The Dirt and Biodynamic Farming
Biodynamic Farming
Why practice biodynamic farming? We feel it provides great health in the vineyards, ultimately producing better wines. This practice is known as one of the oldest farming methods that focuses on the land's natural resources, cultivating high quality fruit and eliminating the use of chemicals, herbicides, pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or fungicides.
The concept for biodynamic farming began in the 1920's from Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian philosopher and scientist. Steiner educated farmers about the flow of chemical energy that radiates from the moon, planets and stars, which creates a breakdown of organic matter. The positioning of the moon, aligned with specific constellations can influence positive growth with roots, leaves, flowers and fruit.
The main principle and tradition is based on an ecological, energetic and spiritual philosophy in nature. It requires a great amount of respect, more time in the vineyard and greater attention to detail than any other farming method. Creating a self-sustaining vineyard with a self-sustaining habitat protects the forces of nature from the vines, allowing them to produce higher quality fruit. We feel it provides greater purity and clarity in the wines and provides the most honest expression to terrior, sharing a unique sense of place.
Mysterious? Yes … so we recommend the following resources if you're interested in learning more about the fascinating practices of biodynamic farming:
• Demeter Association: http://www.demeter-usa.org
• Biodynamic Wines by Monty Waldin / Published by Mitchell Beazley
The Dirt
