APAC Insider- Australian Enterprise Awards 2024 | 8 Biodynamic wine is currently taking the wine industry by storm. As consumers are shifting their focus to more environmentally friendly products, becoming more aware of how their food is grown and made, and where it comes from. The population is becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of conventional farming practices, and the adverse environmental impact of synthetic chemicals. Biodynamic farming avoids using chemicals, instead promoting biodiversity through natural composts, herbal sprays, and other organic practices. We speak with Natalie Wright below, Director of Marri Wood Park, the boutique vineyard championing the biodynamic revolution. Best Boutique Biodynamic Vineyard 2024 & APAC Insider Family-Run Wine Enterprise of the Year 2024 Established in 1992, Marri Wood Park is a boutique, Demeter Bio-Dynamic certified vineyard. Owned and operated by the Wright family, the vineyard is located on Caves Road in Yallingup, just a stone’s throw from Smiths Beach. Marri Wood Park was founded by Julian Wright, the vineyard’s Owner, Manager, and Viticulturist, who is joined by his daughter and company Director, Natalie. Boasting 16 acres and 10,000 vines comprising a variety of grapes, such as cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc, chenin blanc, and semillon, grown on a terroir composed of sandy gravelly loam on limestone bedrock. The vineyard does not use irrigation, an approach made possible by the dewy, cooling breeze rolling off the Southern Indian Ocean combined with gentle north facing slopes, undulating topography, and the well-established roots of its established vines of varying ages. “Our biodynamic philosophy utilises sustainable, chemical free practices,” Natalie tells us. “Applying the timing and movement of celestial objects to predicate pruning, live animal fertilising, and picking; complementing our natural and introduced biodiversity as an ecologically beneficial approach to farming.” Marri Wood Park’s advantageous landscape and biodynamic approach to farming has resulted in hardy vines that produce high quality, robust, and delicious grapes. Once ripe, the berries are handpicked and sorted before being fermented in an array of fermenters, including clay amphoras, French, and Austrian oak barrels, to produce the highest quality wine that exemplifies the Margaret River region’s fine viticultural qualities. The distinct, natural properties of Marri Wood Park fruit is largely accredited to Julian Wright’s trust in the cosmos and the natural environment of the vineyard and its surroundings. Natalie tells us that the vineyard has been proudly Demeter BioDynamic certified since 2008 and has learned through biodynamics that the bush is a living entity with abundant diversity and variety, with an ability to communicate and an intelligence seldom acknowledged. “It was Steiner who opened our eyes to these things and Podolinsky, the Founder of Demeter Bio-Dynamics, who taught us to be actively perceptive. By observing and noting the land and its inhabitants, we have developed an affinity with, awareness of, and deep respect for our patch,” she says. “We do not water, feed, plough, plant cover crops, target a specific yield, or balance our soils. We don’t believe chemicals are required to protect our plants. We do believe there is a rhythm to nature and the cosmos that so many of us overlook in modern life.” Julian’s techniques are deeply rooted in the scientific and philosophical teachings of Steiner, the biodynamic pioneering of Podolinsky, and the anthroposophical methods of Waldorf. Since initially planting the vineyard in 1992, he has broken just about every rule of traditional site management. His interference is slight, but timely, choosing to take a hands-off biodynamic approach that requires a massive attention to detail. It is the Wright family’s dedication to the unique approach and reverence for the environment that has earned Marri Wood Park the title of APAC Insider Family-Run Wine Enterprise of the Year 2024 in the Australian Made Awards. These awards are held to highlight the pioneers and trailblazers of the manufacturing industry throughout Australia. Through its biodynamic methodologies, Marri Wood Park has made significant contributions not only to the Australian manufacturing industry, but also the surrounding Australian landscape. “Our wine reflects our home,” Natalie states. “As the custodians of this precious patch of country, we are honoured to grow and make very expressive and honest wines from our vineyard. Australia is synonymous with beautiful landscapes, breathtaking beaches, and warm friendly people. At Marri Wood Park, our unique but completely intentional approach to vineyard management has the health of the environment at the front of our mind.” To keep up with the latest in biodynamic farming and learn more about the vineyard named Best Boutique Biodynamic Vineyard 2024, you can follow Marri Wood Park on Instagram or visit its website today. Contact: Natalie Wright Company: Marri Wood Park Web Address: marriwoodpark.com.au Oct24253
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