Indeed, Nicholas Joly (check spelling) was a pioneer in France at a time when it was still considered hearsay. I had the pleasure to taste several old vintages at his winery in 2019 and they were as fresh as when they were bottled. As a vigneron in Austria, growing Chenin Blanc, I do apply some biodynamic principles, such as the cow horns (500P) and spraying crushed quartz on the vine leaves, but I ignore some of the mystical aspects such as using horns from a cow that has given birth at least once and turning the water for the tea spray for exactly 1 hour, clockwise and counterclockwise by hand - known as "dynamization". It's worth noting as well, that Steiner was an anti-semite, believed in ghosts, a space library that contained all the answers to the universe and a-sexual reproduction for humans. It's sort of amazing that these university lectures, which were given only weeks before his death and the only one he ever gave about agriculture, continue to this day.
I agree with all you say, but I maintain that the greatest benefit of biodynamics is that the rituals and seeming folderol require the winegrower to pay immensely careful attention to every vine. Constantly.
It should also be noted that other winegrowers do much of the same without dealing with the documents and inspections required for certification. They can produce wines with similar attributes to those certified biodynamic.
-I know you missed Keeler Estate in Amity Oregon only because I adore that winery
-I believe the total is closer to 22. If you Google how many biodynamic wineries are in Oregon: Google AI pops up (as they always do) and says there are 17 Demeter-certified...
I don't doubt your research, and with biodynamic farming being such an important topic today, simply trying to get all the facts straight is important. Please correct me if so, I did enjoy your insights to this topic.
Thank you Sarah. As of last November, when this post was researched and written, the sources I cited showed 18 (at Troon's count) and 4 in Washington. I believe that Keeler is no longer in business, and I am unsure of the biodynamic status of the vineyard. Getting the facts straight is always my goal. When there are conflicting numbers, I'll go with the more conservative estimates.
Indeed, Nicholas Joly (check spelling) was a pioneer in France at a time when it was still considered hearsay. I had the pleasure to taste several old vintages at his winery in 2019 and they were as fresh as when they were bottled. As a vigneron in Austria, growing Chenin Blanc, I do apply some biodynamic principles, such as the cow horns (500P) and spraying crushed quartz on the vine leaves, but I ignore some of the mystical aspects such as using horns from a cow that has given birth at least once and turning the water for the tea spray for exactly 1 hour, clockwise and counterclockwise by hand - known as "dynamization". It's worth noting as well, that Steiner was an anti-semite, believed in ghosts, a space library that contained all the answers to the universe and a-sexual reproduction for humans. It's sort of amazing that these university lectures, which were given only weeks before his death and the only one he ever gave about agriculture, continue to this day.
Thank you for these fascinating details. I've corrected the spelling of Joly. Much appreciated!
I agree with all you say, but I maintain that the greatest benefit of biodynamics is that the rituals and seeming folderol require the winegrower to pay immensely careful attention to every vine. Constantly.
It should also be noted that other winegrowers do much of the same without dealing with the documents and inspections required for certification. They can produce wines with similar attributes to those certified biodynamic.
Enjoyed this:
However, in April 2024 the Oregon Wine Press quoted,
"Today, over two dozen wineries in Oregon....are Demeter-certified biodynamic"
(Source: https://www.oregonwinepress.com/article?articleTitle=dynamic-milestone--1712076383--3721--)
I believe your piece quoted 17.
-I know you missed Keeler Estate in Amity Oregon only because I adore that winery
-I believe the total is closer to 22. If you Google how many biodynamic wineries are in Oregon: Google AI pops up (as they always do) and says there are 17 Demeter-certified...
I don't doubt your research, and with biodynamic farming being such an important topic today, simply trying to get all the facts straight is important. Please correct me if so, I did enjoy your insights to this topic.
Thank you Sarah. As of last November, when this post was researched and written, the sources I cited showed 18 (at Troon's count) and 4 in Washington. I believe that Keeler is no longer in business, and I am unsure of the biodynamic status of the vineyard. Getting the facts straight is always my goal. When there are conflicting numbers, I'll go with the more conservative estimates.