Philosophy

The growth of the shoot tips is a good indicator of the condition of the vines.
Plant growth is directly linked to soil organisms.
Hey Bro!
The wet spring causes some concern.
The willows on our estate are important contributors to plant protection.
Willows are naturally high in salicylic acid, helping to reduce the use of copper in plant protection.
Jürgen supervising his tea creation.
Tea time at our winery.

Observation

A good winegrower is a good observer. Attentive to his vine, he closely observes the natural processes and metamorphoses occurring in his vineyard to gain an ever-deepening understanding of the land as a living organism. As a winemaker I spend much of my time in the vineyard studying the plants’ growth habit. I have come to realise that only when soil is in balance can it be the source and destiny of all life. It is my experience that the microorganisms in the soil forge a symbiotic relationship with plant life that we as winegrowers harness – and in fact support – in vine training. I firmly believe that bringing out the most authentic expression of our unique terroir requires a truly healthy vineyard.

Gardening

We know from years of personal experience and observation that the biologically dynamic farming method addresses all the right issues and fosters a harmonious interrelationship of the various parts of the ecosystem. Soil, as we understand it, is a living organism that we aim to revitalise by applying our own compost, organic teas and natural preparations. Our vines respond with healthy and balanced growth. Plant diversity has come to play a crucial role in the fertility of our vineyard, as it not only provides essential nutrients to our vines, but exerts a stabilising effect on the soil life. In fact, it takes a species-rich soil ecosystem, including bacteria as well as beneficial fungal mycelia, earthworms and a variety of insects, to ensure that an efficient nutrient cycle is in place. We ‘intervene’ simply to keep this natural process going. A wide array of plant life also cuts down significantly on the use of natural fertilisers. As passionate advocates of an ecologically sensitive approach to vineyard management, we have grown our vines using biodynamic practices since 2005. Our firm belief in biodynamic viticulture earned us Demeter Biodynamic certification in 2011 without a transition period.

Cosmos

The perpetual rhythm of expansion and contraction sustains all life. Year after year, we are witness to the dynamic forces of the cosmos and the seasonal influences that dictate our growing cycles. Biodynamic cultivation confirms that the formative forces active in all plants are in harmony with these phenomena. We are therefore very attentive to these natural and cosmic cycles and have deeply internalised them in our cultivation practices. Our vines repay us with a healthy balance of plant growth and fruit maturity, which are due entirely to our efforts in the vineyard.