The 237-acre Estate vineyard becomes the third Regenerative Certified operation in Paso Robles’ Adelaida District as it marks its 25th anniversary
Paso Robles, CA (March 10, 2025) – Moving into its 25th year in business, Halter Ranch is thrilled to announce the original Paso Robles Estate vineyard has achieved Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC™) status. Halter Ranch is the third Paso Robles vineyard operation in the Adelaida District to achieve this status behind pioneering neighbors – Tablas Creek and MAHA/Villa Creek.
The Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to setting the highest standard for organic farming practices. Its Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC™) program builds on the foundation of USDA Organic certification emphasizing three core pillars: soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness. This holistic approach not only prioritizes environmental sustainability but also ensures that farming practices benefit people and ecosystems alike. Achieving ROC™ status requires rigorous adherence to these principles, reflecting a farm’s commitment to enhancing biodiversity, improving soil quality, and fostering resilience against climate change.
Halter Ranch’s Regenerative Organic Certified® status aligns with the winery’s foundational values of sustainability, quality, and innovation. Since its inception in 2000, Halter Ranch has maintained a long-term commitment to environmentally conscious agriculture, driven by the vision of its owner, Hansjörg Wyss. This certification is a natural extension of the estate’s dedication to organic farming, energy efficiency, and water conservation. By achieving ROC™ status, Halter Ranch reaffirms its mission to honor the land’s heritage, craft exceptional wines, and create a sustainable future for generations to come.
Long before achieving ROC™ status, Halter Ranch’s Estate vineyard was deeply rooted in sustainable and organic vineyard practices. Previously recognized as a model SIP (Sustainability in Practice) Certified winery for over a decade, Halter Ranch has consistently farmed with sustainability at its core. Before advancing its regenerative farming program and achieving ROC™ status, Halter Ranch first transitioned toward organic certification. In July 2023, the Halter Ranch Estate vineyard earned organic certification from California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF).
The Halter Ranch Estate Vineyard is part of the 2,700-acre idyllic nature preserve dedicated to land conservation, organic farming, and fine art. Approximately 90% of the Halter Ranch property is left to the natural landscape and wildlife. In addition to the Estate vineyard operation, Halter Ranch is home to organic olives, walnuts, livestock, and a culinary garden.
As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable farming practices, Halter Ranch has expanded its sheep program from the traditional seasonal grazing cycle to a year-round approach. This required a significant investment to raise the trellis height within the vineyard to prevent the sheep from eating the seasonal crop. According to Halter Ranch Winemaker, Kevin Sass, the sheep not only provide year-round fertilization but with taller trellis heights, solar radiation and heat impact on the grapes is reduced. In addition to investing in innovative vineyard practices, the operational infrastructure was designed with sustainability in mind.
Completed in 2011, the solar-powered gravity-flow production facility with rainwater collection and a cave system utilizes natural resources and efficient design to reduce the operation’s carbon footprint. The picturesque tasting room not only features Halter Ranch’s Regenerative Organic Certified® farmed wines but also a seasonal lunch menu showcasing Estate grown produce and local organic farms – providing an educational experience for guests seeking to support and explore practices that contribute to a more environmentally conscious beverage and hospitality industry.
About Halter Ranch
Halter Ranch is rooted in nature and crafted with care. Focused on providing terroir-driven wine from 100% organically farmed grapes. One brand and three great wine destinations – Paso Robles, Temecula, and Fredericksburg, Texas. Halter Ranch is owned by Swiss entrepreneur, philanthropist, and world-leading land conservationist, Hansjörg Wyss. Halter Ranch specializes in Rhône and Bordeaux-style wines which are grown and crafted to be age-worthy wines of character and quality. Winemaker, Kevin Sass, oversees all vineyard and winery operations including our organic vineyard partners in Temecula and Texas.
