Bonny Doon Vineyard's Winegrowing Team Goes Green!

Ca' del Solo Estate Vineyard and Bonny Doon Vineyard Winery Receive Biodynamic[R] Certification From Demeter Association

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. -- Bonny Doon Vineyard received Biodynamic[R] certification last month from the Demeter Association for its 125 acre estate Ca' del Solo vineyard in Soledad, Monterey County. This strict three year process eliminates all chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, hormones, fumigants and GMOs from the vineyard. Instead traditional green vineyard practices such as composting, manuring, and the use of biodynamic preps, sprays and teas are employed to achieve a healthy level of soil and crop fertility in the growing environment.

Randall Grahm, founder and President-for-Life of Bonny Doon Vineyard, spoke to the importance of this step in Bonny Doon's future. "Biodynamic growing practices are not old wives' tales or marketing flim-flam. These practices respect and heal the vineyard and by extension the earth. While it may not be the only way to grow great wine, I do, in fact believe that it is the royal road to terroir." In 2003 Grahm set a goal to make wines reflective of their specific place of origin: "We have seen quite astonishing improvements in wine quality since we began this process. Demeter's certification of our Ca' del Solo vineyard and its wines bring Bonny Doon closer to our long-term goal of only producing 100% estate grown biodynamic wine."

Grahm credited much of the biodynamic improvements to Philippe Coderey, Bonny Doon's Director of Viticulture. "Philippe has been with us for three years. Since his arrival the quality of the soil and health of the vines has improved dramatically." Coderey, a native of Provence, has specialized in biodynamic methodologies for over twenty years. Previously Coderey was a vineyard manager and winemaker for M. Chapoutier in France's Rhone Valley.

In addition, Nicole Walsh, Vineyard Manager for Ca' del Solo, was acknowledged for her efforts bringing the vineyard into greater balance and the resultant higher quality fruit. "Nicole, working with the biodynamic preps and compost teas, has improved the vineyard's health and so its ability to respond effectively to seasonal challenges," said Grahm. Walsh, a six year veteran of Bonny Doon, is also the newly appointed Associate Winemaker for the Ca' del Solo wines as of this harvest. These wines will carry the Demeter seal of Biodynamic[R] certification starting in late 2007.

As of vintage 2007, the Bonny Doon winery is also Demeter certified for the production of wine from biodynamic grapes. Jillian Johnson, Bonny Doon's Associate Winemaker, will continue her crafting of fine Cigare family wines, Le Pousseur Syrah and all D.E.W.N. (Distinctive Esoteric Wine Network) wines for Bonny Doon's unique wine club. Since joining Bonny Doon in 2004 Johnson, Viticulture and Enology graduate from UC Davis, has assisted Randall Grahm in his efforts to make fine wine reflective of place and variety. "Jillian is one of the most talented winemakers I know. She has the rare ability to comprehend a wine's intelligence," said Grahm.

The Demeter Association is the world's leading Biodynamic[R] certification and outreach organization, investing in and activating self-sustaining resources to support and educate farm communities and the consumers they serve. Bonny Doon's Ca' del Solo vineyard in Monterey has been actively farmed using biodynamic methods since 2003. Two wine releases under the Ca' del Solo aegis are currently in the marketplace: 2006 Monterey County Albarino and 2006 Monterey County Muscat, produced from 100% Moscato-Giallo. "Each of these dry aromatic white wines offers a unique flavor profile embodying our efforts to grow fine wine reflective of the soul of its site of origin. They were made in an utterly hands-off manner with indigenous yeast, sans maquillage," said Grahm.

About Bonny Doon Vineyard

Bonny Doon Vineyard, based in Santa Cruz, California, was founded by Randall Grahm in 1983. Its goal is to produce wines reflective of terroir whether on a regional macro level or a single vineyard micro level. Since the adaptation of biodynamic vineyard practices in 2003, Bonny Doon wines evidence a deeper sense of place, more complex varietal character and a noticeable note of minerality. Bonny Doon is a moderate 35,000 case winery producing select super-premium wines, notably the Rhone influenced Le Cigare Volant, Cigare Blanc, Vin Gris de Cigare, Le Vol des Anges, as well as monopole wines from Ca' del Solo. Visit Bonny Doon's tasting room in Santa Cruz, California [831-425-4518]. Learn more at www.bonnydoonvineyard.com.