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.

Former Oregon Ducks Heisman-winning quarterback Marcus Mariota is experiencing some change to his NFL career in more ways than one.

Ahead of his 10th season in the league, Mariota is set to play for his fourth team in four years after signing with the Washington Commanders earlier this offseason. Getting to know unfamiliar surroundings has been nothing new for him over the past few seasons, as the constant change of scenery has led many to question whether or not the veteran can still produce at age 30.

He has an answer for the doubters, and is using his new jersey number as a way to constantly display the message for himself and those watching.

Mariota will be wearing No. 0 for Washington next season after sporting No. 8 for the Philadelphia Eagles last year. He revealed Friday when speaking to reporters why he decided to make the change. 

“Zero is something for me that’s just a reminder,” Mariota said. “I’m in year 10. People don’t think I can do it anymore. It’s just kind of a reminder everyday of ‘nobody really gives you a chance.’ And it’s cool to be able to remind yourself.”

Mariota was the No. 2 overall pick out of Oregon by the Tennessee Titans in the 2015 draft. He played five seasons in Nashville, leading the Titans to the AFC Divisional in Jan. 2018 where he squared off against Tom Brady in a 35-14 loss to the New England Patriots.

However, he’s failed to eclipse the 3,000-yard passing mark since leaving Tennessee and has struggled to find consistent production. Last season with the Eagles, Mariota appeared in three games, passing for 164 yards, one touchdown and one pick.

He and the Commanders will begin their regular season on Sunday, Sept. 8 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In Oregon this year, we can vote to establish ranked-choice voting on future ballots, (“Ranked-choice voting could come to Oregon, if voters say yes in 2024,” June 25). RCV is a system of ballot voting that allows voters to list their top three to five candidates in order of preference instead of casting their vote for a single candidate. This form of voting gives us the chance to strengthen our democratic representation and to ensure that each vote counts.

Giving us the power to choose a list of candidates would mean that our representative may end up being someone other than our first choice. However, your other favorites could be a winner. According to a survey conducted by Gallup, 63% of U.S. adults agree that a third major party is needed.