The Fermented Landscapes Lab has been working on a project with Texas wine producers since August 2023, seeking to promote and support sustainability in Texas wine. See our “phase one comprehensive report” (Dec 2024) for information about the first phase of the work.

Phase 2 of the project involves developing and implementing the “One Block Challenge” in Texas.

The “One Block Challenge” (1BC) is an initiative from the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation (RFV), a global organization dedicated to promoting regenerative viticulture and its benefits, aimed at encouraging regions to take a collective step forward. Regenerative agricultural practices are designed to improve soil structure, increase biodiversity, reduce chemical inputs, and conserve water, all of which will benefit the production of quality wine. The program invites winegrowers to dedicate a single vineyard block to regenerative practices for one year, with the goal of demonstrating measurable improvements in soil health, vine vitality, and sustainability outcomes. The size and location of the 1BC block is to be determined by program participants. Core practices required for participation in this program are to avoid mid-row tillage, implement the use cover crops, and to refrain from using synthetic herbicides. The global body spearheading the 1BC encourages additional regenerative practices by participants, but they are not required. Participation also requires that producer partners conduct specific (no- or low-cost) pre- and post-testing in the 1BC vineyard. 

Wine producers and industry affiliates are organizing the “1BC in TX,” which will launch on Tues, Nov 18, 2025 via a workshop and field day at Ab Astris Winery in Stonewall from 10 AM-1 PM. 

So far, these are our project partners:

• Producer partners: John Rivenburgh (Kerrville Hills Winery), Tate Gregory (William Chris Vineyards), Tim Drake (Michael Ros Wines), Mike and Kristen Nelson (Ab Astris), Doug Lewis (Lewis Wines), Michael Bilger (Adega Vinho) 
• Technical team: Colleen Myles (lead) + the Fermented Landscapes Lab, Jacy Lewis, Nicole Wagner, Patrick O’Brien, Nick Hillman  
• Organizational partners: Texas Wine Growers, Texas Wine Auction Foundation, Texas Hill Country Wineries, AgriLife (of Texas A&M), and Texas State University.  

We’d love it if you would join us!

Contact Dr. Colleen C. Myles for more information: cch64@txstate.edu  or 916-709-0703.

Please fill out the One Block Challenge (1BC) in Texas Interest Form so we can learn some more about you: https://forms.gle/LsgpUXfWDLAyML2z5