Hopland, CA, USA

Alta Orsa

With a background in the art of old-world winemaking and a deep connection to the spirit of California's North Coast, winemaker Martin Bernal-Hafner stewards the Alta Orsa estate vineyard and winery in the Mendocino highlands. Their vines have been farmed using beyond-organic methods since the late 1980s – practicing no-till farming, minimal organic sprays, no tractors between the rows, and no herbicides under the vine.

Martin, a native of Colombia, started his journey by diving right into terroir-driven winemaking and biodynamic grape-growing at M. Chapoutier in the Rhône Valley. The camaraderie of long days in the cellar, the contagious passion of fellow interns, the worldly community, and traditional French meals – perfectly paired with classic wines – convinced Martin that this was his craft and lifelong adventure. He then joined the Viña Cobos team for the harvest – marking the beginning of his seven-year tutelage under Paul Hobbs. Afterward, Martin teamed up with Roger Peng and Ricardo Garcia to create Alta Orsa Winery with the goal of crafting elegant and balanced wines that reflect their values.

Alta Orsa wines highlight the unique expressions of single vineyards, while the Orsa wines are a genuine representation of the North Coast appellations. Both efforts celebrate a balance between tradition, minimal intervention, experimentation, and the natural rhythm of the vines and fruit.