Organic and biodynamic viticulture
Seminar Format
What It's About
Wine has fascinated people for thousands of years. It is not only a pleasure product; it is an intoxicant, in the truest sense of the word, a cultural icon—condemned and worshipped. But it is also one of the most labour-intensive and environmentally damaging agricultural products of all.
Organic farming methods seek a way out of this dilemma. But is it the royal road, and what is it really about with these cow horns? Hocus-pocus?
Objectives
Seminar participants will learn the differences between organic, biodynamic and conventional viticulture. What characterises each approach, and where are the boundaries? The relevant legal requirements will be explained, as well as the background in wine law, with particular focus on the EU directive. In addition, the various certifications will be reviewed and the labels available on the market will be explained.
Content
- Viticulture: a millennia-old monoculture
- What are the consequences?
- What defines organic viticulture? Soil management, plant protection, winemaking
- What are PIWIs? (fungus-resistant grape varieties)
- What is biodynamic wine?
- Certification, associations and the jungle of labels
- Tasting of organic wines, PIWIs and natural wines
Target audience
Seminar participants will learn the differences between organic, biodynamic and conventional viticulture. What characterises each approach, and where are the boundaries? The relevant legal requirements will be explained, as well as the background in wine law, with particular focus on the EU directive. In addition, the various certifications will be reviewed and the labels available on the market will be explained.