●  The Benziger Estate
●  Biodynamics
●  Organic
●  Farming for Flavors
●  Harvest Reports

●  Info on Sulfites in Wines [204kb PDF]

BENZIGER FARMING PRACTICES
Benziger Family Winery is leading a new definition of wine quality through its Farming for Flavors™, organic and Biodynamic® winegrowing practices. Their 85-acre, certified Biodynamic Sonoma Mountain estate has become a research and teaching center for the cultivation of grapes with more flavor, intensity and site-specific vineyard character. The family shares its farming knowledge and experience with their longtime grower partners throughout Sonoma County.

The detailed, thoughtful practices of Biodynamics have inspired new approaches to grapegrowing, winemaking and land preservation, resulting in more site-expressive wines at Benziger Family Winery. Grapes for all Benziger wines are grown by one of three farming methods: Farming for Flavors, organic or Biodynamic. Each Benziger grower pursues the highest form of sustainable farming practices appropriate for their vineyard site.

By reducing inputs that mask the unique personality of vineyard sites, restoring the land and encouraging biodiversity on the farm, Benziger growers distinguish their fruit from all others. This distinction is of great importance to the grapegrower who makes a truly unique product, but also to the consumer who can trust that the passion of family farming and the delicious diversity of Sonoma County can be tasted in every bottle of high quality, handcrafted Benziger wine.

The three levels of farming practices for Benziger wines are highlighted below:

Biodynamic-is the highest form of organic farming. It goes beyond the elimination of all chemical inputs. It incorporates the environment in and around the vineyard and works with nature to apply the knowledge of life forces to bring about balance and healing in the soil.

Organic-grape growing avoids the use of synthetic chemicals and uses natural methods like crop rotation, tillage and natural composts to maintain soil health as well as natural methods to control weeds, insects and other pests.

Farming for Flavors-is an advanced certified sustainable farming program for all Benziger growers that are not already certified Biodynamic or Organic. The program challenges growers to use sound environmental techniques to cultivate grapes with more site-specific characters, flavors and aromas.