VinePair Names Alice Anderson Winemaker of the Year
The Santa Barbara producer is recognized for her commitment to regenerative and biodynamic farming at the Ibarra-Young vineyard.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Wine
Live Poll
Do you prioritize buying wine produced with organic and regenerative farming methods?
VinePair has named Alice Anderson as its Winemaker of the Year. Anderson produces wine under the Âmevive label and manages 20 acres of farmland, including the 10-acre Ibarra-Young vineyard in Santa Barbara.
Why it matters
Anderson utilizes regenerative farming practices to reinvigorate soils and foster a balanced ecosystem for grape production. By avoiding chemical sprays and using livestock for land management, she seeks to create a sustainable environment for high-quality viticulture.
The Ibarra-Young site, established in 1971, spans 10 acres and has been farmed organically since 1993. Anderson currently manages a total of 20 acres of vineyard land.
The players
Alice Anderson
She is the founder of the Âmevive wine label and a practitioner of regenerative and biodynamic agriculture.
VinePair
It is a digital media company that provides news, education, and reviews focused on the wine, beer, and spirits industries.
The details
Anderson manages her vineyard site by introducing pollinator rows, hedgerows, and livestock to graze the land. She relies on balanced ecosystem management rather than chemical sprays to reduce insect and disease pressure on her vines.
Timeline
The Ibarra-Young vineyard was first established in 1971.
Marsanne was planted at the vineyard in 1973.
The site began organic farming practices in 1993.
Anderson began leasing the Ibarra-Young vineyard in 2019.
Culture Shift
This recognition highlights a broader societal and industrial shift toward sustainable agriculture, moving away from conventional chemical-heavy farming. It reflects growing consumer and industry support for regenerative and biodynamic practices that prioritize soil health and long-term land stewardship.
Readers interested in sustainable food and beverage production can support local agriculture by seeking out Âmevive wines sourced from the Ibarra-Young site. This shift encourages consumers to consider the environmental footprint of their purchases and the value of locally managed, biodynamic ecosystems.
The takeaway
Supporting producers who utilize biodynamic and regenerative methods can help ensure the long-term viability of agricultural lands. Implementing similar, small-scale ecological management techniques at home can also help foster biodiversity in backyard gardens.
Further reading
Discover more about local viticulture in the Santa Barbara Wine section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by VinePair.
Live Poll
Do you prioritize buying wine produced with organic and regenerative farming methods?
