Debut Organic Wine Conference Puts Farmers First

I attended this AWESOME conference and will have much more to say about it in coming weeks, but here is where the story starts…

by Organic Wine Conference

Mar 28, 2025

DUNDEE, Ore., (March 27, 2025) – For the first time in Willamette Valley history, vintners, farmers, wine consumers, and trade gathered on March 22 to specifically celebrate and discuss the impacts of organic farming practices on fine wine. Hosted at Alexana Winery, the inaugural Organically Grown Wine Conference brought together over 300 people for an interactive experience focused on showcasing the importance of organic practices and the effects of farming on fine wines. The day-long event was designed and led by the Organic Growers Network, a cohort of Willamette Valley-based farmers and viticulturists working with organic methods, and included insights from over 20 wineries, local food producers, chefs, sommeliers, and journalists.

"Organic farming is about collaboration at its core," says Alexana Director of Viticulture Drew Herman, a founding member of the Organic Winegrowers Network. "In the field, it’s about collaborating with nature. The Network was formed by Rob Schultz of Lemelson Vineyards so farmers could collaborate more efficiently. And with this event, we wanted to show folks from casual consumers to wine experts that the organic principles of health, ecology, fairness and care also include collaborating with our community at every step of the process—because our efforts are much more effective when we work together. And the wine tastes a whole lot better, too."

The cooperative nature of the Organic Growers Network was palpable across the event, which welcomed consumers and leading voices in the wine trade and media. The event was organized by Alexana Winery, Lemelson Vineyards, and the Oregon Organic Coalition, with support from the Culinary Breeding Network, Soter Vineyards, and the USDA’s Organic Transition Initiative. The day also included organic food from Cascade Organic, Wooden Heart, Naked Grazing, Organically Grown Company and Organic Valley, plus support from Field Day Public Relations, Visit McMinnville, and Travel Oregon, among others.

The conference’s hands-on field tours were highly attended as consumers expressed interest in witnessing common organic practices such as composting, cover cropping, and rotational grazing. In addition, leading voices in Oregon wine and organic certification spoke during an engaging panel discussion on The Impact of Organic Production on Wine Quality. Moderated by Elaine Chukan-Brown of Wine Enthusiast, the panel featured Jason Lett (The Eyrie Vineyards), Luisa Ponzi (Ponzi Vineyards) Chris Schreiner (Oregon Tilth), and Drew Herman (Alexana). Overall, the event significantly increased local understanding of how farming methods influence finished wine.

"We are thrilled with the turnout and conversations that arose at the conference," says Herman. "Not only were we able to introduce so many farmers to the folks enjoying their wines, but the day offered a chance for us to go deeper and really show people what’s happening in the vineyards to make the wines they love. It’s not something we get a chance to do often, and I already can’t wait to do it again."