Introduction to Biodynamic Viticulture
Enter into the exciting world of biodynamic viticulture – the preparations, planetary movements and certification standards that proves you're making wine in the best way!
Our Introduction to Biodynamic Viticulture course is ideal if you have a basic knowledge of viticulture and would like to develop a biodynamic approach. You might be planning a new vineyard, wanting to convert your present plot, or selling or marketing biodynamic wine. If so, this is the course for you!
Sessions take the form of an series of informative seminars. This is backed up by an extensive resource library for additional personal study, and video interviews with experts from across the world of biodynamic viticulture.
What is biodynamic viticulture? How popular is it?
We start by looking at the growth of biodynamic vineyards around the world, including trends in the number of certified vineyards and the historical context of growing vines biodynamically. Many people want to know the difference between biodynamic and organic viticulture, and we cover that, as well as the emergence of the phrase 'natural wine'.
Why do growers convert to the biodynamic approach?
We explain the reasons and the way that leading producers have converted ideas and dreams into reality. Every grower has a version of the biodynamic thought process – whether economic, ethical, historical, intuitive or spiritual. We look at these through interviews, stories, videos, and articles. These are bound to resonate – and help you build your own biodynamic future.
Can I do it? Yes, you can grow vines the biodynamic way!
We build everything around the principle of the farm as a living organism as set out by Rudolf Steiner – and how this relates to a vineyard. There's then a connection with the core concept of terroir, focusing on locale. Then the biodynamic preparations and other natural treatment methods support the health and well-being of life in that individual vineyard. The influence of the lunar cycles and natural rhythms of life layer on top of this.
What about certification?
The gold standard is Demeter International with its the Demeter trademark. This is an international mark by which all biodynamic winegrowers are certified. We'll show what's needed, with guidance on how to begin the process. This is tied in with a business-focused approach in the last seminar to enable you to go forward with your plans!
2026 Key Dates
We will be running a two-hour zoom session, led by Robin, on Tuesdays from 7-9pm (UK time) on the following dates:
These webinars are recorded so if you miss a session don't panic – you'll be able to catch up in your own time!
Monty Waldin biodynamic wine writer, wine critic and wine grower
Nick Wenman and Alex Valsecchi of Albury Vineyard, Surrey
Ben Walgate of Tillingham Vineyard, East Sussex
Doug Wregg director of Les Caves de Pyrene
Birgit Braunstein owner Braunstein wine estate, Burgenland, Austria
Michael Schmelzer owner Monte Bernardi wine estate, Chianti, Italy
Georg Meissner, viticulture teacher, Geisenheim and winemaker, Roussillon, France
If you have no familiarity with the subject, we suggest you take our Introduction to Biodynamics course. Register below and get started now
Delivered over five sessions, with one or two weeks between sessions to allow for further reading and exploration of the content covered
Live digital seminar covering a specific theme included in each session
Additional resources will be made available for students to explore each theme in more depth between sessions, including articles, research papers, chapters from books, videos, podcasts, etc.
Simple exercises to encourage students to apply the learning to their own context and situation
Videos, recorded interviews and case studies from the UK and around the world will allow students to learn from a diverse range of biodynamic winegrowers
Interviews with other experts connected with biodynamic winegrowing (journalists, authors, importers, retailers, etc.) will help place Biodynamic Viticulture in a wider cultural and economic context
If you can't join the 2025 sessions, but want to know about future courses, do provide your email below – we'll make sure you'll be the first to know
The course will begin late-January 2025, with the first bi-weekly seminar on Tuesday 21 January 7-8pm (UK time). As these Zoom webinars will be recorded, you will be able to access them afterwards at you convenience.
The course is best accessed through a computer or tablet. You also need a reliable internet connection, especially if you want to join the Zoom webinars live rather than watching the recordings. You can use a smartphone though some PDF material may be harder to read.
You should be able to work through the core curriculum in a few hours a session in addition to the live seminars which will last for two hours. However, if you choose, it may take more time to explore the additional resources available.
Course instructors can answer questions during the webinars, in the group discussions or the course community. The online learning coordinator, James, will also be available to answer any technical problems you may have.
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to email our Online Learning Coordinator, James at: [email protected]