GREEN. ECO. LIVE.
Organic. Biodynamic.
Salmon-Safe.
Red, White, and “Green” Wine
Oregon has been a front-runner in the “Green” movement for quite some time. So it’s no surprise that some of the best wines Oregon has to offer, and some of the best Pinot Noir’s in the world, would be made from sustainable vineyards. However, the reasons may surprise you – or not.
Over 25% of Oregon’s vineyards are certified “sustainable” – Organic, BioDynamic or LIVE. Even more are at least Salmon-Safe. Add in those vineyards who use sustainable farming practices, but have not been certified and you’ll see just how passionate and committed Oregon is to helping preserve the environment.
So what is “green” wine? Read below, and then come on an Eco-Wine Tour and see for yourself!
Certified Organic
Basically meaning, wine made from organically grown grapes. Free of herbicides, pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.
There are different types of Organic wines and they varying definitions across the world.
In the USA, to be USDA certified organic at least 95 percent of the ingredients in the wine must be organic, and it contains no additives, such as sulfites or tartaric acid.
A more common label is “made with organically grown grapes.” This is often due to adding just a small amount of sulfites to extend the shelf live. This requires a minimum of 70-percent organic ingredients, and the wine may contain added sulfites.
In Oregon, Oregon Tilth is wholly dedicated to certifying biologically sound and socially equitable agriculture. Oregon Tilth, is an internationally noted research and education organization, leading sustainable growing practices since 1974.
Demeter Certified Biodynamic
A Demeter Certified Biodynamic farm is like an organic farm, but takes the process a step further. The farm acts and is seen as one holistic system, and is looked at as a "living organism".
Demeter USA is the only certification agent for Biodynamic farms, processors and products in the United States. It recognizes two different types: biodynamic wine and wine made from biodynamic grapes. Both wines must be made with 100-percent biodynamic grapes, but biodynamic wines have more restriction and must be sourced from a single vineyard.
Salmon-Safe
Founded in 1995 by the Pacific Rivers Council of Oregon, Salmon-Safe is a non-profit organization dedicated to "restoring and maintaining agricultural and urban watersheds to ensure that salmon flourish".
Partnering with Oregon Tilth and LIVE, Salmon-Safe certified vineyards protect and restore watersheds that meet rivers where salmon spawn. They use natural methods to control pests and weeds and grow cover crops to help prevent errosion.
LIVE (Low Input Viticulture & Enology)
LIVE is a non-profit organization providing education and third-party certification for vineyards through the International Organization for Biological Control.
LIVE is the most used certification agency by Oregon’s vineyards and collaborates with Salmon-Safe.
Oregon Certified Sustainable
The Oregon Wine Board created an umbrella platform and certification program: Oregon Certified Sustainable (OCS). Launching in late 2008, any wine certified by LIVE, Demeter, Oregon Tilth, Salmon-Safe or Food Alliance (a nonprofit that certifies farms, ranches and food handlers for sustainable practices) will be able to carry the OCS label. The purpose is to have a unified logo, easily translating environmentally friendly farming and production to consumers, showing that for Oregon producers, "green is not a trend but a lifestyle."
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED awards structures based on five building strategies: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials and resources selection, and indoor environmental quality.
Rainforest Alliance: FSC Certified Cork
Willamette Valley Vineyards was the first winery in the world to use these sustainable stoppers from FSC- and Rainforest Alliance-certified cork forests.
