Seattle Press on Line - Wine, Donations Flow at Tilth Fundraiser

Wine, Donations Flow at Tilth Fundraiser

By Kimberly Christensen

Nov 08, 2001 -- On the evening of November 2, approximately 250 people gathered downtown to celebrate the fourth annual Seattle Tilth Organic Wine Tasting. Participants enjoyed fine wines, gourmet food, good company and a silent auction, and in the process raised an estimated $25,000 for Seattle Tilth's educational programs.

The Seattle Tilth Association, housed in the Good Shepherd Center in Wallingford, promotes organic gardening and farming. One of the organization's primary goals is to educate people about gardening, eating organically, and reducing waste through composting and conservation. Through such education, Tilth hopes to create a strong, vibrant and sustainable community.

To this end, retired organic farmer Bob Gregson educated attendees about the impact that organizations like Seattle Tilth have had in building the agricultural community. By promoting urban organic gardening and farming, Seattle Tilth has also encouraged the growth of the organic movement throughout the state. For example, in 1988, there were only one or two certified organic farms in King County, and about 65 in all of Washington State. Today there are over 20 in the county, and over 700 in the state.

Success stories aside, the real stars of the evening were the wines. More than 30 different wines were available for sampling, made from organic or sustainably farmed grapes. Wines were available from Washington's first certified organic vineyard, Badger Mountain Vineyard, which has grown organic grapes in the Columbia Valley since 1988, as well as from vineyards in Europe, California, Oregon and Washington.

According to Tilth Board President Sylvia Kantor, the word "tilth" has its roots in Old English. "'Tilth' not only talks about the nature and quality of soil," she said. "It talks about the nurturing of spirit and wisdom. In these uncertain times, it is important to nurture spirit and wisdom along with good healthy soil."

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