At DaVero Farms & Winery in Healdsburg, California, winemaking isn’t just a craft—it’s an extension of our deep relationship with the land. Rooted in over 25 years of farming, with biodynamic conversion beginning in 2008, our approach nurtures living soils, vibrant vines, and wines that truly capture a sense of place. But what does biodynamic wine mean, and how does it shape every bottle we make?
Let’s explore the philosophy behind our wines, and why we believe biodynamic farming offers a better future for both wine and the planet.
What Is Biodynamic Wine and Where Does It Come From?
Biodynamic wine starts with the farm. Based on principles developed by philosopher Rudolf Steiner in the 1920s, biodynamic farming views the vineyard as a complete, self-sustaining organism. It emphasizes biodiversity, lunar cycles, and building healthy soils—ensuring the vines are naturally resilient and expressive of their terroir.
Unlike conventional or even organic wine practices, biodynamic winemaking doesn’t merely prohibit synthetic inputs. It fosters an entire ecosystem that supports healthier vines and deeper flavors— without sacrificing the planet’s well-being.
Biodynamic Preparations and Their Role in Sustainable Farming
In biodynamics, compost is more than just fertilizer – it’s life. Traditional biodynamic practices include biodynamic sprays or practices that stimulate soil vitality. At DaVero, we focus on enriching the land naturally through biodynamic composting, utilizing grape pomace, olive leaves, and manure from our farm animals.
The result? Living soils brimming with microbial diversity, that are crucial for sustaining healthy vines and enhancing the regenerative power of the land.
Moon Phases and the Biodynamic Farming Calendar
One of the most distinctive aspects of biodynamic farming wine is its connection to cosmic rhythms. The biodynamic farming calendar guides vineyard activities: timing, pruning, harvesting, and soil care according to root, flower, fruit, or leaf days aligned with the lunar cycle.
As Soil Keeper, Michael Presley shares,
“Biodynamic farming connects us deeply to the land and the cosmos. Farming in harmony with lunar cycles enhances the vitality of our vineyards and the expression of our wines.”
(Our Team)
Aligning with these natural cycles helps our vines work in synchrony with the environment, not against it.
Demeter Certification: What It Is and How We Earned It
At DaVero, we are proud to hold Demeter certification, the gold standard for biodynamic agriculture worldwide. This rigorous designation confirms that every step of our vineyard and farming practices upholds the highest standards of ecological stewardship, soil regeneration, and sustainability.
We didn’t pursue certification for marketing reasons—we pursued it because it aligns with how we believe the land deserves to be treated.
The Process of Biodynamic Winemaking
In the cellar, our philosophy is simple: let nature lead.
Our biodynamic wine making process includes:
- Native yeast fermentation—no commercial yeast
- Minimal sulfur dioxide at bottling
- No fining, no filtering
- Aging in neutral vessels to showcase purity
Because our soils are alive with diverse microbial life, our grapes arrive at the crush pad carrying native yeasts perfectly adapted to their environment. This leads to natural fermentations that express true terroir, revealing the authentic flavors of our varietals, vineyards, and vintage each year—without additives or manipulation.
At DaVero, we believe the grower, not the “winemaker,” should hold the place of honor. Nature does the work; we simply guide the process.
How Biodynamic Principles Shape Our Ecosystem
Our farm is a living system – not a monoculture. Alongside our vines, we tend olive groves, vegetable gardens, bees, and pigs. Each element strengthens the others, enhancing pollination, promoting soil health, and building ecosystem resilience.
Choosing the right grape varietals for our Dry Creek Valley climate is part of this philosophy. By growing varietals that naturally balance sugar and acidity here (like Sagrantino, Montepulciano, and Vermentino), we reduce the need for irrigation, chemical inputs, and heavy farming interventions. It’s nature’s balance, not human force, that leads to healthy vineyards and better wines.
The Importance of Biodiverse Wine in Eco-Friendly Wine Production
A truly eco-friendly wine must come from a living landscape. At DaVero, we cultivate not just grapes, but biodiversity. This commitment results in biodiverse wine—wines that are more expressive, more resilient, and more reflective of the ecosystem they emerge from.
Experience our ecosystem firsthand by visiting DaVero for a guided tour and tasting.
What’s the Difference Between Biodynamic vs Organic Wine?
The difference between biodynamic vs organic wine comes down to philosophy and practice:
- Organic farming eliminates synthetic chemicals.
- Biodynamic farming builds an integrated, regenerative ecosystem, tied to natural cosmic rhythms.
Both matters. But biodynamic farming creates a deeper connection between plant, place, and planet.
The Benefits of Biodynamic Farming
The benefits of biodynamic farming at DaVero are evident:
- Healthier soils that retain more water naturally
- Stronger, more balanced vines with less disease pressure
- Fewer tractor passes and lower carbon footprint
- Authentic wines that reflect their vineyard and vintage
By restoring soil health and minimizing intervention, we produce wines that are alive with flavor—and farming practices that tread lightly on the Earth.
The Impact of Organic Wine Taste on the Overall Drinking Experience
Many wine lovers notice that organic wine tastes fresher, livelier, and more vibrant. Biodynamic wines, like ours, go even further – carrying the energy of living soils and natural fermentations.
Expect wines with vivid aromatics, lively acidity, and a palpable sense of place in every glass. Book a tasting to experience the difference for yourself.
How to Identify Biodynamic Wines When Shopping
To find authentic biodynamic wines:
- Look for a winery’s Demeter certification noted on their website.
- Seek out wineries that describe their farming practices openly
- Support producers like DaVero who farm with full transparency and integrity
Shop our biodynamic wines online and bring the spirit of Dry Creek Valley into your home.
Final Thought: Wine with a Conscience
At DaVero, our wines don’t just taste good — they feel right.
Rooted in over two decades of biodynamic principles, our biodynamic vineyard in Dry Creek Valley is a testament to what’s possible when we farm with nature, not against it.
If you’ve ever wondered what biodynamic wine truly means, the answer is simple:
It means integrity, from ground to glass.
Want to immerse yourself in our biodynamic world? Join us for the Spring Farm Festa or our 25th Anniversary Vineyard Dinner, where food, wine, and regenerative farming come together in unforgettable ways.
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