IN PHOTOS: Demeter's Oregon Short Course: Biodynamic Wine Grape Growing and Winemaking

Demeter launched its 2015 Biodynamic Wine Short Course with a daylong event March 23 at Maysara Winery in McMinnville, Oregon, with a lineup of both California and Oregon experts in Biodynamic grape growing and winemaking.

Enjoy these photos of the day, photographed by Max Marriott.

Moe Momtazi of Maysara welcomed the audience
and delivered a keynote focusing on the commonality
of traditional farming practices across different cultures.

The spacious winery was the perfect setting for the day long class.

Paul Dolan, founder of Bonterra, Paul Dolan Vineyards
and other ventures, delivered a basic introduction
to Biodynamics. Dolan wrote the first book on
the wine industry and sustainability (True to Our Roots)
back in 2003 and was Chairman of the Wine Institute in
2006. He currently serves as the President of Demeter
USA's Board of Directors)

The morning panel on wine grape growing featured four local experts: Nadine
Basile of Soter Vineyards (far right), Clay Wesson of Brooks Wine (center right),
Jessica Cortell, Ph.D. of Chemetka Community College (center left) and Vitis Terra
and Rudy Marchesi (far left) of Montinore Estate. Also featured were Glenn
McGourty, Ph.D., U.C. Farm Advisor (center) and Pam Strayer as moderator

Elizabeth Candelario, co-director of Demeter USA, provided an overview of
the Biodynamic marketplace, briefing the group on the growing demand from
Whole Foods for Biodynamic food products and new Biodynamic product launches
from Annie's and other big brands

Jim Fulmer, Demeter USA co-director, briefed the
audience on Bioydnamic certification details

The afternoon winemaker panel featured (from left to right) Tahmiene Momtazi
of Maysara Winery, Ben Thomas of Montinore Estate, Gilles de Domingo of
Cooper Mountain Vineyards, moderator Pam Strayer, and Dan Rinke of
Johan Vineyards in a spirited discussion on practical as well as little known
techniques

Following the seminar, participants enjoyed a Biodynamic wine tasting, featuring more than 25 wines from Oregon and Washington producers including Willamette Valley producers Brooks Wines, Cooper Mountain Vineyards, Johan Vineyards, Maysara and Montinore Estate, and Washington vintners Hedges Family Estate (from Red Mountain AVA) and Wilridge Winery (from Naches Heights AVA). Click here for photos of the wine tasting.