Our Story
Established in 1996, Oso Libre, meaning “Free Bear” in Spanish represents our blended family names and the spirit of the early California pioneers. Family owned and operated, the vineyards and winery are located on our 90-acre working ranch within the Paso Robles AVA, situated in the acclaimed Adelaida region. In 1996, Chris and Linda Behr purchased 90 acres of raw land along with the original turn of the 20th century beautiful, old homestead and began building a modern working ranch. In 2000, they planted the vineyards as part of a long-term plan to develop a diversified agriculture business. In 2008 Jeff and Elizabeth Freeland joined to begin our family winery business.
We produce award winning, artisanal estate wines in limited quantities. Our sustainably farmed vineyards are deeply rooted in rugged calcareous (limestone) hills exposed to sunshine and ocean breezes consistently producing rich, complex fruit. Our harvest usually comes late in October or early November, which is at least six weeks longer than in warmer climates. This extended hang time for the grapes rewards us with premium and sophisticated fruit, resulting in exceptional wine. We invite you to experience our distinct estate vintages, blends and dessert wines.
Sustainable Farming
Preserving our environment, we proudly utilize sustainable agricultural practices and renewable energy strategies. Olde English Babydoll sheep, grass fed Black Angus and free range chickens all work together to tend our vine rows and graze land. Our Babydoll sheep program was implemented strictly for our vineyard maintenance in accordance with our sustainable farming practices. Thanks to the sheep’s small size and robust character these remarkable little full time workers graze our vineyards and are ideal for organic weed abatement, fertilization and soil management. As an adjunct, our free-range chickens are social partners to our sheep and cattle and assist in providing nutrients, fertilization and insect control to our vineyard. These charming allies all help to reduce our dependence on energy consumption and pesticides. When you visit our tasting room, we believe you too will be captivated by their presence and work ethic.
The wind and sun supply over 100% of our electricity for our winery. We conserve energy by proudly utilizing our progressive Wind Energy Conversion Facility (WECF) or windmill, 77 solar panels, and our electric all- terrain vehicles.
In conjunction with our vineyards and winery, Oso Libre is a traditional San Luis Obispo cattle ranch. Our Black Angus cattle are free range, grass fed, hormone free animals. We are excited about the future of our Angus beef program.
Sustainability In Practice Certified (SIP)
All of our Vines and Estate Wines at Oso Libre are SIP (Sustainability in Practice) certified. This means that we, as a way of life, focus on habitat conservation, energy efficiency, pest management, water conservation, economic stability, and human resources.
Sustainable agriculture rests on the principle that we must meet the needs of the present with out compromising the ability for future generations to meet their own needs. It addresses stewardship of both natural and human resources and in agriculture it means that decisions are made with the whole farm system in mind as well as productivity in the long and short term.
The term sustainable agriculture means an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will, over the long term:
“satisfy human food and fiber needs; enhance environmental
quality and natural resource base upon which the agricultural
economy depends; make the most efficient use of
nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate,
where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls;
sustain the economic viability of farm operations; and enhance
the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.”
- 1990 Farm Bill
Learn all about the importance of the SIP program at The Central Coast Vineyard Team website. Also, view this presentation for a very succinct discussion of SIP.
Why SIP Certification?
- SIP Certification is available to growers and wineries throughout California
- SIP looks at the whole farm verifying the farmers commitment to environmental stewardship, equitable treatment of employees, and business sustainability
- SIP is a practice and performance based program – every requirement and management enhancement has to do with practices and is measurable, therefore auditable
- SIP has a high threshold for eligibility – not every grower can qualify
- SIP prohibits the use of high risk pesticides (organophosphates, groundwater contaminants, just to name a few)
- A bottle of wine can bear the SIP Seal, given it has undergone a chain of custody audit confirming it is made with at least 85% SIP Certified fruit. This provides consumers and the trade a clear indication of your commitment to sustainable practices, providing another reason for a consumer to buy your wine