100 years of biodynamics in the world: a look back at our commitment

Originally, a series of lectures given in 1924 by an Austrian philosopher, Rudolf Steiner, to an audience of farmers experiencing the first effects of industrialisation on their livelihoods. Then, the Demeter organisation, founded in the 1930s, developed throughout the 20th century the agricultural practice today known as biodynamics.

The first form of organic farming, the biodynamics was recognised in 1982 by the French state as an organic practice. Its objective is to organise healthy and nutritious agricultural production, without the use of synthetic chemical products, while regenerating the soil and caring for natural ecosystems. Founded on observation, the practice considers nature as a fully living system. According to the astral cycle, the seasons, the climate and other circumstances that condition agricultural life, it consists in providing preventive care, developed from natural plant, mineral and organic raw materials, fostering the development and balance of plants in harmony with their environment.

Because it allows a deep connection between the plant and the terroir, biodynamics appeals to winegrowers. 1% of French wine estates are today Demeter-certified, an environmental label considered the strictest and most virtuous for living organisms.

Convinced that biodynamics is the path of excellence for producing great wines that are representative of their terroir, and deeply committed to the preservation of the environment and biodiversity, Gérard Bertrand chose in 2002 to convert all his vineyard practices to biodynamics. In 2024, his 17 châteaux and wine estates spread across 930 hectares in Occitanie are cultivated biodynamically, of which 830 hectares are already certified. This is the largest Demeter-certified surface area in the world, a benchmark expertise practised by Gérard Bertrand and his teams every day in the vineyard.

Committed every day in all our actions for living organisms, soils and the quality of our wines, we will mark this historic moment throughout the year by celebrating 100 years of biodynamics in the world! Each month, you will find a dedicated newsletter to fully understand this farming approach, our commitments and its benefits.

@Geoffrey Lucas