Winery Spotlight: King Estate Winery

King Estate Winery is located southwest of Eugene, Oregon. It produces some amazing Pinot Noir (try their 2008 Acrobat--it's wonderful), Pinot Gris (the 2008 Signature is excellent), Vine Glace dessert wines and limited amounts of Chardonnay. In 2002, King Estate vineyards, nursery, and all surrounding gardens and landscaping received organic certification by the Oregon Tilth Certified Organic Association. They use some rather interesting methods...read on:

While many wineries are turning over a new leaf and using sustainable farming practices, King Estate takes this a bit further than most, especially in the area of pest control. They have on site (and encourage) a thriving raptor population. The raptors, specifically owls and kestrels, aid in pest control by reducing the numbers of rodents and birds that eat grapes. The winery has also partnered with the Cascade Raptor Center as a release site for orphaned and rehabilitated birds of prey. King Estate is an ideal release site for these birds because of their expansive property with highly diverse habitats. Across their 1,033 acres, there are grasslands, forests and many other natural environments that are suitable for specifics birds of prey. This partnership with the raptors allows the winery to reduce pests without using any type of toxic poisons whatsoever. This program is being expanded to include predator perches and new boxes for different types of raptors throughout the vineyards.

The winery also plants organic seeds for cover crop in their vineyards and garden areas. These organic seeds of Austrian Peas, Crimson Clover, Wheat, Oats and some flowering perennials encourages beneficial insects and suppresses weeds. It also acts as green manure and supplies nitrogen. King Estate also uses organic compost to fertilize. They produce over 1000 tons of compost a year which is then used to supplement the soil. They are careful to monitor the soil on the vineyard to maintain strong and productive vines.

Visit King Estate Winery at 80854 Territorial Hwy in Eugene, OR. I highly recommend taking the time to enjoy a meal in their estate restaurant which features some of their own organically grown produce. To order online, go to www.kingestate.com or place a phone order by calling 541-942-9874.