Organic farming has been central to Winderlea from the beginning. Over time, the team learned from growers finding success with Biodynamic® farming and adopted the practice for its whole-farm perspective. In 2015, Winderlea became Demeter Biodynamic® certified, reflecting a commitment to third-party standards and accountability.
As the estate has grown, Winderlea has also expanded the role of animals in daily farming. Bees and chickens have been part of the property since 2012, and we added a flock of heritage Shetland sheep in 2022. The sheep help with grazing and contribute natural fertilizer, supporting a more integrated approach in the vineyard, and they are cared for by a dedicated shepherd and livestock guardian dogs.
Together, these practices reflect a long-term view of stewardship, one that supports soil health, biodiversity and the resilience of the land over time.
Winderlea’s early sustainability efforts focused primarily on environmental practices. The goal was also to be a good employer, a good neighbor and an engaged member of the broader community, but it was not always clear how to gauge progress in those areas. B Corp certification offered a clear framework, grounded in the idea of using business as a force for good. While certification was not an immediate step, the standards helped guide the winery’s approach and priorities.
Certified B Corps are evaluated across governance, worker practices, community, environment and customer impact, with additional subcategories within each area. Unlike many certifications, B Corp scoring is measured on a scale, making it possible to see performance, identify gaps and track improvement over time.
In 2015, Winderlea joined a small group of early Certified B Corp wineries in Oregon and around the world. Today, Oregon is home to more Certified B Corp wineries than any other state, creating a network that continues to learn from and support one another.
As standards evolve, Winderlea remains committed to continued progress, carried forward by the Ricci family and the team across the estate.
Winderlea has supported iSalud! since its earliest years in Oregon. iSalud! provides accessible healthcare for vineyard stewards through a network of clinics and mobile services, helping ensure care is available when and where it’s needed. That mission has remained closely aligned with Winderlea’s values and with the long-term health of Oregon’s wine industry.
Winderlea supports iSalud! through an ongoing monthly donation, funded in part by tasting experiences at the winery. This is also why tasting fees are not waived with a wine purchase, except for Wine Society members.
Today, iSalud! remains a cornerstone of Winderlea’s philanthropic work in the Willamette Valley, strengthening support for vineyard stewards and the broader community. Learn more about iSalud! here.
Winderlea found its home in Oregon, and in the Willamette Valley in particular, not only for the grapes but for the community. While iSalud! was created to support the healthcare needs of vineyard stewards, AHIVOY was established in 2019 to strengthen Oregon’s wine industry by expanding education and opportunity for the people who make it possible. Founded and led by Latinx wine professionals, the Asociación Hispana de la Industria del Vino en Oregon y Comunidad (AHIVOY) provides education and professional development for vineyard stewards across the Oregon wine industry.
In partnership with Chemeketa Community College and Linfield University, AHIVOY has developed a wine industry training curriculum designed to build technical grape and wine knowledge while also increasing awareness of career, entrepreneurial and leadership pathways in the industry.
Winderlea funds one scholarship each year for a vineyard steward to participate in AHIVOY’s training curriculum, supported in part through tasting experiences at the winery. Learn more about AHIVOY here.
