Cooper Mountain Vineyards Celebrates 10th Year as a Biodynamic Winery

Cooper Mountain Vineyards Celebrates 10th Year as a Biodynamic Winery
Oregon’s Pioneer Organic and Biodynamic Winery Moves Forward with Green Mission

BEAVERTON, Ore.—(October 13, 2009)— This year’s harvest marks Cooper Mountain Vineyard’s 10-year milestone as a pioneer in biodynamic viticulture practices. In 1991, owner Dr. Robert Gross led the winery to become the first certified biodynamic winery in Oregon; presently there are six other certified biodynamic wineries in the state.

Says owner Bob Gross, “At Cooper Mountain, we take a holistic approach to winemaking. Our operation is a living organism, so by tending to its health, we also preserve the health of the planet. I hope that we’ve inspired other companies to start implementing biodynamic agriculture, or at least to take another look at farming and cellar practices. We are looking forward to many great vintages to come and are eager to see more wineries take the step toward biodynamic certification.”

Also known as “super organic agriculture,” biodynamic farming is defined by its holistic approach, with the intent of creating and maintaining a self-sustaining ecosystem within crops. In biodynamic viticulture, vines are planted and fertilized according to the rhythms of the earth and often are nurtured using formulas made from animal manure, tree bark, flowers and other organic materials. In order to be certified biodynamic, a winery must first be certified organic, then adhere to strict biodynamic practices for four consecutive years. Demeter USA (www.demeter-usa.org) is the only organization in the U.S. that can certify a winery as biodynamic.

Ten years after receiving biodynamic certification, 31-year-old Cooper Mountain Vineyards remains committed to innovation and crafting premium wines while respecting the soil and climate of the grapes.

Cooper Mountain Vineyards at a glance:

Timeline

• 1978—First vineyards planted.
• 1987—First vintage released.
• 1995—Vineyards certified organic by Oregon Tilth.
• 1999—Vineyards certified biodynamic by Demeter.
• 2002—Winery certified organic for operations and processing by Oregon Tilth.
• 2002—Becomes first U.S. winery to gain label approval for a no-sulfite-added wine under new National Organic Program Standards.

The Wines:

Pinot Noir
Oregon Pinot Noir, Reserve, and Five Elements (Meadowlark, Mountain Terroir, Old Vines, No Sulfite Added)
Pinot Gris
Oregon Pinot Gris, Reserve, and Five Elements (Old Vines)
Tocai Friulano
Oregon Tocai Friulano
Chardonnay
Oregon Chardonnay, Reserve, and Five Elements (Old Vines)
Pinot Blanc
Oregon Pinot Blanc Vin Glace
Malbec
A deep red wine made in Argentina using organic grapes, imported and available only at Cooper Mountain Vineyards

Located in Beaverton, Ore., and founded in 1978, Cooper Mountain Vineyards was the first winery in Oregon to be certified Biodynamic by Demeter and was certified organic by Tilth in 2002. With owners Dr. Bob and Corrine Gross’ vision and winemaker Gilles De Domingo’s skill, Cooper Mountain Vineyards creates classic pinot noir, pinot gris, pinot blanc, malbec and chardonnay. In 2007, Cooper Mountain Vineyards released its very first balsamic vinegar, the Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale. Tasting room is located at 9480 SW Grabhorn Rd., Beaverton, and is open noon to 5 p.m. year round. For more information, call (503) 649-0027 or visit www.coopermountainwine.com.

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Media Contacts: Andrea Courtney
Randall PR / (206) 624-5757