Issue 24 / Our Fave 10 Biodynamic Wines Of The World

by Vandana Bharti

Our Fave 10 Biodynamic Wines Of The World

Nov 18, 2015

Attention wine snobs! Here's our list of 10 elite biodynamic wineries that will have your wine friends red with envy.

Move over organic wine lovers, biodynamic wine is about to take center stage. This nouveau, futuristic and sustainable trend has all the vintners in a buzz. What makes biodynamic wine so special? The whole process. The viticultural practices are in tune with the cosmic effects of the sun, moon and planets while using the earth’s natural ingredients like cow horns and manure. I recommend reading the nine biodynamic preparations; the process and philosophy is intriguing.

My introduction to the biodynamic philosophy was in New Zealand in a small town called Matakana. We were visiting a family-run winery and to my delight it was a biodynamic one. Terry Baines, the owner of the estsate, was kind enough to explain to me the whole process and philosophy behind the wines. My knowledge of the wine making industry was expanding and it was the first time I heard the name Rudolph Steiner.

For wine enthusiasts who like to be in the know, here are some noteworthy facts about biodynamic wines and wineries around the world. You will be happy to know that there are over 590 biodynamic wineries worldwide and they are closer than you think. Here are 10 biodynamic wineries in some of my favourite places around the world.

1. The Sula Winery is located in Nasik Valley (India’s version of Napa Valley), a solid 180 kilometers northeast of Mumbai and it's the perfect getaway for locals and tourists. The unique design is the vision of Californian architects and the modern resort-like oasis caters to a high-end clientele while providing top quality service and industry-leading wines to its patrons. A pioneer in the wine industry, it's no surprise that this is one of the only recognized biodynamic wineries in India.

2. The Valle de Guadeloupe is Mexico’s Napa Valley and within it you'll find Finca la Carrodilla, a family-owned, biodynamic winery whose specialties are shiraz and cabernet savignon.

3. Saltings Eastate Winery is a small, yet cozy, family-run winery in Matakana, New Zealand. I tasted the award-winning 2011 syrah. The dark, spicy and oaky-flavoured wine made my tastebuds dance with delight and intrigued me to try the malbec. If you are in New Zealand this winery is worth a visit as Terry Baines’ explanation of the biodynamic process is intriguing.

^{Wine barrels at Saltings Estate Winery.

Photo Credit: Vandana Bharti}

Fermantation tanks at Saltings Estate Winery.
Photo Credit: Vandana Bharti

4. Summerhill Pyramid Winery is a gorgeous winery located in the Okanagan Valley in Kelowna British Columbia in Canada. This was the first winery I had ever visited and enjoyed their pinot noir so much I shipped a case of it back home. A noteworthy fact, they have an organic wine called OM. Is that not reason enough to visit?

5. According to Trip Advisor for the mainstream opinions like myself, Catacurian was the clear winner. The five-star rated winery has endless reviews that rave about the personal service and attention, the winery and the endless activities offered. A definite must-do on a wine tour in Spain.

6. Pian De Llaorino’s is Italy's hidden secret. The small, yet beautiful winery is run by a young couple that are dedicated to the biodynamic process. Located next to the famous Biondi Santi Winery, their wine quality speaks for itself; they have to be good if they have survived this long beside the big boys.

7. Domaine Leroy had me at the astrological picture wheel and then their philosophy sealed the deal: “Once one knows how to taste wine, one no longer simply tastes wine but its profound secrets.” This historic winery was founded in 1868 where the Leroy family started producing wines and later expanded into the liquor and spirits markets. Located in the Burgandy wine region, this visionary winery is known as one of France's top wineries and is a must-see.

8. We could not write about wines and wineries and not include one in South Africa and Reyneke Wines is the coolest, free-range winery around. Johan, the owner, is as open about his family life as he is about his winery. This winery, with its laid back, hippie-feel, is the perfect place to try a new wine. And if you are daring enough, enjoy some of the blended wines like a shiraz and cabernet sauvignon.

^{Stuffed cow horns (one of the nine steps of biodynamic preparation).

Photo Credit: Reyneke Estates}

9. There are so many biodynamic wineries in Napa Valley but Grgich Hill Estates comes hihgly recommended by some fellow wine-lovers. Their fume blanc and violet are worth a try just because they sound so pretentious and delicious.

10. Located to the left of the Rhine, between Mainz and Worms, and residing in one of Germany’s largest and oldest wine countries is The Heyl Zu Herrnsheim Estates. Riesling is their specialty and combined with the view and history this is a must-experience wine stop.

^{The Heyl Zu Herrnsheim Winery}
^{Photo Credit: The Heyl Zu Herrnsheim Estates}

My introduction to the biodynamic wine scene has just begun and I love it. Next time you are buying a bottle of wine for dinner, grab a biodynamic one and see if you can taste or feel the difference.

Happy wine tasting and hope to see you on the wine trail.

^{Main Image Photo Credit: Vandana Bharti (Wineries on Weiheke island)}