Voodoo Vintners

Book excerpt: Could cow horns, vortexes, and the words of a prophet named Rudolf Steiner hold the key to producing the most alluring wines in the world--and to saving the planet? InVoodoo Vintnerswine writer Katherine Cole reveals the mysteries of biodynamic winegrowing and explores its practice on Oregon vineyards. Cole's story of biodynamic winegrowing starts on the back of a motorcycle in Persia and ends on a farm where the work is done by draft horses, chickens, and goats. It is a tradition that can be traced from Paleolithic times to the finestdomainesin Burgundy today. At the epicenter of the American biodynamic revolution are the Oregon vintners who believe that this spiritual style of farming results in the truest translations ofterroirand the purest pinot noirs possible. Cole introduces these "voodoo vintners" of Oregon, revealing why the need to farm biodynamically courses through their blood and examining their motivations and rationalizations." Voodoo Vintnersanswers the call of oenophiles everywhere for more information about this "beyond organic" style of farming. Cole's engaging narrative is a must-read for anyone interested in wine, sustainable agriculture, or the food movement.