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Welcome to our final exploration of enjoying wine while also honoring your health… with an eco-friendly twist. This week, we dive into the world of farming and how it relates to our planet's well-being.
You've likely encountered discussions about the drawbacks of commercial agriculture, from mono-crops and GMO’s to soil depletion and animal welfare issues. These concerns are now echoing in the realm of viticulture, which encompasses grapevine farming for wine production.
Remember when we delved into natural wine a few weeks ago? Well, natural winemaking mainly focuses on post-harvest processes within the winery. However, the quality of grapes and how they are grown before they’re picked significantly impacts the final wine. This brings us to a family of terms: organic, biodynamic, sustainable, regenerative, and more. These concepts represent different farming philosophies, some certified (like USDA Organic and Demeter Biodynamic), and others uncertified but following a shared set of principles (sustainable, regenerative).
It's important to note that obtaining and maintaining certifications can be costly and time-consuming. Many wineries adhere to these principles without official certification. In such cases, your local sommelier or wine shop associate can provide guidance.
Organic Farming
When we talk about organic farming in the vineyard, we're referring to a commitment to minimizing synthetic chemicals and artificial additives. Organic vineyards prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and natural pest control. Look for 'Certified Organic' or similar labels on wine bottles to ensure the grapes were grown without harmful chemicals.
Biodynamic Farming
Biodynamic farming takes organic principles up a notch by embracing cosmic rhythms and holistic practices. These wineries view the vineyard as a self-sustaining ecosystem. They also align vineyard activities (picking, planting, pruning) to the lunar cycles based on the knowledge that the moon affects the way water moves on our planet and that includes the way water moves in and out of plant cells. Biodynamics also recipes herbal preparations to help the vines through any issue. The most famous is Silica 501 and involves burying a cowhorn filled with manure on the autumn solstice then unburying it and using it as fertilizer in the spring. Biodynamics considers vineyards to be living entities, nourishing them through advanced herbal composting and a touch of mysticism. I also love that biodynamics is an inherently feminine way of farming, with the focus on matching natural rhythms to the lunar cycles!
Sustainable Farming
Sustainability in viticulture focuses on balancing the present and the future. Sustainable vineyards aim to reduce environmental impact while maintaining a thriving vineyard ecosystem. Practices here can vary, but the core idea is to ensure the vineyard remains fertile for generations to come. While some vineyards may not carry a specific certification, they often embrace sustainable practices. For those concerned with GMO’s, it’s important to note that most Sustainable certifications don’t prevent use of genetically modified organisms, as of now.
Regenerative Farming
Regenerative farming is like a pledge to give back more than you take. These vineyards go beyond sustainability, actively restoring and rejuvenating the land. In the context of viticulture, this means focusing on building healthier, more resilient vineyard ecosystems with each growing season. It involves practices like cover cropping, minimal soil disturbance, and the incorporation of beneficial flora and fauna to enhance soil health and grape quality. While not as widely recognized as the others, regenerative farming represents a promising path toward a more harmonious coexistence with nature, benefiting both the environment and the wine produced.
Understanding these viticultural farming styles empowers you to make informed wine choices that align with your own environmental values.
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