Voodoo Vintners: Oregon's Astonishing Biodynamic Winegrowers

I recently published Creating World Class Red Wine on Amazon. It could be described as kind of a top-down study of how the finest wines in the world are actually made--Hands on winemaking.Here author Katherine Cole approaches the dodgy subject of biodynamism from a reporter's perspective, by interviewing Oregon viticulturists and winemakers engaged in the practice, and offering her opinions.Her style is fun, young and whimsical. The book is written in a slightly more informal style than her professional wine reviews. The incomplete sentences threw me off at first, but then I just got used to them. Katherine is not a winegrower or winemaker, but she lives, breaths and works in the midst of it all in Oregon. The influences of both Burgundy and California are outlined as well.The differences between organic viticulture, vinification and biodynamic winegrowing and winemaking are covered quite well. She illustrates how there is no absolute established dogma for any of the disciplines, except perhaps biodynamic Demeter certification.Demeter is quirky, particularly the winemaking rules. “Though shalt not” almost everything. For example: A Demeter certified winemaker is not allowed to use a commercial yeast—well---unless you end up with a stuck fermentation—then it's okay. That's funny. Then why have the rule in the first place? Personally, I feel aligned with the biodynamic viticultural ideas, but there is no way I could tolerate some organization of British non-winemakers breathing down my neck telling me what I shall do (and tithing them to do it). Yes, it is almost like a religious organization. Winemaking and winegrowing techniques are evolving constantly, and should be encouraged to do so. We are learning more every day. I prefer to say “no” to limitations.This is not a how-to book about biodynamics, rather an objective overview. For anyone interested in the practice, this is a good place to start. It is an enjoyable read for both professionals and wine lovers.

If you've wondered exactly what biodynamic wine is, why winegrowers make it, and who they are, then this is the book for you. It presents the perfect mixture of explaining the concepts and practices of biodynamics, telling great stories about the individual wineries and winemakers, while maintaining a skeptical viewpoint that shows the odd parts of biodynamics without extolling it or condemning.I'm a frequent visitor to Oregon wineries and have wondered exactly what "biodynamic" means. The book answers that in substantial detail -- not as a winegrowing manual, but from a readable, journalist's point of view: what is the difference from organic? what are the "preparations"? the role of the moon? the underlying beliefs? The author does a great job of presenting answers all around, without being tedious or overwhelming. It's the perfect introduction to those topics for interested wine aficionados. The author is not trying to convince anyone that biodynamic is better -- in fact, she is clearly skeptical of some aspects of it, which I appreciate -- and is instead just trying to explain it and tell its story.One thing to note is that the book is *not* a guide to the wines themselves. It remains studiously neutral about the quality of the wines it discusses. In my opinion, some of the very best Oregon properties are biodynamic and make exquisite wine; yet there are also duds where I can only say things like "well, I like the idea." The author leaves aside such judgment. Instead, she tells the history of the biodynamic movement and its foundation in Rudolf Steiner's philosophy, skillfully woven with stories of individual wineries and the history of organic and biodynamic winegrowing.In short, if you want a wine guide, this is not it (try John Haeger's Pacific Pinot Noir). Or if you want a manual for biodynamic farming or winemaking, it's definitely not that. But if you like reading about wine and winemakers, enjoy Oregon wine, and have ever wondered "what does biodynamic mean?" then it's the perfect book. Cheers!

Though the author did occasionally made some personal thought commentary about the subject, they gave all sides of the arguments for and against biodynamic farming practices and their applications within the world of wine. A great read to learn about Oregon wine, biodynamic farming, and some philosophy as well.

The author jumps into biodynamics with a scientific mind and open heart. My personal interest in biodynamics is to learn how to farm as a piece of an ecosystem and not a master of a domain. That being said my personal approach to biodynamics is one of science and personal intuition. She does a good job covering the astrological and metaphysical parts without really siding for or against. This would be a difficult read if it were to proselytize the metaphysical side of biodynamics but I am glad it doesn't ignore it since its a huge part of the story. Great book.

Biodynamics is a good read. Its just I can't bury a cow horn 5-6 ft in the ground to ferment it during the winter and use it to make preps in the spring. I will use some of the methods along with organic to grow and vint my grapes (84 cases a year. The book was well written and does present all (and I mean all) side of the story in a plesant mannor. Enjoy the book its just a primer to advanced biodynamics