
the vineyard
the vineyard
At Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden, our vineyard is far more than just a place where grapes grow — it is a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem where the interplay of soil, plants, animals, and cosmic rhythms creates a delicate balance essential for vitality and resilience. Each component, from the microscopic life within the soil to the native flora and fauna that surround the vines, plays a critical role in nurturing the health and long-term sustainability of the land.
Founded in 2005 by Bill and Barbara Steele, Cowhorn was among the first five wineries in the United States to achieve biodynamic certification. This pioneering commitment reflects our deep belief that regenerative agriculture is vital not only for producing exceptional wines but for restoring and protecting the environment.

A Living Breathing
Ecosystem
BIODYNAMIC FARMING
What does it mean at Cowhorn? Biodynamics is a holistic farming philosophy that regards the vineyard as a living organism, interconnected with the rhythms of the moon, sun, and cosmos. It moves beyond organic practices by integrating spiritual and ecological insights to foster soil fertility, plant health, and biodiversity.
At Cowhorn, we carefully time vineyard activities such as planting, pruning, composting, and harvesting in alignment with lunar cycles and astrological influences. This ancient wisdom guides us to work in harmony with nature’s energetic patterns, enhancing vine vitality and grape quality.

Nurturing the Soil
and the Vines
BIODYNAMIC PREPARATIONS
Integral to biodynamics are the special preparations we create and apply to nourish the vineyard ecosystem:
Preparation 500 (Horn Manure): Cow manure is fermented inside buried cow horns over the winter and then sprayed as a finely diluted mist onto the soil. This stimulates beneficial microbial activity and enriches soil fertility.
Preparation 501 (Horn Silica): Ground quartz is buried in cow horns during the summer and later sprayed on the vines’ leaves. This enhances photosynthesis, strengthens the plant’s resilience, and improves fruit ripening.
Herbal Preparations: We also use various compost preparations made from herbs like yarrow, chamomile, nettle, and dandelion. These preparations help balance soil nutrients, promote microbial diversity, and protect the vines from disease.
Together, these biodynamic treatments foster a healthy, living soil ecosystem that supports vibrant vines capable of expressing the unique character of our terroir.

Thriving in
Our Terroir
RHONE VARIETIES
Cowhorn specializes in cultivating Rhône grape varieties ideally suited to the Applegate Valley’s climate and soils. Our vineyard is planted with Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier—grapes known for their complexity, elegance, and capacity to reflect place.
The warm days and cool nights, combined with our careful vineyard management, allow these varieties to develop deep flavors, balanced acidity, and structure, resulting in wines with remarkable depth and longevity.

The Foundation
of Flavor
SOIL COMPOSITION
Our vineyard soils are diverse and complex, providing a rich foundation for our vines. Primarily composed of volcanic basalt and granite, mixed with alluvial deposits and clay loam, the soil offers excellent drainage while retaining enough moisture to support healthy vine growth.
This unique soil profile contributes to the minerality, texture, and vibrancy found in Cowhorn’s wines. The ongoing care we invest in soil health—through cover cropping, composting, and biodynamic preparations—ensures these layers continue to nurture vines that produce grapes of exceptional quality and character.