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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

In preparation for the new growing season, it’s important to have replaced the necessary nutrients our vines require (used partially or in whole last vintage.) Nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and other elements, along with water and sunlight, feed the vines and eventually become the backbone for quality grapes. Part of being a biodynamic winery and vineyard is providing these nutrients organically through a compost mixture.

For our compost we will use a combination of cow manure, hay, and ground wood chip. Then inserted into the compost will be a combination of:

BD#502 Yarrow: Allows plants to attract trace elements in very small quantities for optimal nutrition.

BD#503 Chamomile: Stabilizes nitrogen within the compost and increases soil life, stimulating plant growth.

BD#504 Nettle: Stimulates soil health, enlivens the earth.

BD#505 Oakbark: Provides healing forces to combat disease.

BD#506 Dandelion: Stimulates relations between Silicon and Potassium.

BD#507 Valerian: Stimulates compost helping the soil to properly utilize phosphorus.

All of the preparations are inserted into the compost, completing our mix and insuring that the compost will contain these properties. Brooks will be making this compost in the late spring and throughout the summer months, finally applying it in the fall just after harvest.

“This would be a great project for the home gardener to add a little enlivenment to their compost,” notes Chris Williams. Why not start your own today?