Troon Vineyard: Crafting Vinous Alchemy

Troon Vineyard stands out as Oregon’s only Demeter Biodynamic and Regenerative Organic Certified® winery and farm. Remarkably, it is one of only four farms worldwide to achieve Regenerative Organic Gold Certification®, and the recognition Troon has received, such as a nomination from Wine Enthusiast magazine as an American Winery of the Year, is a testament to their dedication.

But Troon means more than just regenerative farming and accolades to the people who work and visit there. Meg Ordaz, Director of Consumer Sales at Troon Vineyard, embodies the vineyard’s ethos of interconnectedness. Wearing a shirt emblazoned with “Vinous Alchemy,” a triskelion swirl, and symbols representing the elements, Meg emphasizes that Troon isn’t about fitting into a predefined mold.

Intention is the guiding principle at Troon, influencing both the farming practices and winemaking processes. Although the regenerative work on their 100-acre farm in the Applegate Valley is significant, they recognize that change on a global scale requires more than just their farming efforts.

To Meg, leadership and service to the earth and your community is about connecting with people and building a network of support and care. “You can’t affect change if you don’t know what’s going on. We’re all connected,” she says, pointing to the triskelion on her shirt. Whether it’s pouring a glass in the tasting room or serving on a community board, making an effort to know people and helping where possible is at the heart of Troon’s philosophy. 

Meg herself is deeply involved in the community, serving as the Vice President of the McMinnville Downtown Association, the Programming Chair for Women in Wine, and as a longtime volunteer at the Gallery Theater. 

Meg knows Troon’s McMinnville tasting room location is an opportunity to educate, serve, and connect, and she strives to ensure that it is a welcoming community space where diversity is celebrated. From Mark, a 68-year-old self-described hippie, to Ryan, a 21-year-old Linfield student, the diversity of the staff reflects the inclusive environment she envisions. Meg believes that leadership at Troon is about being as supportive and accommodating to colleagues and the community as they are to guests in the tasting room.

Troon’s mission is clear: to be allies in service to both the land and the community. “It’s just like in farming,” Meg says. “Let’s put more in to our community than we take out.”

To learn more about Troon, visit troonvineyard.com or follow @troonwines.

Kitri Culbertson (she/her) is a local writer and owner of Scarlet Communications. The well-decorated side spaces at Troon’s tasting room are one of her favorite places to unwind with a glass of wine, read tarot, or connect with her community.