Meghan Murphy, our Sustainability Manager at Abbot’s Passage, has been named one of Wine Enthusiast’s Future 40—a celebration of tastemakers shaping the future of the drinks business. This recognition shines a well-deserved spotlight on Meghan’s dedication to sustainability, innovation, and forward-thinking in the wine industry. From guiding the Bundschu family ranches to organic farming to her crowning achievement of attaining Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC) status for our Rancho Agua Caliente and Rhinefarm vineyards, Meghan is leading the charge with passion and joy.
Bundschu Co.— our family of brands which includes Gundlach Bundschu, Abbot’s Passage, GUNBUN, and Huichica Music Festival—has sustainability as a core value, and Meghan’s work amplifies this commitment. Her journey to ROC certification, spanning 304 acres (imagine three and a half Disneyland-sized plots!), is a testament to her devotion to building a brighter, more resilient future for wine.
Meghan’s path to sustainability began in Haiphong, Vietnam, where stunning landscapes and vibrant agriculture inspired her. Yet the beauty was marred by the pollution brought in by garbage barges from Western countries. This eye-opening experience sparked Meghan’s journey towards a Master’s in Global Sustainability and Climate Change from the University of South Florida. Armed with knowledge and a fierce desire to protect the earth, Meghan set her sights on making a difference in the wine world—a world that thrives on the health of the land.
“Wine is completely reliant on Mother Nature,” Meghan shares with a smile. “And climate change is reshaping that relationship. If we can’t mitigate the impacts, we have to adapt—and it’s our responsibility to do it in a meaningful way.”
Her journey to achieving ROC certification was fueled by a belief in regenerative agriculture’s power to create stronger vines and healthier ecosystems. With research, strategy, and hands-on efforts, Meghan and her team shifted the focus of winegrowing from just the grapes to a celebration of the entire vineyard ecosystem.
“What drew us to ROC certification is that it’s not just about rules—it’s about science and outcomes. It makes us look at the whole land and its story, making sure that every part of the ecosystem is thriving,” Meghan explains.
Looking ahead, Meghan is brimming with excitement to continue pushing for sustainability in every facet of the wine industry. Now recognized by Wine Enthusiast’s Future 40, she’s diving headfirst into new no-till trials and studying the long-term effects of ROC practices.
When she’s not tending the vineyard, Meghan stays true to her values by supporting local farmers and reusing resources wherever she can. “Eat local, buy local—get to know your farmer,” she says with a grin. “They’re pretty cool.”
For more on the Future 40 list and Meghan’s inspiring journey, head over to Wine Enthusiast’s website, and stay tuned for more exciting updates from our team here at AP.
