Certified Organic & Biodynamic
Wilridge was the first, and is still the only certified Organic/Biodynamic/Salmon-Safe/Carbon Neutral Vineyard, Winery & Distillery in Washington State. Wilridge was first certified Organic and Biodynamic in 2007 and has remained committed to these strict standards ever since.
Poured with Purpose: A Look at Washington’s Sustainable Sips. Click Here to Read More!
“Look for wines that are declared on the label to be either Organically or Biodynamically cultivated. Why? Because, as a cohort, Organic and Biodynamic producers tend to be more rigorous and more committed to making genuinely fine wine. It’s a useful shorthand.”
Why Organic? Why Biodynamic?
Why did we become the first certified Organic/Biodynamic Vineyard, Winery & Distillery in Washington State? Well, our reason for existence is to create some of the best wines and spirits in the world. Wilridge first pursued Organic and Biodynamic certification in its quest for quality. Simply put: The best wines in the world come from Organic and Biodynamic vineyards.
The Perfect Place to Grow Grapes
Another reason is that Washington State is as close to a perfect place to grow grapes organically as there is on planet earth. Wilridge’s Estate Vineyard and Orchard is in the Naches Heights AVA and protected by the Cascade Mountain range. This AVA receives over 300 days of sunshine per year and so little precipitation during the growing season that the grapes, pears, and apples must be irrigated. This means Wilridge has total control of the water supply for its vines and trees and therefore total control of their growth—also, with little to no rain during the growing season, Wilridge does not have to spray chemicals. Also, with little or no rain during harvest, we don’t need to worry about vintages being ruined by rot as do vignerons in wetter regions such as Burgundy and Bordeaux.
Who would not want to be on this list of Biodynamic producers:
The only downside of going organic in Eastern Washington is ironically also due to Eastern Washington’s ideal climate for agriculture. Naches Heights is a perfect place to grow grapes and tree fruit – which means it’s also a perfect place to grow weeds. Wilridge’s certified Organic and Biodynamic Vineyard and Orchard is a paradise for grapes, trees and weeds. Because Wilridge refuses to use Round Up, other glyphosates, or any other herbicide, the entire vineyard and entire orchard are hand weeded on a regular basis. The extra labor required to fight weeds is one of the reasons it is more expensive to make organic wines than conventional wines. Even though Wilridge saves by not buying chemical herbicides, pesticides or fungicides, it is still more expensive to grow grapes organically. However, Wilridge has proven that is possible to establish a successful Organic and Biodynamic Vineyard and Orchard in Washington State despite the added expense.
100% Solar Powered
Wilridge has tripled its solar power generation by adding two new sets of panels to the original array from 2010. This increase allows us to produce more electricity than we use annually. The installation supported our goal of being certified carbon neutral, and retaining our title as Washington State’s Greenest Winery.
The installation was performed by Ellensburg Solar and made possible through a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture.
JOIN US AT THE WINERY
WE GROW + CREATE UNIQUE WINES + SPIRITS
Wilridge Winery & Vineyard is one of the most popular off-the-beaten-path vineyard and wine bar destinations in Yakima’s Wine Country. We look forward to hosting you.