Organic Wine

Photo Source: allesblinkt 

With global warming and climate change becoming more of a realization, agricultural practices head the list of industries that are looking to become greener.  A giant in the agriculture world is the wine industry.  With more people switching to a nice glass of California Cabernet instead of a cocktail or beer, the industry is booming, and so is the need to be more environmentally conscious among growers and producers.  There are many ways that wine producers and grape growers are becoming more sustainable.        

Organic Viticulture 

The cornerstone of organic farming is the soil.  Organic farmers want to maintain a healthy, biologically active soil.  In the vineyard farmers can plant cover crops like grasses and legumes that give much needed nitrogen instead of spraying herbicides.  Cows and other animals are kept so natural fertilizers are used instead of chemicals.  Instead of pesticides, organic farmers use natural predators of insect pests.  This is all used as a part of promoting biodiversity, which helps regulate the vineyard soil.  By doing this, it not only helps the environment, but also keeps harmful chemicals out of our bodies. 

Sustainable Viticulture        

Turning a conventional winery into an organic one is a long and expensive process.  To be able to put “certified organic” on the wine label means considerable paperwork and expenses.   Also, strict organic practices really only work in warmer temperate climates that don’t see as many diseases.  Therefore most wineries follow organic practices, but don’t get certified.  This less strict, environmentally friendly approach is called Sustainable Viticulture.  This practice follows the goals of organic viticulture.  Copper sprays are used as fungicides, and soap sprays and natural oils are used to control insects.   

Biodynamic Viticulture

This is the most extreme form of organic farming.  It even has a spiritual side to it.  It has many of the same philosophies as the other practices, but views the soil as an integral part of the symbiosis between planet, air, and cosmos.  The latter is the most controversial part of the practice.  In essence biodynamics is a complete retreat back to nature.  It is very popular in France and some of the world’s most famous producers are using the practices to some extent.  Those that experiment with the biodynamics generally see much better growth. 

For additional information, check out The Oxford Companion to Wine by Jancis Robinson.

Benjamin Broidy

Director of Wine & Sprints

The Buffalo Club – Santa Monica