These Oregon wineries share sheep

My Latest in The Drinks Business:

“Forget car pools, these Oregon wineries share sheep”

by L.M. Archer

Bethel Heights, Bryn Mawr, and Björnson Vineyard all share the same road in Willamette Valley’s Eola-Amity Hills AVA. They also share sheep.

Earlier this year, the trio engaged fifth-generation shepherd Jared Lloyd of Naked Grazing to establish a novel “Sheep Share” programme.

Collaboration

Between January and February 2024, Lloyd and his herd of about 107 Dorset Horn and Shetland sheep grazed their way from winery to winery along Bethel Heights Rd NW, accompanied by three herding dogs. En route, some of the ewes also calved 40 lambs.

“Typical of the Oregon wine industry, we’re all friends and collaborate on just about everything,” says Mark Björnson, co-founder of Björnson Vineyard along with wife Pattie.  “If somebody’s got a good idea, they share it. We have to give credit to Bryn Mawr for that, but I’ve wanted to have sheep on the vineyard for years.”

“We all (Bethel Heights, Björnson, and Bryn Mawr) prioritise regenerative farming practices, and this flock plays a crucial role in advancing these efforts,” she adds.

Regenerative Tool

“The sheep have proved to be an amazing and adorable tool to educate visitors on the benefits of regenerative farming,” says Krista Lauer, vice president of hospitality at Bryn Mawr. “We are all unique in our vineyard management practices, and having the sheep around has been an easy and accessible starting point to dive into how – and why – we do what we do in the vineyard.”

Simply put, regenerative farming reduces chemical and water inputs, while encouraging flora, fauna, and soil biodiversity. Biodiversity, in turn, builds resilience, and prevents degradation of the ecosystem.

Sheep grazing supports these regenerative agricultural practices. READ MORE HERE.

 

I’m delighted to share another sustainability story with you here, this one focusing on sheep as regenerative farming ‘tools.’

Read more of my work here.