“Wine is a living thing, and when a vintage is in its first few weeks the whole winery is like a kindergarten: you just keep moving from child to child – or tank to tank – and make sure each one is happy and on the right path.”
- Bill and Barbara Steele
Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden
Farm | Vineyard | Winery
1665 Eastside Road
Jacksonville, OR 97530, United States
Phone: 541-899-6876
Fax: 541-899-7002
Public Contact: Barbara Steele
contact@cowhornwine.com
http://www.cowhornwine.com
About Us
Hidden away in a remote river valley historically known more for gold than grapes is COWHORN, a boutique, estate vineyard and winery whose first releases were the toast of The James Beard Foundation and Oregon's emerging eco-culinary scene.Recently in 2013, the 2009 COWHORN Syrah was awarded Best of the West in Sunset Magazine, the 2009 COWHORN Reserve Syrah was named 50 Best Wines by Portland Monthly Magazine, the 2012 COWHORN Spiral 36 was listed on the 2013 Top 100 Wines by Jon Bonne and the San Francisco Chronicle, and the 2012 COWHORN Marsanne Roussanne was listed in David Schildknecht's Guide to the Best of 2013 on Robert Parker's Wine Advocate website. In addition, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate rated five COWHORN wines 92+ points in 2013, after rating seven earlier vintages 91+ points in 2012. In 2011, the 2009 COWHORN Viognier was added to Paul Gregutt's Top 100 Pacific Northwest Wines list.
Sharing qualities comparable to the Chateauneuf-du-Pape region of France's southern Rhone Valley, COWHORN sits alongside Southern Oregon's pristine Applegate River. The farm is fringed by frontier forests and supported by soils that are perfectly suited for various classic, Rhone grape varieties, including Syrah, Grenache, Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne. As a result, COWHORN produces balanced, Rhone-style, fine wines with low alcohol and high aroma that express the signature subtleties of the farm's unique soils.
Guided by horticulturist Alan York and consultant winemaker Ken Bernards, COWHORN planted its first eleven acres of vineyard in 2005. Using state-of-the-art technology, winemakers Bill and Barbara Steele gently and patiently nudge native yeast through the fermentation process on a mission to make fine wine with few inputs, going from grapes to glass as purely as possible.
COWHORN benefits from being surrounded by biodiversity that serves as a natural immune system for the vineyard and gardens. When combined with organic and Biodynamic farming methods, this symbiotic relationship not only minimizes the need for petrochemical pesticides but supports the vitality of the surrounding ecosystem. Over half of the estate is reserved for habitat, forest and riparian areas. Currently, the vineyard is 25 acres and lavender and produce account for 4 acres combined.
Because Biodynamic farming is deeply rooted in the practice of perennial polyculture, crops are selected that pair well in the field and on the table. COWHORN supplies 6,000-7,000 pounds of fresh asparagus to local markets and grocery stores. Depending on volumes and season, at certain times wine club members and tasting room visitors can purchase asparagus or orchard fruit. Other areas of development include our 1,000 lavender plants.
Come visit, taste, experience!
Certified Products
Crops
Fruit
- Apples
- Cherries
- Grapes for wine
- Pears
- Persimmon
- Plums
Vegetables
- Asparagus green
Nuts
- Hazelnuts
Processed Product
Wine
- Wine red
- Wine rose
- Wine white
Features
- Wine Club
- Wine Tasting
Acreage
Cropped: 30 Acres
Total Acreage: 117 Acres
Hours
Open by Appointment
Thursday: By appointment or 11am - 4pm
Friday: By appointment or 11am - 4pm
Saturday: By appointment or 11am - 4pm
Sunday: By appointment or 11am - 4pm
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years holidays. Please see social media pages or call us to inquire about holiday weekends.
How We Sell Our Products
- Club
- Restaurants
- Retail
- Tasting Room
- Website
- Wholesale