I’m guessing many of my readers need no introduction to biodynamic farming, but for those who might be hazy on the concept, it is an approach to farming popularized by Rudolph Steiner in 1924 through a series of lectures he gave on the subject. The principles of biodynamics are many, and varied, but they focus on building living, healthy soils, through the elimination of all chemical herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides, the use of composts and other homeopathic treatments for soil and vines, and an attempt to create a holistic, self-sufficient ecosystem on the farm that includes people and animals.

Depending on how some people practice it, there can also be a lot of astrological and spiritual concepts woven into daily practice, but not all practitioners incorporate these elements in their work.

Hardcore, peer-reviewed scientific studies on the superiority of biodynamic methods over merely organic farming are limited, but enough anecdotal evidence exists to have convinced many in the wine industry (myself included) that it can produce exceptional winegrapes, and exceptional wines, including a number of the world’s greatest wines, such as Domaine de la Romanée Conti.

Biodynamics got started in Oregon in the 1990s, fairly early in the global scheme of things. I became aware of one of the state’s early pioneers, Cooper Mountain Vineyards in the early 2000s. These days there are dozens of Oregon producers farming biodynamically, some certified, some merely using biodynamic principles.

A chunk of those producers are getting together to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Rudolph Steiner’s famous agriculture lectures, and to showcase their wines in a walk-around tasting in McMinnville on June 8th.

The event will also feature “light bites from local caterers and restaurants.”

Producers pouring at the event will include: Analemma Wines, Art + Science, Cider and Wine, Brick House Vineyards, Brooks Wine, Cooper Mountain Vineyards, Cowhorn, Domaine Willamette, Johan Vineyards, King Estate Winery, Montinore Estate, Soter Vineyards, Troon Vineyard, Upper Five Vineyard, and Winderlea Vineyard & Winery.

It’s not a long list, but it’s got a few of my favorite Oregon producers on the list, so it’s likely to be a delicious way to spend an afternoon.

Oregon Biodynamics Centennial Tasting
Saturday, June 8th, 2024
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
The Bindery Event Space
610 NE 4th Street
McMinnville, OR 97128 (map)

Tickets for the stroll-around tasting are $60, and can be purchased online.