Our biodynamic winery is located near Lake Constance in Switzerland. Since 1989,
we have cultivated resistant grape varieties such as Maréchal Foch, Léon Millot,
Muscat Bleu, Cabernet Jura, Chancellor and Monarch (red), and Seyval Blanc,
Bianca, Solaris, Phoenix and Excelsior (white). As a rule, we avoid applying even
organic pesticides, and use solely biodynamic compounds (4 applications/year). The
elimination of practically all plant-protection products has enabled us to establish a
highly biodiverse organic agro-ecosystem with reduced impact on the environment. In
addition, over a 20-year period, this system has resulted in the application of 270 kg
less copper over our 4.5-ha surface area, as well as the saving of 18 t of fuel, which
can be remarked as the “non-emission” of 47 t of carbon dioxide. In Switzerland,
whose vineyards have a combined surface area of 15’000 ha, the potential annual
savings in pesticides and fuel, to the benefit of nature, environment and climate, can
be estimated at 225’000kg (225 t) pesticides and 1.5 Mio l (1500 t) fuel respectively,
equating to the “non-emission” of 3.9 Mio kg (3900 t) of carbon dioxide
