Read an article from Kindred Spirit written by Nicola Cameron titled Bottling Nature's Magic.
Biodynamic agriculture is the oldest consciously organic approach to vineyard management and is one of the most sustainable in existence. It is said to be organic but one step further by approaching the vineyard with a holistic and spiritual understanding of the larger environment. Based on pioneering research by Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925), it is a chemical free regenerative agriculture that produces both healthier soil and vines so that they work together in rhythm and harmony to bear better quality fruit.
The main differences from organic vineyard management is that:
- biodynamic
viticulturists use an astrological calendar to determine auspicious planting,
cultivating and harvesting times, creating both healthy soil and vine. Since
ancient times the twelve zodiac constellations have been associated with the
each of the four elements, each of which is related to a part of the plant.
- a biodynamic
vineyard aims to import nothing into the farm so each one is self-supporting, a
closed system. Conventional organics don't aim for
this.
- the
standards to achieve biodynamic certification (demeter stamp) are the same in
every country so the consumer can be sure of consistent growing techniques
worldwide.
Biodynamic viticulture description provided courtesy of Pageant Wines Ltd.
