Badger Mountain Vineyard was founded by Bill Powers in 1982 with a simple goal: farm responsibly and make honest wine. Before planting grapes, Bill grew apples at a time when heavy pesticide use was the norm. Seeing that firsthand made him question the long-term impact of those chemicals on both people and the land, and ultimately led him to pursue a different path.
In 1990, Badger Mountain became the first wine grape vineyard in Washington State to be USDA Certified Organic, just a few years after Bill fully committed to organic farming. From the start, the focus has been on working with nature rather than against it—using only organically approved, naturally occurring materials and avoiding synthetic treatments entirely. Like growers did generations ago, we rely on careful observation, experience, and balance in the vineyard.
Today, we’re proud to carry that vision forward. Alongside organic farming, we’ve incorporated thoughtful, sustainable practices like solar power, lightweight glass, recycled packaging, and natural pest management. In both the vineyard and the winery, we blend time-tested methods with modern tools to make wines that reflect the land they come from.For us, it’s pretty simple: take care of the vineyard, and it will take care of the wine.
First rows of grapes planted, laying the foundation for Washington’s first certified organic winery.
Estate vineyard officially established, beginning a legacy of hands-on, sustainable farming.
Vineyard conversion to organic begins; construction on the tasting room commences.
Organic certification achieved, cementing Badger Mountain’s commitment to natural, chemical-free farming.
Bill Powers named Washington Winegrower of the Year. Solar panels installed on the office, marking the start of renewable energy efforts.
Bill Powers receives the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to Washington wine.
18 solar panels installed atop the tasting room, designed to supply ~25% of office energy needs.
Bill Powers inducted into the Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame.
Solar panels installed on the barrel room, providing ~18% of winery production power.
Bill Powers Sabbatical Fund established to support winemakers studying sustainable practices worldwide.
40-year anniversary celebrated; a milestone honoring decades of organic farming and winemaking excellence.
Transition from USDA organic certification to WSDA Made With Organic grapes, continuing the commitment to high-quality, sustainable wines.
