About Biodynamics

Beyond Organic

Biodynamic farming is a multi-faceted approach to land stewardship, with the highest standards for ethical and sustainable farming, resulting in one of the smallest carbon footprints of any agricultural practice.

Most of us have heard terms like “natural” and “organic”, but “Biodynamic” is a new term to many. Biodynamic agriculture is rooted in the work of Dr. Rudolf Steiner in the 1920s when he gave a series of lectures promoting the idea of a farm as a self-sustaining living organism, which led to modern Biodynamics, and the way we farm today.

Montinore Estate has been practicing Biodynamic viticulture since the early 2000s under the leadership of Rudy Marchesi, and the estate vineyard received Demeter Biodynamic® certification in 2008.

We utilize nutrient-infusing and insect-promoting cover crops, unique compost and sprays made on-site that improve the liveliness of the vineyard, all in alignment with regenerative agriculture practices. Biodiversity (the number and variety of species found within an ecosystem) is essential to maintain the balance of our farm, and these practices create richer soils with more diverse nutrients. Vines are broader with deeper root systems that incorporate these nutrients and minerals. We believe this is why wines made from Biodynamic grapes stand out in a crowd.