Business Details
21 Years
experience
Your Biodynamic Wine Destination in Southern Oregon
Founded in 2005 by Bill and Barbara Steele, Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden pioneered biodynamic winemaking in Southern Oregon's Applegate Valley. Our commitment to regenerative agriculture and holistic land stewardship defines our approach, treating the vineyard as a self-sustaining ecosystem where soil, plants, and wildlife thrive in harmony. In 2021, Mini Byers assumed stewardship, deepening our dedication to biodynamic practices while maintaining the estate's legacy of environmental responsibility. Our Living Building Challenge-certified tasting room exemplifies net-positive energy and water systems, reflecting our ethos of leaving the land better than we found it. We craft Rhne-style wines that authentically express our unique terroir, guided by minimal intervention principles from vine to bottle.Our hospitality team creates immersive experiences through curated tastings, seasonal events, and vineyard retreats, fostering connections between guests, our land, and the rhythms of nature. With over 15 years of expertise, we combine pioneering viticulture with sustainable design to produce wines that embody both place and purpose. Our biodynamic practices extend beyond the vineyard, influencing every decision from construction materials to daily operations. We host multi-course dinners, live music events, and educational tastings that highlight the interplay between biodynamic agriculture and culinary artistry. Through our wine club and sister properties, we offer exclusive access to limited releases and personalized experiences that celebrate the synergy between agriculture and community.
Services
Wine Tastings
Vineyard Tours
Wine Club Memberships
Event Hosting
Sustainable Retreats
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- Pioneers in biodynamic winemaking since 2005 with Demeter certification
- Living Building Challenge-certified facility showcasing sustainable innovation
- Experienced team with decades of combined expertise in regenerative viticulture
- Curated wine club offering exclusive access to limited releases
- Immersive hospitality experiences combining wine education and culinary artistry
Associations and certifications
- Demeter USA
- Living Building Challenge
What people say
Biodynamic excellence
Knowledgeable staff
Scenic vineyard views
Sustainable innovation
Curated tastings
Services
Wine Tastings
Our curated wine tastings feature flights of Demeter-certified biodynamic wines, including 28 by-the-glass options during winter months. Guests experience guided exploration of terroir-driven Rhne-style varietals paired with artisanal charcuterie. The Living Building Challenge-certified tasting room provides an immersive setting for discovering the connection between sustainable viticulture and wine quality.
Vineyard Retreats
The Overlook retreat offers luxury accommodations with panoramic vineyard views, featuring two dwellings with chef's kitchens and private decks. Guests enjoy exclusive wine pairings, wood-fired dining experiences, and direct access to biodynamic vineyard tours. The retreat combines refined rustic design with immersive agricultural experiences for intimate gatherings or solo reflection.
Sustainable Events
We host biodynamic harvest festivals, release parties, and live music events featuring local artists. Seasonal dinners curated by award-winning chefs highlight garden-fresh ingredients paired with estate wines. Our events emphasize the connection between regenerative agriculture, culinary arts, and community building through shared experiences.
Wine Club Memberships
Four-tier wine club memberships provide access to limited releases, exclusive events, and special pricing at sister properties. Members receive curated shipments of biodynamic wines with educational materials about sustainable viticulture practices. The program emphasizes ongoing engagement with our evolving vineyard story through direct access to winemaking expertise.
Biodynamic Education
Guided vineyard tours explain our Demeter-certified biodynamic practices, including compost preparations and lunar cycle farming. Educational tastings demonstrate how regenerative agriculture impacts wine quality and terroir expression. Visitors learn about the Living Building Challenge principles applied to our net-positive energy facility and integrated ecosystem management.
People
Mini Byers
Owner & Steward
Mini Byers leads Cowhorn's biodynamic stewardship, merging her passion for sustainable agriculture with regenerative land management. She continues the founders' legacy while advancing holistic farming practices that enhance ecosystem vitality and wine quality.
Vince Vidrine
Head Winemaker
Vince Vidrine crafts Rhne-style wines using minimal intervention techniques that highlight Cowhorn's biodynamic terroir. His approach emphasizes vineyard expression through regenerative viticulture practices, ensuring each bottle reflects seasonal rhythms and soil health.
Britta Bloomquist
Tasting Room Manager
Britta Bloomquist curates immersive tasting experiences that connect guests to Cowhorn's biodynamic philosophy. Her expertise in sustainable viticulture and hospitality creates engaging narratives about the vineyard's ecological practices and wine character.
Questions
What are your tasting room hours?
We're open Thursday through Sunday from 12 PM to 5 PM for wine tastings and seasonal offerings.
Do you offer wine club memberships?
Yes, our four-tier wine club provides exclusive access to limited releases, events, and special pricing at sister properties.
What sustainability certifications do you hold?
We're Demeter-certified for biodynamic practices and our tasting room meets Living Building Challenge standards for sustainability.
Can I book a vineyard retreat?
The Overlook retreat is available for private bookings through VRBO or direct reservations with customized wine country experiences.
Are food options available with tastings?
Yes, we offer artisanal charcuterie, wood-fired pizzas, and multi-course dinners paired with estate wines during seasonal events.
Do you host private events?
We accommodate private events with customized wine pairings, venue options, and seasonal programming for groups of various sizes.
Reviews (7)
Ireland Kovach
Jan 27, 2022
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This winery is one of the best in the Valley. Price is higher than most, but also it has the best tasting wine Ive had. They have wood fired pizza and heaters for the cold weather. Its simply beautiful and modern and the gal who helped us was amazing and knowledgeable.
Peter Lee
Apr 19, 2021
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Always the best! The setting and the wines are amazing!!! Charlsie and her team are so knowledgeable and fun to hang with. I strongly recommend a visit, but reservations are a must. Have Fun!!
Jessica W.
Jul 26, 2020
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By far the best wine I have tried in the Applegate. The vineyard and tasting area is beautiful. It is modern and showcases the view they have perfectly. They are a biodynamic and organic winery. Cowhorn puts so much intention and integrity in all they produce. The staff is extremely knowledgeable about the wine produced at the winery and wine in general. Praise to Cowhorn for creating such a high quality wine that tastes amazing and is good for the environment!
Nadine F.
Jul 21, 2020
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I had an amazing tasting at Cowhorn. They're open during covid and very careful about distancing. Despite 90+ degree temperatures and outdoor seating early, we had a great time, with lots of shade, and the wine still kept at the perfect temperature inside prior to serving. I haven't loved most of the wineries in this region, but I loved every wine on our flight at Cowhorn. The bottles are pricey, but they're well worth it and would be great for special occasions. The guy serving us had just started there, but he was highly knowledgeable and gave us a lot of great recommendations
Jennifer F.
Jul 19, 2020
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Great wines! Beautiful areas outside to sit, relax & do some wine tasting (by appointment only)
Very impressed with the knowledge & friendliness of everyone there. Great conversation about how the grapes are harvested
Overall a great experience
Most importantly the wine is amazing! We got a case to take home & enjoy later. We are more of red wine lovers but their whites were a must have too! Good covid safety precautions taken
Very impressed with the knowledge & friendliness of everyone there. Great conversation about how the grapes are harvested
Overall a great experience
Most importantly the wine is amazing! We got a case to take home & enjoy later. We are more of red wine lovers but their whites were a must have too! Good covid safety precautions taken
Brian Johnson
Jul 14, 2020
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Fantastic wines and staff! My wife and I went today for the first time and there will be many more visits! The staff was super friendly and informative about the wine and Cowhorn Vineyard. I highly recommend making the trip out for an enjoyable experience!
Jeremy Eisen
Aug 02, 2019
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Some of the best wine in Southern Oregon (maybe ALL of Oregon??), with a gorgeous setting, & friendly / helpful / deeply knowledgeable staff. A great place to visit any time of the year!
