When it comes to sustainability, Oregon wineries are tops, with the incorporation of eco-friendly farming practices, such as dry farming and the use of natural pest control. This multi-day tour of Tualatin Valley showcases several of the region’s most eco-friendly wine producers.
Reservations may be required at wineries.
DAY ONE
Head over to Apolloni Vineyards (LIVE certified), which produces a variety of red and white varietals, made from estate-grown grapes, as well as grapes sourced from other vineyards. Winemaker Alfredo Apolloni developed his passion for viticulture and winemaking in his youth, while working summers at the family vineyard and villa in Italy. Today, Apolloni produces red and white Italian-style Oregon wines from sustainably-grown wine grapes that reflect Alfredo’s passion for winemaking and the terroir from which the grapes are grown. Apolloni is one of the few Oregon wines to produce a Pinot Grigio (most Oregon wineries produce Burgundian Pinot Gris).
DAY TWO
Start the day with the sweet and savory Japanese bread at Oyatsupan Bakers. Owner and head baker Hiroyuki Horie opened Oyatsupan Bakers in May 2016 to fill a void: the lack of places to get traditional Japanese bread in the Portland area. The bakery offers a variety of Japanese sweet treats, such as cream puffs, an pan, sweet buns and other pastries.
Next, taste wine at Ponzi Vineyards (LIVE certified). Founded in 1970 by the Ponzi family, Ponzi Vineyards is internationally acclaimed for producing some of the world’s finest, limited production Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, White Riesling, Arneis and Dolcetto. Ponzi is one of the pioneering wineries of Oregon, and also specializes in Italian-style Oregon wines from wine grapes grown sustainably.
Visit Smith Berry Barn and step inside the historic barn and browse the selection of gourmet food products, distinctive gifts, kitchen goods, candles and teas. Cap off the visit with a milkshake made with fruit fresh from the farm.
Back to wine tasting, this time at Cooper Mountain Vineyards (Demeter-certified biodynamic and organic), the Pacific Northwest’s first biodynamic/organic winery. The vineyard was established in 1978, and have been adhering to biodynamic and organic farming practices since the mid-1990s. In 1999, it was the first vineyard/winery to be Demeter-certified biodynamic in the Pacific Northwest. Cooper Mountain also a leader in searching and producing sulfite-free wines.
Drink responsibly. Please do not drink and drive. Bring a designated driver.
ABOUT THE CERTIFICATIONS
LIVE Certified Sustainable: LIVE-certified wines are independently certified to meet strict international standards for environmentally and socially responsible wine growing and winemaking in the Pacific Northwest. LIVE certification is one of the most authoritative sustainability accreditations in the wine world.
Demeter Biodynamic Certification: Demeter USA is the only certifier for Biodynamic farms and products in America. While all of the organic requirements for certification under the National Organic Program are required for Biodynamic certification, the Demeter standard is much more extensive, with stricter requirements around imported fertility, greater emphasis on on-farm solutions for disease, pest, and weed control, and in depth specifications around water conservation and biodiversity.