Biodynamic Agriculture
We chose to work with the biodynamic method because it is a natural continuation of the feelings that have accompanied us since we started cultivating the vineyard soil. Listening, observing, researching. Awareness of life forces, the influence of the cosmos on the microcosm, treating the farm as a complete and independent organism. Using medicinal plants, integrating animals, and allowing space for the creative spirit that pulsates within humans. All these find their place in this method, and we found ourselves captivated by its enchanting charm.
So how did it all begin, and why have some of the most important and influential wine producers in the world adopted this agricultural method?
It all began in 1924. After more than a decade of using conventional farming methods, including pesticides and chemical fertilizers,
a group of farmers turned to the philosopher Rudolf Steiner. They were concerned about the depletion of the land they cultivated, a consistent decline in crop quality, and the deterioration of their livestock's condition. Steiner was asked to help them find practical solutions to the problems they encountered.
The result was "The Agriculture Course" - a series of eight lectures on agriculture from Steiner's broad perspective.
Since then, based on Steiner's insights, generations of farmers, gardeners, agriculturalists, and researchers have developed the method.
The emphasis is placed on the integration of plants and animals, nutrient recycling, preserving and cultivating soil life, working with the natural movement of the stars and seasons, combined with the spiritual dimension active in all of these.
The general goal is to increase the health and vitality of the farm as a whole, including the farmer himself. This method works fantastically with vineyards.
This is because grapevines have an extraordinary ability to express, through their grapes, various relationships between air, light, water, and soil.
When the soil is alive and the grapevines are not subjected to artificial manipulations – they produce unique fruit, and the resulting wine is exceptional and inimitable.
A wine that authentically expresses an intimate connection between the grapevines and their environment (terroir) where they grew.
Grapevines can capture the terroir through their roots – but for this to happen, the soil must be in a state of life, vitality, and health.
They are able to absorb the terroir through their leaves, but for this to happen, they need to be free of synthetic chemicals, which hinder the true expression of their surrounding environment.
Work in the vineyard and winery is planned according to the positions of the moon and stars, the time of year, and the time of day. For this purpose, an astronomical calendar has been developed that is updated annually and provides preferred benchmarks for specific treatments.
Conventional science also recognizes the moon's influence on the ebb and flow rhythm in oceans and seas. In biodynamic agriculture (and ancient agricultural methods in general), it is understood that plants, which are mostly made of water, also react to the different phases of its movement.
In the winery, the biodynamic method is expressed similarly. Grapes are harvested at a precise time when the fruit is at its peak and when further fermentation will occur optimally. Fermentation occurs spontaneously by natural yeasts found on the grape skin, in order to express again, in the most complete way, the totality of life in the vineyard.
No various materials are used. The only addition is sulfur SO2 in a low dosage according to organic and biodynamic standards.
We chose the biodynamic method because it is a natural continuation of the feelings that have been with us since we started working the vineyard soil.
Our vineyard plots have very unique terroir characteristics for the land of Israel. For us, this is the most honest way to express them.