Philine's Journey: A Commitment to Organic and Biodynamic Viticulture

Since 2009, Philine has dedicated herself to working in vineyards and cellars rooted in organic/biodynamic principles, including Odinstal, Pranzegg, and Heinrich. These experiences ignited her passion and inspired her to embrace similar practices and to go even further in her own winery.

 

Why She Chose Organics and Biodynamics

Philine’s exploration of organics and biodynamics revealed the shortcomings of conventional farming methods, prompting her to reimagine viticulture. This approach encourages her to be present, mindful, and deeply connected to her work. By farming organically and biodynamically, she has discovered a remarkable transformation in the quality of her wines, achieving greater complexity and more sublime aromatic expressions.

 

Her Practices

She views organics and biodynamics as a practice of exclusion. She views organics and biodynamics as a practice of exclusion—deliberately avoiding interventions that disrupt natural processes or harm the environment. By excluding synthetic chemicals, artificial inputs, and conventional shortcuts, she creates space for the vineyard to exist in harmony with its surroundings. This approach fosters resilience, balance, and authenticity, not only in the vineyard but also in the wine itself.

 

For Philine, exclusion is a thoughtful and intentional philosophy, grounded in the belief that by working with nature rather than against it, one can achieve greater vitality and a more profound expression of place. Philine’s commitment to biodynamic farming is evident in her meticulous vineyard and cellar practices, which include:

• Utilizing biodynamic preparations (500 & 501) to nourish and balance the vines.
• Utilizing biodynamic preparations (500 & 501) to nourish and balance the wines throughout the fermentation process.
• Applying compost and regenerative treatments to enrich the soil
• Managing copper and sulfur treatments while actively exploring ways to reduce or eliminate their use
• Never any hedging rather rolling of the canopies
• Following the lunar calendar to guide all cycles of farming and winemaking.

The Challenges

While deeply rewarding, the path of organic and biodynamic farming is not without its difficulties. Philine acknowledges the physical demands and environmental challenges of this approach. Managing expectations and navigating the vagueness of holistic practices requires persistence, practice, and a commitment to continuous learning. “You have to have your shit together.” She works tirelessly to mitigate these challenges through repetition and refinement, striving for clarity and balance in her methods.

 

Her Vision

Philine has ambitious goals for her winery and the future of organic and biodynamic viticulture:

• Reducing pesticide use by 50–90% while actively minimizing fungicide application.
• Extending the life cycle of vines and enhancing the vitality of her wines for the benefit of consumers.
• Achieving the purest aromatic expressions by cultivating healthy plants with minimal interventions. 

For Philine, this journey is more than just farming; it’s a philosophy that requires dedication, respect, and a deep connection to her craft. Her vision reflects a harmonious balance between tradition and innovation. She does not rest on her laurels; Philine continues her studies and remains endlessly curious, aiming to always craft even better wines by way of increasing the natural health of her vines, or as she calls it, "Exceptional plant 'fitness.'"