In 2003 we had reached a crisis: Cabernet Sauvignon vines in our Yountville Vineyard that had been planted in 1959 suffered from red leaf virus and experts told us to pull them out. Looking to save these old vines, we switched to Biodynamic® farming and they immediately responded, producing intensely-flavored grapes. Based on that experience, we began switching all of our vineyards to Biodynamic and in 2006, all 366 acres had been converted. All of our vineyards are certified organic and Biodynamic by the Demeter Association, the certifying agency in the United States.
The principles of Biodynamics
Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian scientist-philosopher, developed the principles of Biodynamics in 1924 after a lifetime of research. Like organic farming, this system uses no harmful herbicides, pesticides, fungicides or synthetic fertilizers. But, going beyond organic, Biodynamics is a holistic farming practice that treats the vineyard as a living organism and uses the earth’s natural cycles and organic preparations to grow balanced, healthy vines.
Building soil naturally
While organic farming also uses compost for fertilization, biodynamics uses much smaller quantities of natural preparations to enliven the soil. Each of these preparations is diluted and then activated by a special stirring process known as “dynamization.” These minute amounts of natural preparations introduce microbial life and nutrients into the soil and that life reproduces throughout the vineyard.
Philosophical farming
At the heart of Biodynamics, and a key difference from organic farming, is the ancient philosophy that farming must be attuned to spiritual forces. For example, we prune, spray preparations and harvest based on the phases of the moon and positions of the planets for the health of the vines and to produce the best-quality fruit.
Controlling pests and diseases without chemicals
Much like homeopathic medicine, we work to have the vine heal itself rather than treat the symptoms and by keeping the vines healthy, it can withstand pest, diseases, heat spikes and droughts. We do that using our natural preparations and by developing biodiversity in the vineyard by growing cover crops, planting trees and bushes that attract beneficial insects and raising chickens to eat pests and provide natural nitrogen to the soil.
The results
With Biodynamic farming, we can maintain healthy vineyards that will be productive until they reach 80 to 100 years old. These healthy vines produce full-bodied, elegant wines with pure flavors, intense concentration and a pronounced sense of place.
