At Badger Mountain, organics and sustainability aren’t just a trend, they’re our foundation.
As Washington’s first certified organic winery, we take a holistic approach to caring for the land, from how we farm our vineyards to how we package and ship our wines. Every decision is made with intention, with the goal of reducing our impact and creating wines you can feel good about enjoying.
Our commitment to organic viticulture and wine production begins with our responsibility to the environment and extends to producing a completely natural product for our customers. We use only organically approved and naturally occurring substances for all vineyard applications ~ this means no chemical insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, or synthetic fertilizers. Like farmers for centuries before us, we rely on our experience and the advantageous use of our location, climate, volcanic soil, and organic techniques.
For insect control we use predatory insects (that eat the bad bugs) and apply natural soap compounds and other all natural materials. We use an in-row cultivator (hoe plowing) to control weeds in the grape rows and to mow the grass in the center. All grape skins and seeds are composted, and cover crops of vetch and rye are grown between the vine rows for nitrogen and humus. Our vines are trellised, using the Scott-Henry System; this improves sun penetration and air movement which develops character and balance in the grapes. We also utilize crop and shoot thinning to control vigor and limit yields, which increases flavors and aromas in the finished wines.
On the winery side, there is no co-mingling of organic and conventional ingredients and no exposure to federally prohibited materials during handling and production. Both the vineyard and the winery are inspected annually by an independent certification agency to ensure we are meeting all state and federal organic guidelines.
At Badger Mountain we balance tradition and technology to produce high quality organic fruit to craft fresh and compelling organic wines.
Nothing goes to waste. All grape pomace; skins, seeds, and stems, is composted and returned to the vineyard, enriching the soil naturally and completing the cycle from vine to wine and back again.
Our vineyards are alive with natural cover crops like vetch and rye growing between the rows. These plants:
As the season shifts into late summer and fall, these crops naturally go dormant, allowing the vines to become the primary focus.
We use a European-designed in-row cultivator that mimics traditional hoe plowing. This allows us to manage weeds mechanically, eliminating the need for herbicides and staying true to USDA organic standards.
Instead of chemical pesticides, we take a creative approach. A custom-built fan (pest fan) system gently removes harmful insects from the vines and collects them in netting, protecting the vineyard while preserving the surrounding ecosystem.
The average wine bottle weighs around 500 grams (some exceed 800g). Our bottles come in at approximately 400 grams.
That reduction adds up:
Lighter bottles mean:
We prioritize materials that can be recycled and reused, helping reduce waste at every stage of the product lifecycle.
Our labels are made using post-consumer waste (PCW) paper, giving new life to existing materials and reducing the need for newly sourced materials.
Boxed wine isn’t just convenient, it’s significantly more sustainable.
It’s a simple shift that makes a big impact.
Solar panels installed at our winery, offices, and tasting room help power daily operations and reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
Water is one of our most valuable resources. Through careful management, we use less than half the industry standard for wastewater, helping conserve water while maintaining quality throughout the winemaking process.
Sustainability and organic farming are at the core of everything we do.
From the vineyard to your glass, our commitment to organic practices helps protect the environment, support thriving ecosystems, and ensure a lasting future for the land and the wines it produces.
