On a breezy, overcast morning bursting with the vibrant colors of May, a group of enthusiastic Master Gardeners embarked on a tour of Troon’s biodynamic vineyards and farm in the Applegate Valley. The air was infused with the sweet aroma of blooming flowers, and the gentle hum of bumblebees created a lively symphony that highlighted the farm’s thriving ecosystem. This experience offered a firsthand look at how modern agricultural practices can harmonize with nature’s intricate processes.
Our journey began in a native wildflower garden, where several species of bumblebees darted among a familiar tapestry of blooms. These native plants and pollinators set the tone for the day’s focus on sustainability and ecological balance.
As we moved past rows of lush grape plants, we saw cover crops of red clover and a diverse array of flowering plants—including radishes, poppies, flax, and wild burnett—each planted (or simply embraced) to enrich the soil and attract beneficial insects.
Throughout the tour, Garrett, our knowledgeable guide, explained how Troon integrates biodynamic principles into their farming philosophy. We learned about different grape trellising and heading methods that optimize plant hardiness, enhancing grape quality while minimizing chemical inputs.
A visit to a solar array underscored the farm’s commitment to renewable energy, while a friendly Great Pyrenees named Beau, one of the vineyard’s livestock guardian dogs, exemplified the farm’s reliance on natural pest control and animal companionship.
A walk through a labyrinthine herb garden, designed with a druidic motif, showcased the farm’s spiritual connection to nature and the influence of the “Druids’ Fluid” concept inherited from previous owners.
Nearby, a serene pond was flanked by swooping iridescent blue tree swallows, creating a tranquil sanctuary that supports local biodiversity, including herons and even bald eagles. Scattered throughout the vineyards are large bird boxes on poles for raptors, like owls and kestrels. I noticed a humble wooden bee house perched atop an electrical box, perfectly juxtaposing the convergence of nature and industry.
Inside a greenhouse filled with food plants and ladybugs—natural pest predators—we further appreciated the farm’s integrated approach to
horticulture. The outbuilding housing the irrigation system fascinated us with its great bubbling vat of compost tea, a vital soil amendment that fosters microbial life which will soon inoculate the vineyard. An enormous wooden worm bin sits inside the entrance, gently covered with wool from the farm’s sheep.
The tour culminated in the picturesque tasting room garden, where relaxed conversations and shared appreciation of natural beauty and craft wine created a memorable ending to the tour. Troon’s biodynamic farm not only produces exceptional wine but also underscores the potential of agricultural systems that work in harmony with nature’s cycles—cultivating health, vitality, and sustainability.
Oregon State University Extension
