Remembering Amigo Bob Cantisano
Amigo Bob Cantisano, visionary advocate of sustainable agriculture and organic winemaking, passed away on December 26, 2020. A visionary, he brought profound, beneficial changes to vineyards throughout California. Much of his knowledge – a lifetime’s work in the organic movement — was shared through his consultancy at wineries including Sutter Home, Frog’s Leap, E. & J. Gallo, Stag’s Leap, Tres Sabores, and many more.
Our book, Healthy Vines, Pure Wines: Methods in Organic, Biodynamic, Natural and Sustainable Viticulture captures, for the first time, an encompassing record of Amigo Bob’s contributions to the field, the tools and techniques he championed, and advice he gave to growers throughout the Sonoma and Napa regions as they transitioned to closed system farming.
“This is the definitive handbook for winemakers looking to break into the sustainable side of the industry,” said editor and author Pamela Lanier. “It’s a one-stop resource on organic and sustainable methods with up-to-date case studies from vineyards and wineries who are successfully putting those methods to work.”
“With examples ranging from the tiny bodega to the industry-leading mega wineries we aimed to be as inclusive as possible,” co-author J. N. Hughes said. “The wineries we featured illustrate the soul and the breadth of the sustainable agriculture movement. Large or small, each is making an impact.”
Amigo Bob’s methodology is thoroughly represented throughout. The book also reviews current sustainable and organic trends in the wine business with sections featuring:
Interviews with Jean-Charles Boisset, standard-bearer for Biodynamic Viticulture and pioneering organic winemakers Phil and Sam Coturri.
Viticulture growing techniques, including biodynamic practices, drought-resistant farming, and current technology, which offer alternatives to chemical-heavy methods, with special insight from Mike and Chris Benziger.
A focus on the emerging role women in leadership within the wine industry and a glimpse into what the future and climate change can hold for wine producers and consumers.
Healthy Vines, Pure Wines: Methods in Organic, Biodynamic, Natural and Sustainable Viticulture, by Pamela Lanier and J. N. Hughes, is available in print and digital format from Business Expert Press.