Bonterra Organic Vineyards-Funded Future Organic Farmer, Jack Sporer, Launches Wine Label

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Written by Shawna Rodgers on Monday, May 11, 2020

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Future Organic Farmer Grant Fund grant recipient Jack Sporer has officially become a small business owner. Sporer launched his own wine label in April 2020, Fresh Wine Company. A brand he calls “wine for the people,” its release comes just in time to satisfy an upswing in demand during stay at home orders enacted across the state of California. 

Sporer’s wine focuses on carbon sequestration at each step. They are using lighter bottles, alternative packaging, and connecting local networks of consumers and suppliers to keep his community supported. Sporer’s efforts build integrity and resilience throughout the supply chain as he joins the expanding group of businesses choosing to create holistic, healthy business practices. Visit the Fresh Wine Company website to learn more about Sporer’s business venture.

Sporer recently completed the Santa Rosa Junior College viticulture program, with help from the Future Organic Farmer Grant Fund. He attributes its hands-on classes, well read and accomplished faculty, and evidence-based approach to organic practices to his success in learning how to be the most sustainable viticulturist he could be. In 2019, Sporer received financial support thanks to the generosity of Bonterra Organic Vineyards, committed to supporting CCOF Foundation Future Organic Farmers above the age of 21. 

Sporer says, “The CCOF grant covered almost the entire program at Santa Rosa Junior College and allowed me to focus on my studies in a way I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. The college does a really excellent job with Shone Farm, the working vineyard, farm, and event center where most of my classes took place. I am grateful to the knowledgeable class speakers and the dedicated teachers, especially Merilark Padgett-Johnson, dean of viticulture. Together they imparted a breadth of practical knowledge that I use in my line of work every day.”

Another important supporter of Sporer’s career is his uncle, farmer Will Bucklin. “He is my mentor, a disciple of dry farming and old vineyards, and he makes the whole project possible,” Sporer remarks. Sporer's minimal intervention wine highlights the Sonoma Valley, and is sourced from socially responsible dry-farmed vineyards. Sporer is putting the grape farmers first, making sure they get the credit they deserve. 

You can get $2,500 to pursue your own goal of becoming an organic farmer and producer from the Future Organic Farmer Grant Fund. Get the application and find out more detailsThe application deadline for higher education/vocational students is June 1, 2020.