Sebastian Donoso

Sebastian Donoso was born in Chile and came to the U.S. at age 14. He completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Enology with a chemistry minor at California State University, Fresno. He later earned a certificate in Biodynamic Agriculture from Biodynamic Agricultural College in the U.K.

Sebastian’s passion for crafting sustainable wines grew, in part, from his love of astronomy. “Photographing the stars allows me to see nature with a different perspective,” he says, “and this has enabled me to have great appreciation for the environment.”

His dedication to precision and passion for sustainability drew Sebastian to Bonterra Organic Estates. “Integrity and transparency are a key part of the culture,” he says, reflecting that the winery’s numerous third-party-audited sustainability certifications “are embedded in all of us.”

Sebastian joined Bonterra Organic Estates in 2017 from Campovida, a family-owned winery in Hopland, California, where he established an acclaimed winemaking program based on small-lot, vineyard-designated wines from select Mendocino County vineyards, many farmed organically or biodynamically. Prior to Campovida, Sebastian was Enologist and Assistant Winemaker at Saracina, a Hopland winery owned by John Fetzer with 250 acres of organically farmed vines.

As Senior Winemaker, Sebastian leads his colleagues in a never-ending quest for improvement that has already elevated quality to new heights. He oversees production of Bonterra Organic Estates’ namesake portfolio, which includes the Bonterra Estate Collection and the critically acclaimed Bonterra Single Vineyard Collection: The Roost Chardonnay, The McNab Cabernet Sauvignon, and The Butler Red Blend. All of these wines are made from grapes grown on the company’s Regenerative Organic Certified® estate vineyards in Mendocino County.

Sebastian also crafts the wines of Bonterra Organic Estates’ Alea Fina label, an expressive Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley; and Sanctuary, a luxury Napa Valley brand that includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. In addition, he manages winemaking for the 1000 Stories brand, a leader in the booming spirits barrel-aged wine category.

Sebastian served for several years as a member and officer of the board of directors for Mendocino Winegrowers, Inc. (MWI), working to promote the grapes and wines of Mendocino County. Today, he leads his internal team with the goal of inspiring the world, telling the story of Bonterra Organic Estates through world-class winemaking, and unwavering dedication to sustainability in all its forms.