Biodynamic Farming

Today I went on a vineyard tour with our Grower Relations Manager, Paul Kaselionis. I arranged the tour for myself and anyone else who wanted to go from Sales & Marketing, Wine Society, Accounting, and the Tasting Room. I thought it would be interesting and useful for all of us to learn more about our Biodynamic Farming Practices.

Paul started out the tour with a couple of questions…I thought it might be interesting to post them here as well. Please respond with your answers. I’ll add the official answers, more details on the JUSTIN Biodynamic Farming Program and some video from our tour tomorrow.

I’m interested in your thoughts…

1. What is the difference between Organic and Biodynamic farming?
2. What does Sustainable farming mean?
3. Is sustainably produced wine important to you? Why?

If you post a response before noon tomorrow (5/22/09), I’ll send you a JUSTIN logo corkscrew! (send an email to tracy@justinwine.com with your name and address after you post your comment)

Comments

[Ash Mehta]

More and more guests visiting us are interested in Biodynamic Farming. It's the latest buzzword and that isn't necessarily bad. I mean who wants vineyard workers to develop a third eye!

We do have a few guest who ask if we have wine from organically farmed grapes. We do. Cimarone Wines Three Creek Vineyard is certified organic.

It is ALL a good thing.

[Robert Frost]

So I've read/heard a lot about biodynamic farming here in the Willamette Valley, but nobody has really made any distinction between Organic and Biodynamic. I've heard both terms used to mean the same thing: Sustainable farming. To many around here, they are one and the same. I'm curious as to what each REALLY entails. (and interested in a free corkscrew, ala Facebook!) :)

On a separate note, I tasted the 2005 Isosceles for the first time. WOW, what an amazing wine! Nice job!

[Sean Stowell]

I'll be visiting in the summer. Can't wait to get there and maybe learn more about Biodynamic Farming. Got our Wine Society shipment a few weeks ago. Awesome as always.

[Phillip Olive]

Organic farming is about using non-chemical & non-genetically engineered methods of growing. Biodynamic farming takes into account these natural means of crop production and the welfare of all living and non-living things that interact with the farming process. Workers, animals, insects, birds, soil, water, etc. - all of which can suffer or thrive within the growing and harvesting process. Sustainable farming is about setting up a cycle of production that can be maintained indefinitely without diminishing returns or damage to the farming site. Sustainably produced wine is important to me, as sustainability should be built into all human systems as we gain the knowledge and means to do so.

I'm sadly out of my stash of '06 Cabernet and look forward to exploring some different Justin offerings. :-)

[Ron Glaman]

The above post points out the differences, however, I think it's interesting that many (most?)wineries are engaging in some organic, biodynamic & sustainable practices (a good thing), but not purusing certifications for such practices. This is understandable, as being certified strictly prohibits certain practices that may become necessary in the face of extreme infestations/situations. However, those certified wineries claim a huge difference in certification and simply just practicing. Also, some organice practices can still lead to soil toxicity (over use of sulfur and copper - natural, but inorganic).

It should also be noted that wine made from organically grown grapes is not the same as organice wine.

In the more than 100 wineries I've visited I have found most are responsible (on their face) ecological partners - in their farming practices and many are installing solar arrays for power. Helpful with energy and perhaps necessary for their survival (economically and for operational continuity).

Thanks for the great wine and great visit in January 2008! Dinner in Deborah's room was AMAZING!

Ron
www.cafelegrand.wordpress.com

[Paul Chanoine]

Biodynamic Farming treats the soil and farm as a living organism. This requires activities to nourish the soil and create a healthy, long lasting, living farm. Organic refers to non-chemical, man made means to enhance production.

Sustainable Farming refers to the ability of a farm to produce food indefinitely. It takes into consideration both ecological and economical aspects.

My Brother-In-Law died recently at age 40, and he was dedicating his life to sustainable living so yes, it is very important to my family.

[wineguy5150]

Biodynamic farming has been around for the last several years and Justin Winery has implemented several features to be more sensitive to the environment.

How has this affected the overall wine quality?
Are the crop yields bigger or is the quality better?

[George Sheth]

While I'm not an expert in terms of the difference between biodynamic farming and organic farming, as a consumer and huge Justin fan, I do appreciate anything you can do in terms of sustainability. Why? Because I'd love my two boys to be able to enjoy your wines when they grow up, while knowing wineries their Dad and Mom patronized when they were kids were making a difference for Mother Earth. Hope this qualifies for a free Justin corkscrew as mentioned in FaceBook!

[Jennifer]

This is SO interesting! I'm looking forward to visiting in the next couple of weeks and learning more!

[David Chesebro]

I love wine (especially Justin!) and am trying to learn as much as possible about it so this subject would be required reading!

[tramadol online]

Organic farming is the form of agriculture that relies on crop rotation, green manure, compost, biological pest control, and mechanical cultivation etc..

That farm is so beautiful and nice place, I wish I could be there someday and to know how to make wine also..