Page 41 - GrapevineMarApr 2022

Around The Vineyard

Biodynamic Vineyard in Sonoma California.

Impact of Biodynamic Farming Principles

on Climate Change & Wildfires

By: Becky Garrison
S ince grapes were first planted in 1825 at Fort spective, only 83 vineyards have received this certi-

Vancouver, Washington by the Hudson Bay
fication as of 2020.
Company, Washington State has emerged
as the second-largest wine region in the United For those unfamiliar with biodynamic practic-
States with over 19 American Viticultural Areas. es, certified farms, including wineries, adopt the
Despite its size, 90% of Washington State wineries practices outlined by Rudolph Steiner in 1927 and
produce less than 5,000 cases a year. As part of Demeter International formalized in 1985. These
this commitment to producing wines using organic practices prohibit the use of synthetic chemical
and sustainable means, the Washington State Wine fertilizers, fungicides and herbicides. In addition,
Commission will launch its first statewide certified farmers can utilize specific treatments, called
sustainable winegrowing certification in early 2022. preparations, which comprise of medicinal plants,
composted animal manure and minerals. Also, 10%
Moving south to Oregon, even though their 22 of the farm’s total acreage must be devoted to bio-
AVAs may produce only 1% of the wines made in diversity.
the U.S., the state accounts for 52% of total vine-
yard acres in the U.S. with biodynamic certification While these biodynamic vineyards produce wines
from Demeter USA. To put this number into per- pleasing to the planet and palette, what impact, if

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