Climate change, global warming and the rising awareness on conservation around the world has seen an increase in more vineyards that are committing to sustainability practices and becoming producers of biodynamic wine; adhering to the principles of the philosopher Rudolf Steiner. He passionately believed that the position of the moon and the stars within specific constellations and times of the year, influenced the growth of the roots, vines, fruit and flowers. Many vineyards who prescribed to this method also go the extra mile by resorting to “dry-farming” principles – plowing the soil with livestock and hand-picking the grapes.
Biodynamic wine is produced at some of the most beautiful vineyards in the world, here are some of the best.
Cullen Wines, Western Australia
Located in Margaret River, country’s lesser-known wine region, Cullen Wines opened in 1971 & produces 25 percent of the country’s premium wines. It became a biodynamic winery in 2008, all the pruning and harvesting is completed by hand and the vines are dry-farmed in order to help ensure maximum fruit quality. The property itself is carbon neutral, and guests to the vineyard can participate in the biodynamic winemaking processes.
Domaine Anderson, Anderson Valley, California
Founded by the House of Champagne Louis Roederer in California’s Anderson Vallery in 2011, this vineyard adheres to very strict biodynamic principles, and was certified in 2016. This vineyard integrates livestock and crops into its farming lifestyle, using recycled nutrients and an adherence to lunar phases and the zodiac calendar.
Reyneke Wines, South Africa
Located in the renowned and famed wine region of Stellenbosch is the organic vineyard, Reyneke – which began as a farm in 1863. This vineyard is pesticide, herbicide and fungicide free, independently certified, and is the kind of place that likes having dandelion weeds growing freely.
King Estate, Eugene, Oregon
Achieving biodynamic certification in 2016, this 1,033-acre estate in the Lorane Valley of the Willamette region was the largest such vineyard in the U.S. Boasting four acres of solar panels, it is still one of the largest organic vineyards in the world. The estate was designed by Lorie Doolittle-Bowman, in the French Renaissance style; and has been recognised with an award for design excellence.
Cakebread Cellars, Rutherford, California
Situated in Rutherford, this winery has had a commitment to sustainability since its inception in 1973; and won a 2018 Green Medal award for business. The winery has over 580 acres of vineyards and is housed in a modern building.
Clos d’Ora, Gérard Bertrand Wine Estates, La Livinière, France
Clos d’Ora is a special place, a nine-hectare vineyard that is an ode to biodynamic farming practices. At an altitude of 720 feet, it is enclosed in a rather ancient fashion with dry-stone walls. The estate makes use of dynamised water to spray the vines with, rather than using harsh chemicals – everything used at the vineyard is locally sourced.
Montinore Estate, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Established in 1982, located in the Tualatin Valley is the Montinore Estate. It is the second largest estate producer of biodynamic wines in U.S. and it primarily grows Pinot Noir on 200 acres, as well as some Italian varietals on the eastern-facing slope of the Coastal Range foothills in Oregon. This special vineyard called Merriman is a 30-acre dry-farmed vineyard which has achieved LIVE certification – generally considered to be the highest certification in the world for sustainable viticulture.
