Our Farming Philosophy

We take the position that the farm is a living, self-sustaining ecosystem. Most closely allied with this way of thinking is biodynamic farming, an agricultural system with its roots in a series of lectures given in 1924 by Dr Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925), an Austrian scientist and philosopher. These lectures were taught by Steiner in response to observations from farmers that soils were becoming depleted following the introduction of chemical fertilizers at the turn of the century. In addition to degraded soil conditions, the farmers noticed deterioration in the health and quality of crops and livestock. Biodynamic agriculture was the first ecological farming system developed as an alternative to chemical agriculture.

Farming in Harmony with Nature

Annefield Vineyards -
Biodynamic farming seeks to heal the Earth.

Biodynamic farming emphasizes the integration of crops and livestock, recycling nutrients, maintaining the soil and maximizing the health and well-being of crops, animals and people on the farm. Biodynamics parallels organic farming in many ways—especially with regard to cultural and biological farming practices. It is set apart from other organic agricultural systems by its association with the spiritual science of anthroposophy founded by Steiner, and in its emphasis on farming practices intended to achieve balance between the physical and higher, non-physical realms. Biodynamics acknowledges the influence of cosmic and terrestrial forces; these forces enrich the farm, its products and its inhabitants with life energy.

Biodynamics can be understood as a combination of biological dynamic agricultural practices. Biological practices include those that are well-known organic farming techniques that improve soil health. Dynamic practices influence the biological as well as the metaphysical aspects of the farm, and integrate the farm with the rhythms of the natural world. This is farming in harmony with nature.

With wine grapes, the key word when speaking of biodynamic winegrowing is balance. Winegrowers often speak of the need to have balanced vines in order to maximize quality fruit. To achieve balance in the vineyards, we start with the soil, for the soil is the basis for the ephemeral concept terroir. Simply put, biodynamics maximizes the personality of a given plot of earth.

Special Challenges

However, we will have special challenges. Virginia’s humid climate with hot summers provides the ideal environment for fungal infections and rots, so we will have to balance our biodynamic approach with the realities of Virginia viticulture and resort to an array of fungicides to keep these problems in check. We have retained The Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Bio-Dynamics in Woolwine, Virginia, to advise us on how best to incorporate biodynamic practice into our viticulture. For additional information on biodynamic agriculture, please contact the Biodynamic Farming & Gardening Association.

Biodynamic winegrowers include some of the best in the world, and occupy all corners of the globe. For additional information, see Biodynamic Wines by Monty Waldin (London: Octopus Publishing Group, 2004).