The Biodynamic Power of... Manure!

A small, energetic sprite of a woman with a charming European accent, Gabrielle Keeler bought the 200-acre Keeler Estate in 1989 with her husband, Craig. But back then, no one would have called it an “estate”. It was run down and choked with blackberries – but a great place to spread out and raise their kids and a large population of various 4-H animals.

After years of clearing land, research on climate and soils, the Keeler Estate was ready to grow grapes. It’s an ideal location for a biodynamic winery: rolling hills rimmed with dense forest, soils enriched with manure, and people who understood the delicate (and, ahem, indelicate) balance of a vineyard ecosystem in creating great wine.

For years, they sold their grapes to other local wineries, barely keeping up with demand. But never one to stray from a challenge, Gabrielle decided to jump into the winemaking business to help buyers understand the quality of the grapes they were buying.

Working with a variety of highly successful local winemakers, the Keelers have developed a line-up of classic Willamette Valley wines that are a joy to drink.