Legends of Washington Wine
Mr. Bill Powers’ status as a legend is easy to sum up in two words: organic pioneer. We could cut that to one. Pioneer would suffice. In 1980 Bill consulted Dr. Clore regarding the establishment of a wine grape vineyard, beginning a lifelong friendship between the two. As expat “Okies” the bond ran deep. After finding the site now known as Badger Mountain Vineyard, Bill planted the acreage in 1982 and began selling fruit to Chateau Ste. Michelle. Later that decade, for both personal and professional reasons, Bill began to explore the possibilities for low-impact or organic viticultural practices. In 1988 he set out to convert to organic practices, and has never looked back. In 1990, Badger Mountain Vineyard was the first vinifera vineyard to be certified organic by the WSDA. Bill continues to be the “go-to” guy for other growers looking to reduce or eliminate their conventional inputs.
Bill was also an original member grower in the Washington Association of Winegrape Growers, and continues to this day. In 1996 he was voted “Grower of the Year” by his colleagues, and in 1997 was given only the third ever “Lifetime Achievement Award” by that organization. On the Winery side, Bill oversaw the growth of Badger Mountain and Powers to become one of the State’s top producing brands. His innovative techniques and unquenchable curiosity have helped Washington State move forward to lower-input, sustainable, organic based viticulture. Never content, his latest ventures have put solar energy and biodiesel conversion into the business plan for Badger Mountain.
Vision, risk-taking, innovation, execution, and a pioneering spirit; all characteristics a legend should bear. All are in evidence in Bill Powers’ 30 years in the Washington wine industry. Being first to do something takes courage. Convincing others to walk in your footsteps takes leadership. Helping shape an entire industry is legendary.