September 3rd, 2026

Organic and Regenerative: Do We Have to Choose?

We’re often asked: “Do you have to be organic to practice regenerative agriculture?”

For a long time, we thought the answer was yes. Today, we believe the more important question lies elsewhere.

The debate usually gets framed as a choice between two camps. On one side are those who believe regenerative farming must be 100% organic. On the other are those who believe certain conventional products can still have a place. But both approaches can fall into the same trap: judging a farming practice by the label attached to it rather than by its actual impact on the environment.

Not everything used in the vineyard has the same consequences. Some products can be highly disruptive to soil life, while others, used very selectively and only when truly necessary, may have a much more limited impact. And the reverse is also true: just because a product is approved for organic farming doesn’t mean it has no effect on soil health or biodiversity.

So for us, the question has become much simpler: Does this practice actually help us build healthier soils, support biodiversity, and build resilience in the face of climate change? That question is what guides every decision we make.

Organic farming was an important step in our journey. But we wanted to go further. Today, our goal is to rebuild living soils, make our vineyards more resilient, and produce quality wines in a way that respects the environment while ensuring that our estate can thrive for generations to come.

To learn more, you can explore this resource, which provides a real-world example of an alternative approach.

In practice, that means putting in place concrete and measurable commitments.
Here are a short list of ours:

Increasing soil organic matter by an average of 0.1% per year over ten years, helping our soils store more carbon, retain more water, and support more biological life
Producing 600 metric tonnes (661 U.S. tons) of our own compost from resources on the estate and returning that organic matter to our soils
Reducing tillage, with more than 40% of our vineyard soils currently managed without cultivation
Planting at least 500 meters (1640 feet) – the equivalent of 4½ football fields – of new hedgerows each year to create habitat and corridors for insects, birds, and other wildlife
Keeping at least 20% of our land in grasslands, fallow areas, and other non-crop habitat, creating space for biodiversity alongside our vineyards
Bringing animals back into the vineyard ecosystem, including grazing livestock, while creating more habitat for insects, birds, and other wildlife.

These commitments aren’t just intentions. Our progress is measured and independently verified by A Greener World.

Because ultimately, what matters isn’t the label. It’s the outcome.

Our priority is simple: to leave our soils healthier and more alive than we found them.

FAQ

What’s the difference between organic and regenerative agriculture?

Organic farming follows a regulated set of standards. Regenerative agriculture takes a broader approach, focusing on improving soil health, biodiversity, water resources, and the well-being of people, with progress measured over time.

Can you practice regenerative agriculture without being organic?

Yes. Organic certification is not a prerequisite for regenerative agriculture. Regenerative practices are adapted to the specific conditions of each farm — its climate, soils, crops, and ecosystem — with measurable goals based on what that land needs.

Why is Famille Gassier committed to regenerative agriculture?

Because we want to make wines of the highest quality while farming in a way that improves soil health, supports biodiversity, protects water resources, builds resilience to climate change, and cares for the people who work on our land.