So, That’s What Biodynamic Wine is…!
For my husband’s 40th birthday, we decided to go on an adventurous vacation to Patagonia, Chile. This trip exceeded our expectations, and it was an unforgettable adventure. The views were majestic, the food was amazing and the hospitality was first class. I cannot wait to return with the family. I would highly recommend this trip and experience to everyone. You can check it out in our “adventure” category.
One thing that stuck out on this vacation was our time at Matetic Vineyards in Santiago, Chile. Having never been to a “biodynamic” vineyard before, the farming and winemaking style here blew our minds! I was doing some moon dances and calling mother earth by the end…I kid, I kid, but honestly I was wondering if a sacrifice was going to be made at some point!
We spent the night at this beautiful property and had a private wine tour our last day. Matetic is a biodynamic vineyard using the Rudolph Steiner approach. Everything is created and used from the land including chickens, geese, cows, etc. They create homemade compost by stuffing cow horns with manure and plant them in the ground for some time until removed and put into the compost for natural bacteria. Compost is then spread across the vineyard. They also stuff cow skulls with oak wood and release geese and chickens to eat insects in the vineyard instead of spraying insecticide. All of these practices make the vineyard biodynamic. The takeaway I appreciated the most was that this way of winemaking causes less hangovers…I’m in!
Fun facts:
The Boldo Tree is famous for tea, and the leaves have a Vic’s vapor rub smell. The Molla Tree is local tree and municipal like the Boldo and used for tea and good for hangover. Boldo & Molla forest helps provide aroma and agriculture support. Biodynamic gardens are planted with numerous different flowers and plants to attract different butterflies and insects.
The mountains and ocean help prevent plague’s or insects from destroying the vines. Originally Chile thought they were drinking merlot until some French experts came and took the vines/leaves home and discovered it is Camernere. It is most popular grape in Chile, national wine!
We had an great 5 course lunch paired with wine from the vineyard before we flew home. It truly was an excellent way to end the trip. It was an amazing and busy adventure but due to the winery experience we left feeling relaxed. Vamanos!
