In 2020, winemaker Alisa Jacobson purchased a 17 acre vineyard that sits on gentle slopes outside the town of Los Olivos, California. After nearly two decades of building Joel Gott Wines from an idea to a major producer of cabernets, sauvignon blanc, and more, Alisa started her own brand, Turning Tide, in 2021. Her new organically grown cab from Central Coast fruit enticed Whole Foods, excited about both her capacity to produce and her price point. That wine, as well as an organic sauvignon blanc, will be in all California outlets of the grocery store this month, and then will be rolled out across the country this fall.

“Even though the concept of organic is well-known, it still only accounts for less than one percent of all farming operations,” explained Jacobson. “The challenge is finding enough organic fruit and, because it’s in-demand, the pricing is a bit higher.”

Santa Barbara County is well-positioned to lead the way, compared to other regions where disease pressure is too high for organic fungicides and pesticides to function well. “Santa Barbara is close enough to the ocean to get wind that comes through in the afternoon, which helps with disease,” said Jacobson, who’s also using her good relationships with farmers here to convert more acres to organic.

We commend Alisa for her entrepreneurship, savvy and sustainable practices! EconAlliance supports wine and tourism industries through cross-sector events, regional hospitality events, and education.