Bird-friendly Fine Wines Honored At Oregon Gala: Biodynamic Applegate Valley Vineyard Awarded "best For The Birds"

Klamath Bird Observatory (KBO) and ConsciousWine have developed a new set of sustainability standards that are strictly for the birds. Participating wineries throughout the up-and-coming Rogue Valley wine region were evaluated on a range of bird-friendly practices from building the right-sized bird boxes to promoting overall biodiversity.

This year's "Best for the Birds" award presented at KBO's annual Wings & Wine Gala went to Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden, a celebrated Applegate Valley estate run by Biodynamic duo Bill and Barbara Steele. Among the tiny winery's many winning practices scarecrows have given way to predator perches that allow river access for raptors that in turn naturally guard the vineyard from other grape-hungry birds.

"Fine wine and environmental stewardship go hand in hand, and we commend Cowhorn for taking home top honors at this year's Best for the Birds competition," shares Jeff Weissler, the ConsciousWine Guy. "Winemaking offers a unique window on the world that reminds us that we are all part of one interconnected web of life. With so many vintners now striving for sustainability, Earth-conscious wine lovers can enjoy wines that are as good for the planet as they are on the palate."

"Each of the vineyards participating in our Best of the Bioregion Wine Competition is a winner," said John Alexander, Executive Director of the Klamath Bird Observatory. "They choose to use conscious farming practices because it is the right thing to do, and our hope is to bring greater consumer attention to their "bird-friendly" viticulture practices. They demonstrate how each of us can make better decisions to help keep common birds common."

The competition was produced in association with Chery Garvey, wine buyer for Ashland's locally-owned independent food and wine store Shop 'N Kart.

For more information, please visit:
ConsciousWine.com
KlamathBird.org