Demeter Association, Inc.
Demeter-International e.V.
Demeter Biodynamic® Farm Standard is a comprehensive organic farming method that requires the creation and management of a closed system minimally dependent on imported materials, and instead meets its needs from the living dynamics of the farm itself.
As with organic production, the use of GMOs, synthetic chemicals, fertilizers or pesticides is not permitted. This comprehensive organic farming method requires the creation and management of a closed system. Farmers must be minimally dependent on imported materials, meeting all needs with the living dynamics of the farm itself. For example, cattle and chickens are often raised to provide compost, and wheat is grown among the other crops to feed the animals. This self-contained farm is the ultimate model of sustainability and environmental preservation.
The founder of Biodynamic agriculture, Rudolph Steiner, also found there to be lunar and astrological influences on soil and plant development. A number of Biodynamic calendars have been developed that offer indications for optimal times for sowing, cultivating and harvesting, based on the cyclical changes in the positions of the celestial bodies in relation to the earth.
The art of Biodynamic cultivation lies in choosing the right time for all applications or “infusions.” This requires sensitive understanding of the rhythms of the earth and the cosmos, as they have documented positive effects on the flora and fauna of the farm.
Why Biodynamic Wine Production?
“Biodynamic grape growing develops the vineyard’s greatest potential-allowing the vineyard to be the best it can be-and then captures that distinctiveness in the bottle.” Demeter-USA
- Healthier soil produces outstanding quality grapes and their resulting wines are the true essence of the winery’s terroir, creating a “taste of place”
- Biodynamic farming works in harmony with natural ecosystems to preserve and protect life’s diversity and species for future generations
- Healthy crop production equals a healthier glass of wine, free of man-made chemical contaminants and residues
- The creative powers of the cosmos play an important role as well as the consideration of the physical forces of nature
We are proud to present three Demeter Certified Biodynamic wineries within our portfolio:
Proviva – Quality Biodynamic Wines of Argentina
Proviva’s philosophy perfectly mirrors Natural Merchants’ ideology: Organic, Biodynamic, Non-GMO, Vegan-Friendly, quality product with constant innovation and a true LOVE for nature–Viticulture for the Future.
The Mendoza Region with Argentina’s soil and climate lends itself to the production of the highest-quality Biodynamic wines.
Proviva is the first Argentine winery with nationwide distribution in the U.S. to obtain Organic & Biodynamic certification as well as Non-GMO Project verification, and is Fair for Life certified, committed to both social responsibility and fair trade labor practices.
Agrinatura – Fine Biodynamic Wines from Puglia, Italy
In the surroundings of Andria in the Puglia region of Italy, near Bari in Apulia, at an altitude of 250 meters a.s.l., lies the farm Giancarlo Ceci, named after the 8th generation winemaker. The vineyard is situated just above the famous Italy boot on the Adriatic Sea, an area that is perfectly suited for the production of fine wines.
Giancarlo Ceci with his brand Agrinatura was a pioneer in growing and marketing organic products and was one of the first certified organic producers in Italy, receiving USDA organic certification in 2006.
In December 2011 Giancarlo Ceci’s Agrinatura became Demeter Biodynamic Certified. The resulting award-winning wines are sold in the United States under the Parco Naturale label, made of traditional Italian grape varieties from Puglia.
Koyle Family Vineyards -Beautiful Biodynamic Wines of Chile
Viña Koyle was born from the tradition that the family Undurraga carry in their blood; a family dedicated to winemaking for more than 6 generations, started by Francisco Undurraga Vicuña in 1885.
In 2006, Alfonso Undurraga Mackenna bought the Los Lingues estate and immediately began with his son, Cristobal, to plant the mountains with red grape varieties, starting the story of Koyle Family Vineyards.
Koyle places their greatest effort on the expression and understanding of the vineyard. It is based on 3 pillars: man, place and environment. It is through a Biodynamic approach that they have found the best way to get intimately close to the expression of nature. Through achieving balance, unique wines are obtained that express the harmony found in unifying the cosmic and terrestrial world. The deep respect of the ecosystem, natural cycles and the dedication of human work are used to achieve these wines of excellence.
Château Beaubois – Biodynamic Wines of Costières de Nîmes, France
Château Beaubois truly embraces this unique AOC of the Rhone Valley known for its innovation and commitment to sustainability. Château Beaubois is one of the Top 3 wineries in the Costières de Nimes and the only one that is Demeter Certified Biodynamic. Sister and brother Fanny and François Boyer are the 4th generation of their family owning the vineyard. They bring out the best of their unique terroir, producing wines of pure freshness, elegance and depth. Bordering the marshy Camargue plane and influenced by the nearby Cevennes mountain rage, nature plays a key role in wine production and style.