Ratings: 7 Biodynamic Wines to Drink on Earth Day and Every Day

Research suggests today’s wine drinker cares about sustainability. According to an analysis by the International Wine and Spirits Record (IWSR), a drinks market insights company, nearly half of American consumers say they were more inclined to purchase wines in 2022 that had “sustainability or environmental initiatives.” Beyond purchasing wines that follow trendy terms like organic or natural, one common wine term grouped in with sustainability is biodynamic. But what does biodynamic wine really mean? How is biodynamic wine different than organic? How can you tell if the wine you’re purchasing is biodynamic? To help understand this category and make greener purchases, we pulled together some of our favorite biodynamic wines and answered some common questions about the category. What Is Biodynamic Wine? Biodynamic wine producers focus on more than just the vines. They have a philosophy that their vineyard is one functioning organism and aim to maintain their farms with minimal reliance on imported goods. Instead, they have everything they need coming from the farm itself. They often have animals on the farm to produce manure and compost, grow cover crops and protect insect communities along with many other practices (which you can check out here). They also follow a lunar calendar, which tells them when to prune, plant, harvest and treat the vineyard, as well as when to open and taste wine. Biodynamic farming has been around since the early 1920s when industrial agriculture was on the rise and Austrian farmers noticed their soil quality depleting. In 1924, Rudolf Steiner, a scientist and philosopher, put together his theory of biodynamics and his principles are still in use today. But it’s not without its critics. Steiner himself was a founding member of the Anthroposophical Society, a spiritual group that upheld racist ideas. Today’s biodynamic community struggles to separate his agricultural teachings from his personal beliefs. Many agriculturalists and scientists haven’t found enough evidence to show that biodynamic methods actually work. But producers who grow biodynamically are often keen to sing their praises. “We see resilience in our vines and the quality of fruit reflects the care and attention to detail that comes with this philosophy of farming,” says Brittany Sherwood, director of winemaking at Heitz Cellar in Napa Valley. According to the winery’s website, they are moving toward being biodynamic. Mini Byers, co-owner and general manager of Johan Vineyards and Cowhorn Vineyard in Oregon, echoes this sentiment. “When you are committed to farming biodynamically, you can see and taste those philosophies come to life,” Byers says. “You have a healthier and balanced microbiome in your soil, and in turn, a much healthier and stronger vine. From those vines, you’re able to produce fruit that has verve and a specific aliveness to it. When that fruit comes into the winery, you are able to create a wine that does become a true expression of this site and reflects the unique aspects of this vineyard.” Biodynamic Wines to Try King Estate 2021 Domaine Pinot Gris (Willamette Valley) Felton Road 2019 Block 5 Pinot Noir (Central Otago) Cullen 2019 Kevin John Wilyabrup Chardonnay (Margaret River) Domaine Marcel Deiss 2017 Rotenberg White (Alsace) Troon 2020 Estate Vineyard Syrah (Applegate Valley) Brooks 2019 Bois Joli Riesling (Eola-Amity Hills) Nittnaus Anita und Hans 2019 Lange Ohn Blaufränkisch (Leithaberg) FAQs How Do I Know if My Wine Is Biodynamic? For consumers interested in buying biodynamic wines, it’s not as easy as looking at the label. The Demeter organization certifies wines as biodynamic, and you’ll find their mark on the label. But not every winery using biodynamic methods chooses to get certified. Certification and annual renewal gets expensive, which for small wineries can be prohibitive. Many wineries use biodynamic practices but don’t choose certification. The best way to know is to shop at a local wine store and ask the staff for a biodynamic option. They can steer you in the right direction. What’s the Difference Between Organic and Biodynamic Wine? There is a lot of overlap between these two farming methods. But, organic practices focus on removing synthetic and chemical fertilizers and pesticides and replacing them with organic options. Organic certification also requires growers to act on water conservation efforts and consider overall sustainability. All biodynamic growers use organic methods of grape growing, and they take additional steps to use methods that add vigor to the vineyard, including using compost and different plants to increase microbial activity and enrich the soil. Biodynamic growers focus on building strong vineyards that work in tandem with their ecosystem for healthy soils and vines that, ideally, don’t fall victim to disease. “Biodynamic farming brings us closer to our land and teaches us that the vines are just one part of a complex ecosystem,” says Carlton McCoy, M.S., CEO of Lawrence Wine Estates. “It reminds us that we ourselves are a part of this ecosystem.” Do Biodynamic Wines Have Sulfites in Them? Demeter does allow for some sulfites in the winemaking process. Up to 100 parts per million is allowed, but don’t fear—unless you have a sulfur allergy, you won’t likely feel any adverse effects. (Sulfites cannot be added to organic wines). Sulfites are a naturally occurring element. If you can happily eat dried fruit like apricots or raisins, which can have a whopping 2,000 parts per million, you likely aren’t allergic to sulfur. You may be feeling the effects of added sugar or other chemical elements in your wine, which biodynamics is staunchly against.

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