King Estate Vineyard and Winery is located 22 miles (35.4 km) southwest of Eugene in the Willamette Valley AVA, Oregon. Certified Biodynamic, It was founded in 1992 by Ed King Jnr (1921-2012) who was from Kansas City (his company King Radio specialized in avionics). King Estate has 404 hectares (1,000 acres) of land in total and as well as vineyards has a mix of other crops (see below).
King Estate became the largest Demeter-certified Biodynamic vineyard in the USA in 2016 (Pam Strayer, 03 Feb 2017). Although King Estate makes 400,000 cases of wine, only 2,000+ cases is made solely from estate vines, with the rest being blended with grapes from non-organic growers in the area (Pam Strayer, 12 Sept 2016). In May 2018 Biodynamic case production was 4,000 cases out of 150,000 cases total (IBWC 2018).
Staff: Ed King III (owner). Ray Nuclo (vineyards). Ryan Johnson.
Organic Certification: 2002 Certified organic by OTCO for 175 hectares (432 acres) of wine grapes of which 49.4 hectares (122 acres) of Pinot Noir, 117 hectares (289 acres) of Pinot Gris, and 8.5 hectares (21) acres of other grapes (Muscat, Marechal Foch, Gamay, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Rootstock). Other crops which were certified included 3 hectares (7.5 acres) of apples (Braeburn, Gala and Golden Delicious), 1.6 hectares (4 acres) of plums (Myrabelle), 1.01 hectares (2.5 acres) of pears (Bartlett, Asian pears), 0.2 hectares (0.5 acres) of olive trees (Leccino, Casaliva, Grignan, Favoral, Frantoio) and 0.6 hectares (1.5 acres) of hops. There were also 4.85 hectares (12 acres) of Gardens (vegetables and flowers). 2005 Certified organic by OTCO for 411.6ha (1,029 acres). 2006 Certified organic by OTCO for 411.6 hectares in total (1,029 acres). Of this 174 hectares (430 acres) were vines of which about 35% was Pinot Noir, 60% Pinot Gris and 5% to other varietals. 2009 188 hectares (465 acres) of wine grapes.
Biodynamic Certification: 2016 First vintage with full Demeter Biodynamic certification for its previously certified organic 188 hectares (465 acres) of vines, making it America’s largest Biodynamic estate.
Vineyards & Production: 2018 188 hectares (465 acres) of vines on a 405 hectare (1,000 acre) property.
Biodiversity: 2016 As well as vines King Estate has extensive vegetable gardens and orchards whose produce is used for its restaurant (Pam Strayer, 12 Sept 2016).
Cover cro seed: King Estate grows and harvests its own cover crop seed for use in its vineyards and garden areas. The seed is mostly Austrian Peas, Crimson Clover, Wheat, Oats, and some flowering perennials. This combination is what they found works best in their vineyards to help supply nitrogen, act as a green manure, provide habitat for beneficial insects, and help suppress weeds.
White wine
Pinot Gris (DOMAINE) 2016 Demeter-certified Biodynamic grapes. 100% fermented and aged in stainless steel. 7 months on fine lees. No MLF. Subtle salty flavours (IBWC 2018).
Red wines
Pinot Noir, Stone’s Throw: 2016 Demeter-certified Biodynamic grapes.
Pinot noir High Wire: 2016 From Pinot Noir Clone 538. Oak aged. Rich, with nice wild fruit (IBWC 2018).
Contact
King Estate Winery Inc.,
80854 Territorial Highway
Eugene, OR 97045
United States of America
Tel+001 541 942 9874 | Website: www.kingestate.com
Bibliography
Demeter USA International Biodynamic Wine Conference, San Francisco 6-7th May 2018.
IBWC 2018, International Biodynamic Wine Conference, San Francisco 07 May 2018.
OTCO = Oregon Tilth Certified Organic.
Pam Strayer, 12 Sept 2016: ‘America’s Two Biggest Organic and Biodynamic Wineries Up for Wine Enthusiast’s Top Awards,’ published by WineCountryGeographic.com on 12st Sept 2016.
Pam Strayer, 03 Feb 2017: ‘King Estate becomes largest Biodynamic estate in the country,’ published by WineCountryGeographic.com on 03 Feb 2017 11:19 AM PST.