres.Co, or Fresh Wine Co.) is a dynamic and forward-thinking natural wine project based in the Sonoma Valley, California. Founded by Jack Sporer, FRES.CO is driven by a deep commitment to sustainable viticulture and minimalist winemaking, aiming to showcase the true potential of Sonoma's terroir through an authentic, low-intervention lens. Jack is part of a collective of like-minded natural winemakers at Magnolia Wine Services in Sonoma, where he crafts his wines.

The core of FRES.CO's philosophy lies in their vineyard sourcing. They work exclusively with vineyards that are either organically farmed or are in the process of transitioning to regenerative agriculture. Jack works closely with growers in the Sonoma Valley to encourage and support truly sustainable practices, including dry farming (avoiding irrigation), no-till farming, and no-spray viticulture. Some vineyards even employ rotational grazing with sheep to boost soil health. Their goal is to highlight the bounty of Sonoma Valley's rich winegrowing tradition while actively encouraging environmentally friendly methods that extend beyond simple organic certification.

In the cellar, Jack Sporer takes inspiration from "old California" winemaking, striving for balanced, restrained wines that are enjoyable both now and with some age. His winemaking principles are centered on simplicity and authenticity:

  • Wild, spontaneous fermentations with native yeasts.

  • No commercial yeasts, enzymes, or other additives.

  • No fining or filtration, ensuring the wines are vegan-friendly and retain their natural character.

  • Minimal to no added sulfur dioxide (SO2). The focus is on preventing problems in the vineyard to minimize the need for cellar interventions.

  • Grapes are hand-picked, often at night or early morning to preserve freshness, and carefully hand-sorted.

  • Gentle handling: grapes are never pumped, but shoveled into fermenters and out to the press.

FRES.CO produces a range of vibrant and expressive wines, including reds (often Grenache and Merlot, sometimes Cabernet Franc), whites (Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc), and rosés. Their wines are known for being fresh, bright, and truly reflective of the Sonoma Valley landscape.

    • FRES.CO Official Shop: Offers direct shipping within the USA. For international inquiries, it's best to check their "Find Our Wines" page or contact them directly for distributor information.

    • RAW WINE Online Shop: FRES.CO is an exhibitor at RAW WINE fairs. Their profile page may provide links to direct sales or international distributors.

    • Wine-Searcher.com: This is an excellent global tool to locate specific wines and see which retailers worldwide (excluding Switzerland, as per your request) have them in stock. Search for "FRES.CO" or "Fresh Wine Co." + the specific wine name.

    Notable Retailers/Distributors by Region (Excluding Switzerland):

    United States (Primary Market):

    • Ripe Wine Imports (NY, PA, MA, CT, FL Distributor): They are a major importer for FRES.CO. Check their website for a list of retailers they supply in these states.

    • Primal Wine (US-based online natural wine store, ships across the US): Often carries FRES.CO wines.

    • Dry River Retail (CA Distributor, retail in Davis, CA): https://dryriverretail.com/

    • Domestique Wine (Washington D.C. - Online & Physical Store): Often stocks FRES.CO wines.

    • Chambers Street Wines (New York, NY - Online & Physical Store): May carry FRES.CO, though stock sells out quickly.

      • Search for "FRES.CO" on their site.

    • Many independent, natural wine-focused shops across California and major US cities (e.g., New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Portland, Seattle).

fres.co wine