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Vineyard Philosophy

Our Commitment to Organic and Biodynamic Viticulture

We also believe that wine quality is improved by the use of organic and Biodynamic viticultural practices. Beginning in 2008, we will not be working with any vineyards that are not organically or Biodynamically farmed. This means letting expire contracts we've had for many years at a number of fine vineyards. All of the vineyards we farm ourselves (Maresh, Azana) will be farmed according to Biodynamic principles. The vineyards where we purchase fruit (always on a per-acre basis, and always from our designated blocks & rows) will be Biodynamically or sustainably/organically farmed.

The goals of organic and Biodynamic practices are to return the soils to their natural and healthy state of balance, where they are teeming with life from millions of living things - the micro-organisms that toxins and chemicals used in conventional farming simply destroy, but Biodynamics goes even further.

Biodynamics is often called the original organic farming system. Named and organized in the 1920's by Rudolph Steiner, it pulls together the wisdom and practices of ancient and old-fashioned agriculture, the way previous generations farmed before the advent of chemical/industrial farming. It is a very simple concept really — treat the soils, vines and grapes holistically, as part of a self-sustaining, self-nourishing system while respecting the inherent earth-sun-moon relationship of the plants. In so doing, we are forced to approach our winegrowing tasks with a lot of intention and we increase vine health. We believe this results in better wine quality, or at least happier winemakers, and that's not a bad thing. The study of Biodynamics will be ongoing for us.

So what does this mean in practical application? Let's start by stating what we don't do —

• No Herbicides
• No Fungicides
• No Pesticides
• No Insecticides
• No Chemical Fertilizers

What DO we do?

• Apply organic compost to our soils
• Apply organic sulfur sprays
• Apply homeopathic doses of Biodynamic "teas", which are prepared from our compost and organic plants (examples include Chamomile, Stinging Nettle, and Yarrow).

Whenever possible, our operations in the vineyard (plowing, pruning, spraying, treatments, harvest) as well as all actions in the winery (racking, topping, blending, bottling) are timed according to the lunar calendar. The energy of different phases of the waxing or waning moon has been shown to favor certain activities on certain days.

For more information on Biodynamics visit www.demeter-usa.org