Looking to discover the best Biodynamic wineries in Oregon?
Then you’re in the right place!
I’ve had the pleasure of wine-tasting at several sustainable wineries in Oregon, and I must say, it was an exquisite experience!
But today, I’m especially thrilled to share with you the gems that truly stood out: the Biodynamic vineyards.
These wineries aren’t just about the heavenly sips they offer; they have a unique story to tell. They operate on sustainable practices, working together with Mother Nature, and it’s this ethos that makes their wine even more special.
Read on as we embark on a journey to discover some of the best Biodynamic wineries in Oregon. Trust me; these are experiences you won’t want to miss!
Pro tip: The best way to explore Oregon wine country is on a guided tour. A few recommended Oregon wine tours include:
🍇 Private Customized Willamette Valley Wine Maker Tour with Lunch
⛰️ Full-Day Mt Hood Waterfall Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting
🌊 Waterfalls & Wine Tour: Multnomah Falls, Vineyards & Hood River
What Is Biodynamic Wine?
Before we go over the Biodynamic wineries in Oregon you should visit, let’s define what Biodynamic wine is.
In short, Biodynamic wine is as natural as possible, and processed in harmony with the Earth. Wine is as much complex as it is simple, and the biodynamic process is no different.
The Biodynamic process of making wine is split into two categories: growing the grapes and making the wine.
Growing Biodynamic grapes is very similar to permaculture: the vigneron allows the grapes to grow with little input, following agricultural phases and planting adjacent beneficial crops.
Biodynamic grapes go beyond sustainable and organic: no chemicals are used at all, and instead, any necessary additions are natural and āold-worldā.
In addition to being natural, Biodynamic practices often include an astrological planting calendar and fertilization techniques with a spiritual and mystical demeanor. It is thought that biodynamic growing practices lead to better soil fertility and healthier vineyards.
Fortune Magazine held a blind tasting that found 9 out of 10 Biodynamic wines ranked higher than traditional wines in taste.
In the US, wines that are accredited to be Biodynamic will be labeled as Demeter Biodynamic certified.
Where Is Wine Country In Oregon?
Oregon’s wine regions run primarily along the valleys of the western part of the state, with Willamette Valley being the largest.
Columbia Gorge and Walla Walla are much smaller regions, which cross the northern Oregon border into Washington. Wines grown in the Gorge tend to be riper and more acidic. Popular Walla Walla varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon as well as Syrah and Merlot.
Willamette Valley, Umpqua Valley, and Rogue Valley span the length of Oregon nestled in the valley between the Cascade Mountains and the Western Coast.
Willamette Valley is the largest wine region in Oregon at 150 miles long, boasting over 700 wineries and 11 AVA regions. This area is where Oregon’s most famous varietals emanate: notably Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but also Pinot Gris and Reisling.
Further South, Oregon’s Umpqua Valley also produces Pinot Noir, in addition to Pinot Gris, Syrah, Tempranillo, Merlot, and the lesser-known Albarino with its sedimentary and volcanic soils.
Reaching the border with California is Rogue Valley, lush with the Rogue and Applegate rivers and abounding in stream sediments. These vineyards offer Pinor Noir and Chardonnay, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Viognier, and Pinot Gris wines.
Biodynamic Wineries In Oregon
As of 2019, Oregon accounts for 52% of all Demeter Certified Biodynamic acreage in the country.
In general, Oregon is a leader in sustainable practices, with over 9,705 of nearly 42,000 planted vineyard acres (23.16%) being LIVE-certified. There is a reason some of the best wine in the United States is made here.
To help you experience this delicious side of the state for yourself, here are some of the best wineries that are certified Biodynamic in Oregon that you must visit:
Willamette Valley
There are 11 certified AVAās within Oregon’s Willamette Valley:
- Chehalem Mountains
- Dundee Hills
- Eola-Amity Hills
- Laurelwood District
- Lower Long Tom
- McMinnville
- Mount Pisgah (Polk County, Oregon)
- Ribbon Ridge
- Tualatin Hills
- Van Duzer Corridor
- Yamhill-Carlton
On that note, here are a few notable Biodynamic Oregon wine producers from Willamette Valley, sorted by AVA:
1) King Estate Winery
If you’re searching for a memorable Biodynamic wine in the Willamette Valley, a great place to start is King Estate Winery.
The winery boasts the largest Biodynamic-certified vineyard in North America, ensuring every sip is packed with pure, vibrant flavors that embody the region’s rich terroir.
Visitors are encouraged to make a reservation to guarantee a spot in their lavish tasting room with incredible panoramic views, where attentive and knowledgeable staff guide guests through a curated selection of wines.
The winery’s most popular offerings are their Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, both of which have won numerous awards and accolades for their complexity, depth, and distinctive character.
One of the few Oregon wineries with food, King Estate boasts incredible options. Small bites are also available to order, or stop by on a weekend for a delectable upscale brunch.
This unforgettable tasting journey at King Estate Winery is sure to be a highlight of your visit to Oregon’s wine country.
McMinnville AVA
2) Maysara Winery
One of my favorite McMinnville wineries is Maysara, an Iranian-owned winery with female-made wines and a Biodynamic certification.
Maysara is a Persian word meaning “wine,” and the wines grown here from our local Momtazi Vineyards carry as much flavor as they do significance.
Says the Maysara team, “We practice low-impact, holistic farming methods in our Demeter certified Biodynamic vineyard and carry this philosophy into the cellar, where our Biodynamic winemaking practices produce wines with intensity and elegance while maintaining natural harmony between fruit and earth.”
Maysara Winery was recently featured in the groundbreaking documentary film SOMM: Cup of Salvation which follows an Armenian family who smuggle forbidden, ancient grapes out of Iran to produce wine. Though they are now located in Oregon, the Momtazi family have their own story of escape from Iran.
Tastings are available at the Maysara tasting room in McMinnville by appointment on most days. Charcuterie boards can be pre-ordered with 48 hours’ noticeāwhich I highly recommend as adding food can greatly embellish the flavor of the wines.
The Jamsheed Pinot Noir, named after an ancient Persian king said to have seen the entire kingdom in his chalice, was one of my favorites to taste.
I also enjoyed the Arsheen Pinot Gris, named after the Princess of 500 BC who, due to her refined palate, was a winemaker in the palace.
Dundee Hills AVA
3) Winderlea Vineyard and Winery
Nestled in the heart of Oregon’s wine country, the Dundee Hills, you’ll find a gem among Biodynamic wineriesāWinderlea Vineyard and Winery.
Recognized as a certified B Corporation, which measures a company’s overall social and environmental impact, Winderlea is committed to balancing profit and purpose.
Winderlea specializes in award-winning varietals including Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as well as sparkling wine, each carefully crafted to embody the unique terroir of the Dundee Hills.
The winery’s principles of sustainable and Biodynamic viticulture result in wines that express the purity and intensity of their fruit flavors with a nod to the land’s volcanic and marine sedimentary soils.
Winderlea welcomes wine enthusiasts for tastings by appointment daily. It’s an opportunity not just to savor their exquisite wines, but also to immerse yourself in the winery’s tranquil, picturesque setting.
Feeling adventurous? Book a Clue tasting where wines are poured blind and the group works together to determine which they are tasting, or perhaps a vineyard hike.
Booking a visit promises an unforgettable experience of Oregon’s sustainable winemaking practices and a deeper understanding of the harmonious relationship between the land and the wine it produces.
Tualatin Hills AVA
4) Montinore Estate
Montinore Estate is a remarkable organic winery in Oregon. As one of the largest producers of certified estate wines made from Biodynamic grapes in the country, Montinore passionately upholds its commitment to the land with over 200 acres under vine.
The wines at Montinore Estate are a genuine reflection of the unique region. Their most popular wines include Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, GewĆ¼rztraminer, and Riesling.
Each of these wines reflects the estate’s dedication to crafting wines that embody their terroir. When visiting, you can explore these wines through standard tasting flights, or delve into their library collection with a reserve tasting.
Both experiences are offered daily, but be sure to check the Montinore Estate website for current hours and any variations due to weather or special events. This is a chance to taste some of the best wines from Biodynamic vineyards in Oregon.
Ribbon Ridge AVA
5) Brick House Vineyards
Tucked away in the state’s Ribbon Ridge AVA, Brick House Vineyards has made a name for itself as one of Oregon’s top Biodynamic wineries. What used to be a 90-year-old horse barn now serves as the heart of this dedicated, sustainable winery.
Brick House Vineyards is committed to Biodynamic farming practices, and the result is a range of wines that are renowned for their depth, complexity, and environmental responsibility.
They are especially known for their Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Gamay Noir. Each of these wines is a testament to the winery’s exceptional care for the land and dedication to low-intervention winemaking.
Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the Brick House experience through their seated tasting sessions.
During these tastings, you’ll sample their current flight of wines and learn about the history of Brick House and their commitment to sustainable farming. All this happens just a stone’s throw away from the vines themselves, letting you connect directly with the land that produces these spectacular wines.
Eola-Amity Hills AVA
6) Brooks Wine
If you’re planning a tour of natural wine in the Willamette Valley, make sure to add Brooks Wine to your itinerary.
Nestled in the picturesque Eola-Amity Hills AVA, Brooks Wine is a certified B Corp winery that is dedicated to Biodynamic farming and sustainable viticulture practices.
Brooks is well-known for their Riesling and Pinot Noir, which are noted for their complexity and balance. During your visit, be sure to partake in one of their informative wine tastings that allow you to sample their current releases while learning more about their wines and winemaking philosophy.
They also offer a selection of locally sourced dishes to pair with their wines. A particular highlight is the burrata peach salad, which I had the pleasure of enjoying during my visit. Its fresh, vibrant flavors beautifully complemented the wines.
For those interested in delving deeper into Biodynamic practices, Brooks also conducts classes on subjects like spring planting and medicinal plants. These educational offerings enhance your understanding of their commitment to sustainability and align with their B Corp status, which underscores their dedication to balancing profit with purpose.
Overall, a visit to Brooks Wine offers a unique, enjoyable insight into Biodynamic wine in Oregon.
Columbia Gorge
7) Analemma Wines
Located in the stunning Columbia Gorge wine region, Analemma Wines is one of the premier stops for lovers of Biodynamic wines.
Named after the figure-8 shape that tracks the sun’s position throughout the year, Analemma Wines embodies the essence of natural cycles, with their farming techniques and wine production following the rhythms of nature.
One of the stand-out events at Analemma is their Collaboration Dinner Series. Here, they partner with local chefs for an evening of refined culinary delights paired with their Biodynamic wines. It’s a delicious opportunity to taste their popular wines, such as their Mosier Hills Estate Godello and Atavus Vineyard Gewurztraminer, alongside delectable dishes.
When it comes to tasting experiences, the Winemaker’s Tasting is a great place to start. This guided experience gives you a chance to try five of their current releases.
Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, the Mystery Wine Tasting will test your tasting skills with blind samples of four wines.
For a more immersive experience, consider the Orchard Tasting, where you’ll learn about Analemma’s unique terroir while tasting wines within the apple orchard.
The Exploratory Field Tasting is another terrific option that takes you on a curated walking tour of their vineyards and ends with a seated tasting.
Or, opt for the Twenty-Mile Picnic, which includes a picnic basket filled with local ingredients from no more than 20 miles away to enjoy with your chosen wines in an idyllic setting.
In summary, a visit to Analemma Wines is a journey through the cycle of nature, expressed in each sip of their Biodynamic wines. It’s a place where the passion for sustainable practices blends seamlessly with the art of winemaking.
Rogue Valley
8) Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden
Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden, located in the scenic Rogue Valley, is another must-visit destination for lovers of Biodynamic wine.
The vineyard is well-regarded for its exemplary RhƓne varietals, particularly the Biodynamic-certified Syrah, which boasts a robust and flavorful profile.
Other noteworthy wines from Cowhorn include the Marsanne-Roussanne, a white blend with a rich texture and complex flavors, and the Viognier, a flavorful white wine with a fragrant aroma.
Book a standard tasting or a pairing with wood-fired pizza. For a more holistic experience, the Supper Club offers a 5-course meal paired with selected wines.
In essence, Cowhorn Vineyard offers not just Biodynamic wines but an opportunity to understand and engage with sustainable practices that enhance the quality and taste of their wines.
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned wine taster, you’re certain to find a wine experience suited to your preferences at this Oregon vineyard.
9) Troon Vineyard
Troon Vineyard is a haven for those keen on tasting organic wine in Oregon. Known for their Biodynamic and Regenerative Organic certifications, they are passionate about preserving the unique qualities of each vintage.
Their minimalist approach to winemaking, combined with the fertile soils of the Applegate Valley, results in wines that truly express the character of their environment.
Troon is celebrated for its eclectic variety of wines. Among them, the Kubli Bench Amber, an orange wine, stands out for its distinctive character and complex flavor profile. This Biodynamic wine is a favorite among many visitors for its bold yet balanced taste.
Reserve a tasting at their beautiful tasting room in Grant’s Pass, or book a private tasting with a dedicated wine educatorācomplete with a charcuterie board!
Located in Grant’s Pass, the vineyard is close to Oregon’s only national park. Glamping near Crater Lake in Klamath Falls nearby would make a perfect getaway.
Troon Vineyard is more than just a wine-tasting destination; it offers insight into how sustainable practices can enhance the winemaking process.
10) Upper Five Vineyard
Upper Five Vineyard, also nestled in Oregon’s picturesque Rogue Valley, is a must-visit destination for those seeking a Biodynamic wine experience.
Their farming practicesācertified Biodynamic since January 2018āyield wines that are as vibrant and intriguing as they are sustainable.
Says Upper Five Vineyard team, “We believe this farming and a hands-off natural wine-making philosophy produce vibrant, intriguing wines that honestly tell the story of a place and time.”
Upper Five is renowned for its Tempranillo and Syrahātwo reds that beautifully reflect the unique terroir of the Rogue Valley. Their Sauvignon Blanc and Grenache, also farmed with Biodynamic practices, are equally lauded for their lively character and depth of flavor.
Whether you prefer red or white wine, Upper Five offers expressive, sustainably produced options that truly tell the story of their origin.
To try these wonderful wines, book a tasting at the Upper Five tasting roomāwhich are available by appointment only. It’s an experience not to be missed on your journey through Oregon’s Biodynamic wine scene.
Map Of Oregon’s Biodynamic Wineries
To help you easily visit the above-mentioned Biodynamic Oregon wineries and eco-friendly wine options, here is a map:
Click here for the interactive version of the map.
Oregon Wine Tours
Prefer to explore Oregon wine country on a guided tour? A few top recommendations include:
- 🍷 Willamette Valley Wine Tour with Lunch
- ⛰️ Full-Day Mt Hood Waterfall Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting
- 🍇 Private Customized Willamette Valley Wine Maker Tour with Lunch
- 🌊 Waterfalls & Wine Tour: Multnomah Falls, Vineyards & Hood River
- 🥂 Willamette Valley Character Winery Tour
➡️ Click here for a full list of Oregon wine tours.
Final Thoughts On Biodynamic Wine In Oregon
Exploring Oregon’s Biodynamic wineries offers a unique opportunity to taste exquisite wines, experience sustainable farming practices first-hand, and immerse oneself in the breathtaking landscapes of the valleys of Oregon wine country.
These wineries are not only dedicated to producing delicious wines but also to preserving our environment.
Whether you are a serious wine connoisseur, or just curious about sustainable and natural wine, these Biodynamic wineries in Oregon are worth a visit.