At Benziger Family Winery nestled in the uber-quaint town of Glen Ellen in Somoma County, the Cabernet Franc grapes were days away from harvest. For winemaker Mike Benziger and the rest of the crew, early October means a lot of “all nighters”. Harvesting the grapes by the light of the moon is par for the course in these vineyards, where Biodynamic farming practices are key to both the quality and philosophy of wine making and land usage at this property. While the philosophical aspects of Rudolf Steiner’s Biodynamics (which do include an emphasis on energetic forces of nature, as well as astrological influences) might take a bit to fully grasp, using scientifically sound organic farming practices does not. Certified by the Demeter Association, a rigorous standard set up internationally to protect and promote Biodynamic practices, Benziger shows off the highest form of organic farming.

Walking through the property with Mike’s sister Kathy, one is immediately struck by the thoughtfulness and organization of the vineyard site that was purchased in 1981. It begins to make sense that a clear respect for the land and growing environment will reflect in the final product, the wine. Biodynamics, if thought of as combining the “biological” elements (organic farming techniques, soil development and repair, and sustainability) combined with “dynamic” practices (metaphysical development of the natural rhythms and forces within the land) begins to make sense as well.

Of course, this trip would not have been complete without tasting through the impressive lineup of wines, some of which are available only at the winery. We did go home with a couple of standouts…

de Coelo ‘Terra Neuma Vineyard’ Pinot Noir 2007 Sonoma Coast

Benziger Family Winery ‘Oonapais’ Sonoma Mountain Red 2005