Ecology is a major talking point in the world of organic and regenerative wine. We discuss living soils, biodiversity, and practices that put the earth first. This is good. In fact, it is essential.
However, there is a question that is asked far less often: can the winemaker actually make a good living from their work?
At Oé, we believe the two are inseparable. A wine that is truly good for nature and for people cannot be built on unfair business relationships. That is why we have built ours differently.
What we are doing right now
We prioritise fair and fast payment.
Sometimes we pay as soon as the wine is collected. We always strive to pay well and on time.
We commit to the long term.
We build lasting partnerships with our winemakers. This allows them to plan, invest, and take agronomic risks without the anxiety of losing a client overnight.
We do not negotiate prices downwards.
A fair price is one that covers the true costs of organic farming and a job well done. We don't visit an estate to haggle over pennies. Instead, we come to build something together. On average, we pay 15% above market rates to support our farmers.
We donate 1% of our turnover to matters beyond organic purposes.
Every year, we donate 1% of our revenue to concrete actions on the estates. This supports biodiversity, soil regeneration, and agroecological practices. This is not a symbolic gesture. It is a real financial commitment that directly benefits the land and the winemakers we work with.
We bring Ecofarms to the estates.
We co-fund audits and bio-agroecology plans tailored to each farm. This is not a top-down set of rules. It is bespoke support designed alongside the winemaker and rooted in the reality of their soil, climate, and practices.
Our projects to become even fairer.
We still have things we want to improve:
First, we will establish a guaranteed minimum price. This will not be imposed from above. It will be built together to protect our partner winemakers regardless of market fluctuations.
Second, we will create a Fair Trade Committee. This will be a shared governance space with our winemakers to set our commitments collectively and ensure they stay grounded in reality.
Finally, we will work to sign supply chain contracts with our trade partners. This aims to secure our needs over time and provide clear visibility for every producer in the Oé network.
This is our next step because we want an equitable partnership that is co-constructed.
Why this matters
We aren't saying this to pat ourselves on the back, even though we are proud of what we do.
We are saying it because the industry needs it. Too many organic and biodynamic winemakers—who do extraordinary work—are still trapped in business relationships that leave them struggling.
Furthermore, consumers who choose Oé deserve to know exactly what they are supporting when they pour a glass.
A wine that is good for nature is obviously a good thing. A wine that is also good for those who make it, is even better. Bringing the two together is our ultimate ambition.
Oé has been B Corp certified since 2017. We work every day to ensure this certification reflects a concrete reality, not just a score.
