SUB-ZERO WINE BLOG

Oregon has long been known for making great Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris but now when you drink a bottle of Oregon wine, you may be doing something to support the environment. Oregon leads the charge in environmentally friendly wine, with about half of Oregon wine growers using sustainable, organic or biodynamic farming methods. There are some differences in these three methods (and their respective practicioners can go on for hours discussing the finer points), but they also have many attitudes and practices in common. In general, they don’t believe in the use of chemicals or pesticides when farming and use only natural substances to maintain healthy soil and vines. The winemakers believe that this is best for the surrounding community, but the bottom line is really that it just makes for more flavorful wine. Look for label certifications such as “Made from organically grown grapes”, “LIVE Certified”, “Salmon Safe”, “Oregon Tilth” and “Demeter Certified” and you are drinking wine that cares for the environment. For information on the various farming practices, visit oregonwine.org.