ORGANIC PRODUCTS

With certified organic products, consumers are assured that:

  • no harmful synthetic chemicals have been applied to the land for at least 3 years;
  • the farms and processors have been inspected annually by an independent certification agency;
  • only nontoxic, environmentally friendly methods and materials have been used to grow the crop;
  • there has been no commingling of organic and conventional ingredients;
  • nontoxic equipment sanitization and pest-control methods have been used;
  • there has been no exposure to prohibited materials during handling.

 

ORGANIC VITICULTURE


In 1988 Badger Mountain vineyard converted to 100% organic viticulture. We use all-natural methods of controlling insects, fungus and weeds. Progressive, natural farming techniques are at the heart of all of our wines. In 1990, Badger Mountain was the first vineyard to be Washington State Certified Organic. No herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, or chemical fertilizers are used, and only approved, naturally occurring substances are applied to our vineyard. Badger Mountain is the oldest and largest Washington State Certified Organic vineyard making estate wines.

Our commitment to 100% organic viticulture begins with a basic concern for the environment, and extends to a healthier end product for our customers.  The production of premium fruit is virtually assured by advantageous use of our assets: favorable location, climate, volcanic soil, and organic techniques.

Insect control: The vineyard is monitored weekly. Our goals are to create a good habitat for predatory (good guys) insects, and a poor habitat for the bad guys that damage the grapes. If the bad guys are overwhelming the good guys, we take corrective action to balance the battle, such as applying natural soap compounds (Safer Soap) and other all-natural materials, instead of pesticides.

Weed Control: Badger Mountain uses a European made in-row cultivator (hoe plowing) to control weeds in the grape rows and to mow the grass cover in the center. This replaces the use of herbicides.

Fertility: All pomace (grape skins and seeds) is composted and returned to the vineyards. Cover crops of vetch and rye are grown between the vine rows for nitrogen and humus. Additionally, all-natural blood meal and fish meal are added as needed for nitrogen and other trace elements. These natural, organic fertilizers are used instead of synthetic fertilizers.

Vines: The vines are trellised upright, using the Scott-Henry trellis, which improves sun penetration and air movement, developing character and balance in the grapes. Crop and shoot thinning controls vigor and limits yields, increasing flavors and aromas in the finished wines.

Soils and moisture: Badger Mountain soils are of volcanic origin. Our annual rainfall is 6 inches, 95% of it occurring between November and March. With our irrigation we can maintain a controlled environment of watering, another natural tool in controlling vine vigor and crop yields.

Fuel: The Winery has partnered with local restaurant customers to collect waste oil, which we convert to biodiesel at our facility. We use the recovered fuel to power our tractors and trucks.

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At Badger Mountain we balance tradition and technology to produce a wide array of classic varietal wines as well as limited bottlings of wines with no added sulfites/preservatives.  We are committed to producing organic wines, which have become nationally and internationally recognized for their consistent high quality.