Our Tribute to the Wine Makers of Oregon
The Pacific Northwest is known for its majestic landscape and lush environments, as well as for fostering a love for responsible land stewardship. Preserving agricultural integrity through sustainable practices is and will always be a top priority for our Willamette Valley wineries. In fact, an impressive 48% of the Willamette Valley’s vineyards are certified sustainable according to the Willamette Valley Wineries Association.
Biodynamic Farming and Sustainable Wines
Many wineries throughout the valley adhere to biodynamic farming standards, which is a way of engaging with the land with an organic approach that does not include harmful chemicals such as pesticides, fungicides, or synthetic fertilizers. Biodynamic farming not only protects the surrounding landscapes and ecosystems, but also improves the quality of grapes and the overall well-being of vineyards and their stewards, leading to more refined and naturally flavorful wines.
More and more vineyards are transitioning to certified sustainable farming practices. As an ideal environment for wine cultivation, the Willamette Valley upholds high standards of sustainability in order to preserve the natural environment and produce pure and delicious wine, now and for generations to come. Through wine country tourism, many vineyards demonstrate a commitment to excellence by following biodynamic practices. Visitors have the chance to see these practices at work and at scale, providing thought provocation and the inspiration to replicate these practices in home gardens.
Wine Tourism in Oregon
The Willamette Valley region certainly has made a name for itself; with 736 wineries and 931 vineyards in Willamette Valley AVA alone, one might assume national name recognition. Yet, when it comes to volume, the average Oregon winery only produces about 4,600 12-bottle cases per year. For this reason, rarely does our wine get shipped out of state. This is due to many wineries being small, independently run and geographically situated in one of the region’s countless microclimates. This helps the region to distinguish itself from other wine growing regions, like the nationally recognized Napa Valley in California. Here in Oregon, growers understand that working with nature and supporting regional ecology is important to their clients. Tourists come to our wineries to immerse themselves in luxurious hospitality, take in the breath-taking views, and share delicious food and wine with their loved ones.