Biodynamic winemaking is a holistic and regenerative approach to viticulture that extends far beyond typical organic and sustainable practices. Grounded in the teachings of Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner, biodynamics views the entire farm, including the vineyard, as a self-contained, living organism. This ethos encourages farmers to consider the complex interplay between cosmic forces, soil health, plant life, and the rhythms of nature when making decisions in the vineyard and cellar.
Cosmic Influences
At the heart of biodynamics is the belief that celestial cycles profoundly impact plant growth and soil vitality. Biodynamic vintners carefully time their vineyard activities—from pruning to harvest—according to the phases of the moon and the position of the planets and constellations. They may, for example, cultivate their soil or apply preparations during the waxing moon when energy is rising, rather than during the waning moon when the vines are dormant. The goal is to harness these unseen energies in a way that strengthens the vines’ natural defenses and enhances the unique expression of terroir.
Holistic Approach
Beyond the lunar calendar, biodynamics promotes a closed-loop farming system in which all elements of the estate—from livestock and wildlife to water sources and vegetation—work together in harmony. For instance, biodynamic cattle may graze in the vineyard after harvest, their manure fertilizing the soil and controlling weeds. Farmers also strive to maintain at least 10% of the land as natural habitat to encourage biodiversity. This holistic view sees the farm as a single, living organism, with each component playing an integral role in the greater whole.
Elemental Practices
Integral to the biodynamic approach are the nine preparations, or BD preps, prescribed by Steiner. These consist of specific plant, mineral, and animal materials that are fermented, buried, or dynamized (stirred in a specific way to create a vortex) before being applied to the soil or sprayed on the vines. For example, BD 500, made from cow manure packed into a cow horn and buried over the winter, is meant to stimulate soil microbes and root growth. Other preps, like BD 501 (ground quartz), aim to enhance photosynthesis and fruit maturation. Biodynamic farmers view these preparations as a way to bring greater vitality and “life force” to the land.
Anthroposophical Foundations
Biodynamics has its roots in the anthroposophical teachings of Rudolf Steiner, who believed that a profound spiritual dimension underlies the material world. Steiner’s agricultural lectures, delivered in 1924, were a direct response to the increasing industrialization and chemical use in farming, which he saw as detrimental to the overall health of the land and its produce. By reconnecting farmers to the unseen forces of nature, Steiner hoped to restore a sense of harmony and reverence in their relationship with the earth.
Metaphysical Beliefs
Key to Steiner’s philosophy is the notion that plants, soil, and even the cosmos itself possess a kind of consciousness or “life force” that must be respected and nurtured. Biodynamic practitioners often speak of their vineyards in almost mystical terms, describing the “vitality” of the soil or the “resonance” of the site with the rhythms of the universe. This metaphysical worldview sets biodynamics apart from more scientific or pragmatic approaches to organic farming.
Rituals and Preparations
The preparations used in biodynamic agriculture reflect this spiritual orientation. The creation and application of these remedies, from stuffing yarrow flowers into deer bladders to burying cow horns filled with manure, are imbued with ritual significance. Biodynamic farmers believe that these actions tap into unseen energies and work in harmony with natural cycles to yield a more holistic, “living” wine.
Soil Management
At the core of biodynamic farming is a reverence for the soil, which is seen as the foundation for all life on the land. Biodynamic vintners eschew synthetic fertilizers and pesticides in favor of compost, cover crops, and the aforementioned preparations, all of which are intended to nurture the soil’s complex microbial life. The goal is to create a self-sustaining, living ecosystem in the vineyard that can provide the vines with all the necessary nutrients and disease resistance.
Crop Rotation
In addition to holistic soil management, biodynamic growers often employ diverse crop rotations and intercropping techniques to enhance the overall health and resilience of the vineyard. By interspersing the vines with other plants, flowers, and even livestock, they aim to mimic the natural biodiversity of a healthy ecosystem. This polyculture approach is thought to attract beneficial insects, control pests, and add valuable organic matter to the soil.
Herbal Remedies
Further reflecting the metaphysical underpinnings of biodynamics, many biodynamic farmers turn to herbal tisanes and tinctures to address any issues that may arise in the vineyard. For example, a preparation made from stinging nettle is believed to boost the vines’ immune system and fight fungal diseases, potentially reducing the need for copper sulfate or sulfur applications. These natural remedies are seen as a way to work with the inherent intelligence of plants, rather than attempting to override or suppress them.
Vineyard Management
In the winery, biodynamic principles extend to the handling of the grapes and the winemaking process. Biodynamic vintners often harvest by hand and time their activities to lunar cycles, aiming to capture the most vital essence of the fruit. During fermentation, the use of indigenous yeasts, minimal sulfur dioxide additions, and gentle extraction methods are common, with the goal of preserving the wine’s natural complexity and expressiveness.
Fermentation Practices
Many biodynamic winemakers also eschew the use of additives like enzymes, fining agents, or reverse osmosis equipment, believing these interventions can strip away the wine’s unique character. Instead, they may rely on techniques like carbonic maceration or whole-cluster fermentation to coax out the grapes’ inherent flavors and aromas.
Aging and Bottling
In the cellar, biodynamic producers often age their wines in neutral vessels like large foudres or amphorae, which are thought to better preserve the wine’s vitality and terroir expression. At bottling, minimal filtration and fining are the norm, and many biodynamic wineries use natural cork or even screw caps to maintain the wine’s integrity.
Ultimately, the biodynamic approach to winemaking is about far more than just the elimination of synthetic inputs. It’s a holistic philosophy that seeks to honor the innate wisdom of nature, reconnect the farmer to the land, and produce wines that are not only delicious but also restorative to both the body and the spirit. Through their reverence for the cosmic rhythms, soil health, and the life force of their vineyards, biodynamic winemakers aim to craft bottles that are a true reflection of their unique place and time.