Increase in organic vineyards good news for wine lovers

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Increase in organic vineyards good news for wine lovers

The Bio Dynamic Farming and Gardening Association welcomes the forthcoming publication of the Organic Market Report 2012 – the latest research update on New Zealand's organic sector, which will be launched in Wellington on March 6.

The Association says it is good news for wine lovers.

The report shows the organic wine industry is growing hugely, and within the growing organic wine movement, biodynamic growing is taking hold as well.

Biodynamics is part of the organic family of methods. It uses simple on-farm materials to stimulate soil and plant vigour, and includes the use of an astronomical farming and gardening calendar. It is a regenerative organic farming system that focuses on soil health, the integration of plants and animals, and biodiversity. It demands the close observation and participation of the farmer.

“All around the wine growing world, biodynamic methods are being adopted by more and more vineyards as they turn to organics. Traditionally French winemaking had a concept of “terroir”, which said that a wine should reflect the place from which it comes. But in the last century industrial grape growing methods overpowered terroir in many places. Now some growers use simple and effective biodynamic methods to recover that sense of place and vitality”, said Association Secretary David Wright.

Mr Wright said that the report noted the same trend of continuing interest and uptake of biodynamic methods in the NZ wine sector as internationally.

“The test of a wine is in the glass and interest has spread because many biodynamic wine makers make great wines. A great wine is a great way to add value, so there is a great future for biodynamics in NZ organic wine growing”, Mr Wright added.

“At least two biodynamic vineyards will be represented at the launch of the report on Wednesday by their founders - Nigel Greening (Felton Road) and James Millton, MNZM (Millton Vineyards and Winery). James pioneered biodynamic methods in New Zealand. Interest now goes far beyond those on the land, and some British supermarkets have scheduled wine tastings by the biodynamic calendar.”

“Biodynamics teaches that there’s no “one-size-fits all” solution to every problem. Every farm or vineyard is different. While growers learn from each other and from researchers, in the end they apply their own knowledge and own imagination in their own way to solve their own problems at their own place”, Mr Wright said.

ENDS

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