Organic & Biodynamic Viticulture

Introduction

Organic and biodynamic viticulture represent two related but distinct approaches to vineyard management that eliminate synthetic chemical inputs and emphasize ecological balance. While organic farming focuses on avoiding synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, biodynamic viticulture incorporates additional spiritual-agricultural principles developed by Rudolf Steiner in 1924. Both approaches have gained significant traction in premium wine regions worldwide, with proponents arguing they produce more terroir-expressive wines and contribute to long-term vineyard health. For enologists, understanding these viticultural philosophies is essential because vineyard practices fundamentally influence fruit quality, fermentation behavior, and final wine character.

Organic Viticulture

Core Principles

Prohibited Inputs:

Synthetic pesticides (insecticides, fungicides, herbicides)
Synthetic fertilizers (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium)
GMO materials
Sewage sludge
Ionizing radiation

Permitted Inputs:

Copper-based fungicides (with restrictions)
Sulfur
Natural pyrethrins
Biological control agents
Organic composts and manures
Cover crop green manures

Fungal Disease Management

The Major Challenge: Without synthetic fungicides, managing downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola), powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator), and botrytis (Botrytis cinerea) becomes significantly more challenging.

Copper Usage:

Primary defense against downy mildew
EU limits: 4 kg Cu/ha/year (averaged over 5 years)
Copper accumulation concerns in soil
Applied as Bordeaux mixture, copper hydroxide, or copper oxychloride

Sulfur Usage:

Primary defense against powdery mildew
Elemental sulfur or wettable sulfur
Temperature-sensitive application
Generally unlimited (but practical limits)

Integrated Approach:

Canopy management (air circulation)
Leaf removal (reduce humidity)
Shoot positioning
Timing applications preventatively
Weather monitoring
Disease-resistant varieties (PIWI)

Fertility Management

Organic Approaches:

Cover crops (nitrogen fixation with legumes)
Compost applications
Animal manures (composted)
Green manures
Mulching

Soil Biology Focus:

Mycorrhizal associations
Soil microbial diversity
Organic matter building
Reduced tillage where possible

Pest Management

Biological Controls:

Pheromone confusion (grape berry moth)
Predatory insects (natural populations)
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for caterpillars
Beneficial insectary plantings

Cultural Controls:

Biodiversity promotion
Habitat for predators
Cover crops as habitat

Biodynamic Viticulture

Origins and Philosophy

Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925): Austrian philosopher who developed biodynamic agriculture in 1924 through a series of lectures to farmers. Biodynamics views the farm as a self-contained, living organism connected to cosmic rhythms.

Core Principles

Beyond Organic:

All organic requirements PLUS
Cosmic/astrological timing
Biodynamic preparations
Farm as closed organism
Spiritual-philosophical framework

The Nine Preparations

Spray Preparations:

Preparation	Material	Application
500 (Horn Manure)	Cow manure fermented in buried cow horn	Soil spray; stimulates soil biology
501 (Horn Silica)	Ground quartz crystal in buried cow horn	Foliar spray; enhances light metabolism

Compost Preparations (502-507):

Number	Material	Function
502	Yarrow flowers	Sulfur processes
503	Chamomile flowers	Calcium processes
504	Stinging nettle	Iron processes
505	Oak bark	Calcium processes
506	Dandelion flowers	Silica processes
507	Valerian flower extract	Phosphorus warmth

Preparation 508: Horsetail tea—fungal disease prevention.

Cosmic Calendar

Planting Calendar Types:

Root days: Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn)
Fruit days: Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius)
Flower days: Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius)
Leaf days: Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces)

Lunar Phases:

Ascending moon: Sap rises; harvest, fruit work
Descending moon: Sap descends; planting, root work

Application: Vineyard operations timed to calendar—harvest on fruit days, for example.

Scientific Assessment

Measurable Benefits:

Increased soil biological activity
Higher soil organic matter
Improved soil structure
Biodiversity enhancement

Contested Claims:

Cosmic timing effects (limited scientific support)
Preparation mechanisms (not scientifically explained)
Quality differences (subjective assessments mixed)

Position: Regardless of spiritual aspects, biodynamic practices create measurable improvements in soil health through increased attention, organic matter inputs, and biodiversity.

Certification Systems

Organic Certification

EU (European Union):

Regulation (EU) 2018/848
3-year conversion period
Annual inspections
EU organic logo mandatory

USDA (United States):

National Organic Program (NOP)
3-year transition
USDA Organic seal
Certified organic handlers

Other Systems:

AB (Agriculture Biologique—France)
Ecocert
SIP (Sustainability in Practice—California)

Biodynamic Certification

Demeter International:

Primary global certification body
Strictest standards
Includes organic requirements plus biodynamic
Annual recertification
Estate must be certified (not just vineyards)

Biodyvin:

Wine-specific biodynamic certification
France-based
Estate certification
Annual audits

Certification Comparison

Aspect	Organic	Biodynamic (Demeter)
Synthetic inputs	Prohibited	Prohibited
Copper limits	4 kg/ha/year (EU)	Often stricter
Preparations	Not required	REQUIRED
Cosmic timing	Not required	Expected
Whole farm	Vineyard only	Entire estate
Philosophy	Scientific/practical	Spiritual/holistic

Wine Production Considerations

Must and Fermentation Differences

Observations from Organic/Biodynamic Fruit:

Often higher microbial diversity on grapes
More indigenous yeast populations
Potentially different nutrient profiles
Variable ripening patterns

Fermentation Management:

Indigenous fermentation more common
May require different nutrient supplementation
Microbial population differences
Natural winemaking association

Winery Inputs (Organic Wine)

EU Organic Wine Regulations (since 2012):

SO₂ limits: 100 mg/L (red), 150 mg/L (white/rosé)
Permitted additives: Restricted list
Fining agents: Limited (some animal products permitted)
Acidification/dealcoholization: Restricted

“Made with Organic Grapes” (US):

More restrictive than EU organic wine
No added sulfites (beyond naturally occurring)
Very limited additives

Biodynamic Winemaking

Demeter Winery Standards:

All organic wine requirements
Additional restrictions on processing
Native yeast encouraged
Limited interventions
Preparation use in winery possible

Vineyard Biodiversity

Cover Crop Benefits

Functions:

Nitrogen fixation (legumes)
Erosion prevention
Organic matter
Beneficial insect habitat
Water infiltration improvement
Soil structure

Common Species:

Legumes: Vetch, clover, peas
Grasses: Barley, oats, rye
Brassicas: Mustard, radish
Mixed blends

Biodiversity Enhancement

Practices:

Hedgerows between vineyard blocks
Insectary plantings
Raptor perches (rodent control)
Nest boxes
Water features
Wildlife corridors

Measured Benefits:

Natural pest predator populations
Reduced pesticide need
Ecosystem services
Carbon sequestration

Challenges and Limitations

Climate and Region Considerations

Difficult Regions for Organic:

High humidity (disease pressure)
Maritime climates (fungal diseases)
Established disease populations
Limited copper tolerance

More Suitable Regions:

Dry climates (Mediterranean, continental)
Low disease pressure areas
Wind-exposed sites
Good drainage

Economic Considerations

Cost Factors:

Higher labor inputs
More frequent treatments
Lower yields (potentially)
Certification costs
Risk of crop loss

Premium Potential:

Organic/biodynamic price premiums
Marketing differentiation
Consumer demand growth
Export market requirements

Conversion Period

Transition Challenges:

3 years minimum (no premium)
Building soil health
Learning new practices
Risk management
Financial strain

Quality and Terroir Expression

The Terroir Argument

Proponent Claims:

Greater terroir expression
More authentic wines
Living soils = better nutrient uptake
Healthier vines = better fruit

Scientific Position:

Limited controlled studies
Terroir expression multifactorial
Vineyard attention matters
Difficult to isolate variables

Measurable Quality Differences

What Studies Show:

Soil biology differences (measurable)
Root depth differences (some evidence)
Biodiversity differences (measurable)
Wine quality differences (inconclusive—highly variable)

Key Insight: The attention and care associated with organic/biodynamic practices may matter as much as specific prohibited/permitted inputs.

Notable Organic/Biodynamic Producers

Biodynamic Pioneers

France:

Domaine Leroy (Burgundy)
Domaine Leflaive (Burgundy)
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht (Alsace)
Nicolas Joly (Loire—Coulée de Serrant)

Other Regions:

Felton Road (New Zealand)
Cullen (Australia)
Brick House (Oregon)
Benziger (California)

Significance

These producers demonstrate that highest-quality wines can be produced using organic and biodynamic methods, often commanding premium prices and critical acclaim.

Implementation Recommendations

Starting Organic Conversion

Assess Current Practices: Identify synthetic inputs to eliminate
Soil Testing: Baseline soil biology and chemistry
Cover Crop Establishment: Build soil health
IPM Implementation: Develop non-chemical pest strategies
Copper/Sulfur Programs: Establish organic disease management
Certification Research: Choose appropriate certifier
Record Keeping: Documentation requirements

Adding Biodynamic Practices

Preparation Sourcing: Obtain or make preparations
Calendar Familiarity: Learn biodynamic calendar
Spray Equipment: Dedicated application equipment
Compost Systems: On-farm composting with preparations
Philosophical Engagement: Understand underlying principles
Community Connection: Join biodynamic associations

Conclusion

Organic and biodynamic viticulture represent more than marketing categories—they fundamentally change how vineyards are managed and how vines interact with their environment. For enologists, understanding these systems is essential because fruit from organically and biodynamically managed vineyards often behaves differently in the winery, may require adapted protocols, and carries specific certification requirements for the final wine. Whether or not one accepts the philosophical dimensions of biodynamics, the practices associated with both organic and biodynamic viticulture demonstrably improve soil health and biodiversity, potentially contributing to more resilient vineyards and more terroir-expressive wines.

References

Reeve, J.R., et al. (2005). “Soil and Winegrape Quality in Biodynamically and Organically Managed Vineyards.” American Journal of Enology and Viticulture, 56(4), 367-376. AJEV Link
Steiner, R. (1924). “Agriculture Course.” Rudolf Steiner Press. Publisher Link
EU Regulation 2018/848 on Organic Production. EUR-Lex Link
Demeter International (2025). “Production Standards.” https://www.demeter.net/

Last Updated: January 10, 2026
Research Grade: Technical reference
Application: Vineyard management, certification decisions, winery protocols