‘Organic farming is about so much more than avoiding pesticides’

With the Organically Grown Wine Conference debut set to take place in Oregon at the end of March, industry leaders aim to stress the synergy between wine quality and organic practices. In a significant move underscoring the growing importance of organic viticulture, Alexana Estate Winery is set to host the inaugural Organically Grown Wine Conference on 22 March 2025. The event aims to highlight the impact of organic farming practices on the quality of fine wines. "Too often, organic and sustainable farming methods and wine quality are talked about separately," explains Alexana's Estate director of viticulture, Drew Herman, a founding member of the Organic Winegrowers Network. "What we do in the vineyards has a dramatic impact on the finished wine in the glass, and the goal of this gathering is to show, rather than tell, our friends and peers just how vital these practices are to crafting long-lived, expressive, luxury wines." The conference will convene over 20 Oregon wineries committed to organic farming. Attendees can look forward to a walk-around tasting of organic wines, hands-on field tours of Alexana's estate vineyard, and a panel discussion titled "The Impact of Organic Production on Wine Quality." Moderated by Elaine Chukan-Brown of Wine Enthusiast, the panel will feature insights from industry stalwarts such as Jason Lett of The Eyrie Vineyards and Luisa Ponzi of Ponzi Vineyards.

A growing sector

This initiative comes at a time when the organic wine sector is experiencing robust growth. A recent report by InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. valued the global organic wine market at US$9.84 billion in 2021, with projections to reach US$25.07 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 11.3%. This surge is largely driven by younger consumers who associate organic wines with higher quality and sustainability, the study found. The rise of organic innovation is constantly evolving, and under Herman's guidance, the estate employs cover-cropping, grazing, and integrative pest management techniques. "Organic farming is about so much more than avoiding pesticides, and it’s better done in community across large areas of farmland than in piece-meal sections," Herman notes. "I’m so excited to bring together leading voices from across Oregon to make this conference happen, and show folks just how dramatic the impact of organic production is on finished wines." As the organic wine movement gains momentum, events like the Organically Grown Wine Conference play an intriguing role in educating both the industry and consumers about the tangible benefits of sustainable viticulture. By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, the conference aims to elevate the standard and perception of organic wines in the market.