Randy Meyer of BARRA of Mendocino
Tell us about the sustainable and eco-friendly practices at the vineyard: The Barra family has been farming grapes in Mendocino County since 1955. Our founder, Charlie Barra, farmed organically before there was any type of official certification. Today we farm over 300 acres of estate grown, California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) certified organic grapes.
Each year, both our vineyards and our winemaking facility must be re-certified by CCOF for our Barra and Girasole Vineyards wines to be allowed to carry the “made with organic grapes” certification on the label. In order to pass the annual certification process, we must show that we are not using any pesticides or chemicals in the vineyard as well as adhering to strict CCOF protocols in the cellar. Additionally, our wines must not contain more than 99 parts per million of added sulfites.
Tell us about the varietals you make: Across our three different estate-owned, certified organic vineyard properties, we farm Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Muscat, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah.
What are a few wines that readers should try right now?
Girasole Vineyards 2021 Pinot Blanc