Wine Camp

Troon Conversations are about the people who make Troon, Troon. In this episode, we drink Champagne and talk about a winemaker's life and the making of a career in winemaking with Troon's assistant winemaker, Micah Wagner. Micah is a very passionate winemaker, and this is a very interesting conversation. Troon VineyardMicah Wagner - [email protected] Camp - [email protected]

Nate Winters has worked his way up through the ranks at Troon Vineyard and Farm. Starting in the tasting room, he moved on to work in the vineyard and cellar before taking on national sales for the winery. Along the way, he also became a Certified Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers. Learn about Nate's voyage and what it takes to sell Biodynamic wine in today's marketplace.Troon Vineyard & FarmNate Winters - [email protected] Camp - [email protected]

In this episode of Troon Talk, we dig deeply into Biodynamic viticulture in Oregon's Applegate Valley with Master Viticulturist Jason Cole. Troon VineyardJason Cole - [email protected] Crest Vineyard ServicesCraig Camp - [email protected]

In this episode, we discuss the farm-to-table cooking program at Troon Vineyard & Farm with our Chef-in-Residence, Carl Krause, and farmer and vinegar maker Jennifer Teisl. Troon Vineyard & FarmChef Carl Krause - [email protected] Jennifer Teisl - [email protected] Camp - [email protected]

In addition to our longer Troon Talk episodes, we are adding shorter one-on-one conversations that dig as deep into both the farm and the farmer. In this episode, Troon Vineyard director of agriculture Garett Long tells his story and how the practice of Biodynamics guides our farming at Troon Vineyard & FarmGarett Long - [email protected] Camp - [email protected]

In our first episode of 2026, winemaker Nate Wall and assistant winemaker Micah Wagner discuss the challenges and rewards from the 2025 growing season at Troon Vineyard in Oregon's Applegate Valley and preview the wines we made during this vintage. Nate Wall - [email protected] Wagner - [email protected] Camp - [email protected] Vineyard

This is part two of our winemaking team's deep dive into winemaking techniques and addives, which, of course, we do not use at Troon Vineyard. Winemaker Nate Wall and assistant winemaker Micah Wagner provided an overview of white wine making in the first part. In this episode, they provide detailed insights into the process of making red wine. Part Three will focus on our minimalist winemaking approach here at Troon Vineyard.Troon VineyardNate Wall - [email protected] Wagner - [email protected] Camp - [email protected]

In this episode, we are talking about the Rhône Rangers with a panel all of whom have served as president of the organization. Joining us are:Jason Hass, Tablas Creek, Paso Robles Tony Quealy, Thacher Winery, Paso RoblesLarry Schaffer, Tercero Winery Santa BarbaraCraig Camp, Troon Vineyard, Applegate Valley, OregonThe Rhône Rangers

In this episode of Troon Talk, we dig deeply into Demeter Biodynamic Demeter’s director of certification Evrett Lunquist. Evrett speaks eloquently, based on deep reflection, on what it means to be a Biodynamic farmer and the importance of becoming certified. I have talked with few people more adept at explaining the least understood aspects of Biodynamic practices. His views on how they can be woven together with modern agricultural science to make Biodynamics more valuable than ever, both for the farmer and the Earth.Troon Vineyard www.troonvineyard.com Demeter USA www.demeter-usa.orgGarett Long - [email protected] Camp - [email protected]

I asked our winemaking team of winemaker Nate Wall and assistant winemaker Micah Wagner to dig deeply into their philosophy of winemaking, and dig deep they did. This is the first of three extended podcasts where Nate and Micah discuss standard modern winemaking and contrast it with our minimalist, non-interventionist Biodynamic winemaking at Troon Vineyard. Ask winemakers to talk about winemaking and talk they will! Originally conceived as a type of April’s Fool’s spoof of commercial wine additives, this discussion naturally evolved into a more serious discussion so these are long, complex and decidedly geeky podcasts that we hope you will find as interesting and fun as we did. This Episode, part one of three, focuses on general modern winemaking and white wine production; episode two will discuss standard techniques of red wine production in today’s cellars, while episode three will compare and contrast how we make our wines at Troon Vineyard to most other wineries. So get comfortable as we dig into modern winemaking and then how we make our wines at Troon Vineyard. TroonVineyard.comNate Wall - [email protected] Wagner - [email protected] Camp - [email protected]

Besides our almost fifty acres of wine grapes, Troon Vineyard & Farm includes cider apples, vegetable gardens, a food forest, hay, and livestock. We always look for interns to join us for a unique working educational experience during the growing season. In this episode our farm team describes the experience of working at Troon. Troon Vineyard.comGarett Long, director of agriculture, [email protected] Teisl, farm and garden manager, [email protected] Camp [email protected]

In this first episode of 2025, assistant winemaker Micah Wagner and winemaker Nate Wall discuss the 2024 vintage at Troon Vineyard in Oregon's Applegate Valley and look in depth at how we naturally crafted our wines in that vintage. TroonVineyard.comNate Wall - [email protected] Wagner - [email protected] Camp - [email protected]

Troon winemaker Nate Wall and director of agriculture Garett Long discuss the establishment of the Oregon native plant gardens at Troon Vineyard in Oregon's Applegate Valley. Klamath-Siskiyou Native SeedsSusie SavoieTroon VineyardTroon Winemaker Nate Wall - [email protected] Director of Agriculture Garett Long - [email protected] Camp - [email protected]

In this episode, we have a very special guest, Elizabeth Whitlow, executive director of the Regenerative Organic Alliance. We dig deeply into the Regenerative Organic Certification along with Troon Vineyard & Farm director of agriculture Garett Long. Troon is one of four farms in the world that achieved the Gold Level of ROC. Elizabeth Whitlow - sign up for the ROA newsletter at this linkTroon Vineyard & FarmGarett Long - Troon Vineyard & Farm director of agriculture - [email protected] Camp - [email protected]

In part two of our discussion of how we blend wines at Troon Vineyard, assistant winemaker Micah Wagner and Troon winemaker Nate Wall dig deeper into the art and science of blending in winemaking.Troon VineyardDruid's RedDruid's WhiteDruid's PinkNate Wall - [email protected] Wagner - [email protected] Camp - [email protected]

In this episode, we introduce new assistant winemaker Micah Wagner, and then Micah and Troon winemaker Nate Wall discuss making Troon Vineyard's Druid's Red, White, and Pink Biodynamic Blends. In part 2, to follow shortly, they dig deeper into the art and science of blending in winemaking.Troon VineyardDruid's RedDruid's WhiteDruid's PinkNate Wall - [email protected] Wagner - [email protected] Camp - [email protected]

Kirsten K. Shockey and Christopher Shockey are the coauthors of award-winning The Big Book of Cidermaking, Fiery Ferments, best-selling Fermented Vegetables and award-winning Miso, Tempeh, Natto and other Tasty Ferments. Kirsten is the author of Hombrewed Vinegar. The Shockeys got their start in fermenting foods over twenty years ago on 40-acres of wooded hillside on unceded Takelma territory which grew into their organic food company. They realized that their passion lay in the desire to both teach people how to ferment and push this culinary art to new flavors. They lead experiential workshops worldwide and online helping people to make, enjoy and connect with their food through fermentation.  Kirsten is a co-founder of The Fermentation School a women-owned and women-led benefits corporation supporting the voices of independent educators to empower learning and build culture.Ferment Works and Kirsten's BooksThe Fermentation SchoolTroon VineyardJennifer Tiesel - [email protected] Camp - [email protected]

In this episode, our farm team previews our plans for our gardens, orchards, and vineyards for the 2024 growing season. Troon Vineyard & FarmDirector of Agriculture Garett Long - [email protected] of Farm Sales Jennifer Teisl - [email protected] Manager Kelly Bluett - [email protected] Camp - [email protected]

In this episode, Troon winemaker Nate Wall and Phillip Taratko of Artisan Barrels and Tanks discuss the installation and use of Nomblot concrete winemaking vessels at Troon and how they will be integrated into our winemaking. Troon Vineyard Nate Wall - [email protected] Taratko - [email protected] Camp - [email protected]

In the episode, Biodynamic consultant Andrew Beedy and Troon's director of agriculture Garett Long discuss farming by the moon on a working vineyard and farm.Troon VineyardAndrew Beedy - AndrewBeedy.com - [email protected] Long - [email protected]

In the episode, Troon Vineyard winemaker Nate Wall and director of agriculture Garett Long discuss how we use the Biodynamic calendar in planning our farming and winemaking.Troon VineyardStella Natura Biodynamic CalendarMaria Thun Biodynamic AlmanacCelestial Planting Calendar Nate Wall - [email protected] Long - [email protected] Camp - [email protected]

Troon Vineyard winemaker Nate Wall and assistant winemaker Hannah Thorning review the 2023 vintage and take a look at the wines in our cellar. Troon VineyardNate Wall - [email protected] Thorning - [email protected] Camp - [email protected]

Welcome to a special edition of the Troon Talk Podcast recorded during the National Biodynamic Conference in Westminster, Colorado, this November. Please excuse the quality of these recordings made during the conference in public places using Bluetooth microphones. However, I am sure you will find the content more than worthwhile.The first segment is a discussion between Dr. Lynne Carpenter-Boggs, a professor of soil science and chair of crop and soil sciences at Washington State University, and Troon Vineyard’s director of agriculture, Garett Long. Her research and teaching have included soil microbiology, alternative agricultural systems, and composting. Her work often bridges the gap between biodynamic grower observations and scientific principles.In our second segment, we present Garett’s keynote address at the end of the conference that focused on the future of biodynamics 100 years after Rudolf Steiner gave the agriculture lectures that formed the foundations of biodynamic and organic agriculture. Troon VineyardDemeter USAGarett Long - [email protected] Camp - [email protected]

We recently hosted a day-long Biodynamic Preparation-making workshop at Troon Vineyard in Oregon's Applegate Valley with Biodynamic farmers Marjory House and Garett Long. In this episode, they discuss the workshop, what makes the Preparations effective, and look at the future of Biodynamic farming. There is a companion video of the Preparation-making workshop that can be viewed at this link. www.troonvineyard.comThe Biodynamic Demeter AllianceGarett Long - [email protected] House - [email protected] Camp - [email protected]

A recent article by Samantha Cole-Johnson titled. Biodynamic Viticulture in the Americas is an excellent overview of the history of Biodynamic winegrowing in the United States and beyond. The article notes that the one person that ties all of this together is the late Alan York. In this episode of Troon Talk, we bring together four people who worked with Alan and knew him well. We are joined by Garett Long, Troon director of agriculture, the outstanding Biodynamic agriculture consultant, Andrew Beedy, and special guests Barbara and Bill Steele, the founders and former owners of Cowhorn Vineyard and Garden here in the Applegate Valley.Troon VineyardCraig Camp [email protected] Garett Long [email protected]

We are excited to have as our special guest Sheila Foster, the Executive Director of the Biodynamic Demeter Alliance. Sheila joins Troon Vineyard, director of agriculture Garett Long, to discuss growing the biodynamic movement. Troon VineyardThe Biodynamic Demeter Alliance and Conference Sheila Foster - [email protected] Long - [email protected] Camp - [email protected]

This is the audio track from our video about the installation of these tanks and the impact it will have on our winemaking. You can watch the video at this link. TroonVineyard.comNate Wall - [email protected] Thorning - [email protected] Camp - [email protected]

Troon VineyardAndrew Beedy - [email protected] Long - [email protected] Camp - [email protected] six compost preparations (502 - 507)The humification of organic matter is essential in biodynamic agriculture. Biodynamic compost is made in a heap into which the six compost preparations are inserted. It is then covered with straw, old hay, earth, etc.These preparations act on the compost and especially on the soil where it is spread. They don’t add nutrients to the soil, but mobilize elements in the soil and the cosmic environment. They work through the compost like a kind of “yeast”, increasing vitality and favoring soil health.Yarrow preparation (502)Achillea millefolium - Plays a specific role in mobilizing sulfur and potassium in the soil. Only the flowers (no stems) are used to make this preparation.Camomile preparation (503)Matricaria rectutita - This plant is related to the calcium metabolism and regulates the nitrogen process.Nettle preparation (504)Urtica dioïca - Related to nitrogen and iron, this preparation reinforces the influences of the first two preparations (502 et 503). It gives a certain sensitivity and “intelligence” to the soil and compost, promoting the formation of humus.Oak bark preparation (505)Quercus robur - Related to calcium, this preparation increases plant resistance to diseases due to excessive vigor.Dandelion preparation (506)Taraxacum dens leonis -  Among others, it plays an important role with regard to silicic acid and hydrogen. This preparation allows these elements to work in accordance with their intrinsic nature and acts upon the potash, limestone, and, ultimately nitrogen processes.Valerian preparation (507)Valeriana officinalis - Helps mobilize phosphorus in the soil and forms a kind of “warmth mantle” around and over the compost heap. It acts like a protective skin which is essential to all organisms. This preparation is also a powerful aid against stress..

Hello from Troon Vineyard in Oregon's Applegate Valley. Thank you for joining us for a new episode of Troon Talk, where we dig deeply into Biodynamic and Regenerative Organic Gold Certified® agriculture and winemaking. The days of Troon Vineyard as only a vineyard are long gone. Today, Troon Vineyard is a biodiverse farm of almost 100 acres. Life on our farm includes cider apples, a vegetable garden, a food forest, re-wilded honeybees, sheep, chickens, wildlife, dogs, humans, and, of course, grapevines. Today we are Troon Vineyard and Farm. In this episode of Troon Talk, we will dig deeply into a key element of our biodiversity strategies as we discuss our vegetable and fruit gardens with Director of Agriculture Garett Long, Director of Farm Sales Jennifer Teisl, and Garden and Orchard Manager Benjamin Hyrn.Our garden touches many facets of our farm. It adds biodiversity, beauty and creates truly nourishing food for our team and those who visit our farm stand. Having a vital farm stand at the winery is inspiring, exciting — and meaningful. Join us in this episode as we walk through our garden — from creation to planting to our farm stand. Troon VineyardGarett Long - [email protected] Teisl - [email protected] Hyrn - [email protected] Camp - [email protected]

Troon Vineyard winemaker Nate Wall discusses the wide array of vessels he uses to ferment and age wines, including neutral French Oak barrels, concrete, amphora, and Acacia barrels.Troon VineyardNate Wall - [email protected] Camp - [email protected]

Welcome to Troon Talk, where we dig deeply into biodynamic and Regenerative Organic Certified™ farming and winemaking from Troon Vineyard in Oregon’s Applegate Valley. Two years ago, we became the 2nd Regenerative Organic Certified™ winery in the world when we achieved our silver certification. This year we became one of four farms globally to achieve Regenerative Organic Gold Certification. Achieving gold certification requires not only agricultural certification but an independent social welfare certification that examines all aspects of the welfare of all the humans on our farm. The Equitable Food Initiative carried out the social welfare certification process, and Troon's assistant winemaker Hannah Thorning, our guest today, led the team here at the winery. This was a complex, demanding but worthwhile process as we explored communication on our farm. Even on small teams, these issues can be complicated. Hannah led her team through a series of workshops that explored how we communicate between the various teams on our farm. Our group that underwent this training represented roles in every aspect of our farm. Though we are a small property and company, this self-examination was enlightening. Hopefully, the lessons learned will help us to be proactive in making Troon a rewarding place for people to work and grow. The concept of the farm as a whole is fundamental in biodynamic agriculture. That whole includes soil, plants, animals, microbiology, wildlife, and people. In this episode with Hannah Thorning, we discuss attaining certification from EFI and becoming Regenerative Organic Gold Certified®. Hannah Thorning - [email protected] Camp - [email protected] VineyardEquitable Food InitiativeRegenerative Organic Alliance

In this episode, Biodynamic expert and consultant Andrew Beedy and Troon Vineyard's Director of Agriculture discuss the Biodynamic field sprays 500, 501, 508. Garett Long - [email protected] Beedy - [email protected] Camp - [email protected] Beedy's WebsiteTroon Vineyard

Certified sommelier and Troon Vineyard director of sales discusses the natural wine market and selling biodynamic wines. Nate Winters - [email protected] Camp - [email protected]

No-Till Carbon Farming and Wine Growing at Troon Vineyard with Director of Agriculture Garett LongTroonVineyard.comGarett Long, director of agriculture Troon Vineyard - [email protected] Camp, general manager Troon Vineyard - [email protected]

Biodynamic Winemaking with Native Yeasts with Troon Vineyard Winemaker Nate WallTroonVineyard.comFor more information or any questions please contact:Nate Wall, winemaker Troon Vineyard - [email protected] Camp, general manager Troon Vineyard - [email protected]

Introducing the Troon Talk Podcast Series on Wine CampI am pleased to introduce our Troon Talk podcast series focusing on the team’s work at Troon to create a genuinely regenerative farm. As general manager of Troon Vineyard in Oregon’s Applegate Valley and the author of this website, I am excited to be able to present the thoughts and knowledge of a creative group of innovative farming and winemaking professionals via these podcasts.We have a story to tell at Troon Vineyard. We are going to tell it here. The explosion of podcasts is overwhelming, but we have a unique and important story to share, as our mission exceeds the boundaries of our small farm. That vision goes beyond naturally crafting exceptional wines, as our mission is to change the world — or at least to be a small part of that change. The slogan of the Regenerative Organic Alliance is “farm like the world depends on it.” It does, and we do at Troon Vineyard.As committed as we are to biodynamic regenerative organic farming and winemaking, what we do on our 100-acre farm will not change the world unless we convince other farmers and winemakers to adopt that same mission. Also, we must convince wine consumers that wine crafted with quality, place, and planet in mind is worth the search. Those are the missions of this podcast.I have been sharing my thoughts about wine online for two decades at Wine Camp. Since 2016 my writing has been focused on our journey at Troon Vineyard as we transformed this special vineyard into the biodiverse, regenerative farm it has become today. Now, in addition to my writing, we will add this podcast, along with our Vimeo and YouTube video libraries, to better share our progress toward true regenerative agriculture. We aim not only to convince but to convert.At Troon Vineyard, we are certified Organic, Demeter Biodynamic®, and Regenerative Organic Certified®. What does all of that mean? In the simplest terms, Organics tell you what you can’t do. Biodynamics works with a framework of natural rhythms and proactive probiotics, the Biodynamic Preparations, to feed the life in your soils. Regenerative Organic certification starts with organic certification and then goes far beyond to include no-till agriculture, human and animal welfare, and the requirement to show that you are just not hurting the environment but actually making it better. Most of all, biodynamics and regenerative organic are not simply sustainable, a term the greenwashers hijack. It is not enough to sustain the status quo. We have to actually improve our farms and soils, which, of course, will also improve our wines.The goal of this podcast is not to present wine or regenerative agriculture 101 courses. We will delve into some of the more technical aspects of our farming and winemaking. In the show notes for each episode, there will be links and email addresses where you can reach out with even more detailed questions. Sharing what we have learned is the foundation of regenerative agriculture.We will be posting new episodes every two to three weeks. Upcoming podcasts will include:Winemaker Nate Wall on native yeasts fermentations (which was released today)Farmer Garett Long on no-till agriculture and carbon sequestrationDirector of Sales Nate Winters on the markets for natural winesAssistant Winemaker Hannah Thorning on the Equitable Farm Initiative and the Regenerative Organic Gold CertificationFarmer Garett Long and Biodynamic Consultant Andrew Beedy on the Biodynamic PreparationsWinemaker Nate Wall on making Amber or “orange wines”Viticulturist Jason Cole on dealing with red blotch virus in the vineyardFarmer Garett Long on integrating livestock in the vineyard and on the whole farmWinemaker Nate Wall on making Pét Nat sparkling winesFor more information or suggestions for topics you would like to learn more about, please email me at Craig CampVisit our website at Troon Vineyard for an overview of our farm and winery.The Home Page of the Troon Talk Podcasts can be found here.