Southbrook Vineyard Produces Canada's First Biodynamic Wine

Niagara Winery's 2008 Cabernet Rosé Certified Biodynamic and Organic

Apr 28, 2009

Berry and herbal nuances delight in this new biodynamic wine- produced, made and bottled in Ontario's Niagara region.

Southbrook Vineyard’s 2008 Cabernet Rosé is the first biodynamic wine produced in Canada and was recently launched at twenty-five restaurants across Ontario. In Toronto, Auberge du Pommier, Amuse Bouche, Canoe, Crush Wine Bar and the Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar were amongst the nine restaurants that participated in the warmly received launch.

At Jamie Kennedy's Wine Bar launch, the much-lauded chef (long known for supporting local, sustainable, organic food practices) served marinated lake trout tartines with wild leek and a sweet and sour mignonette as the perfect pairing to the refreshing berry and herb-nuanced wine.

Southbrook is Certified Organic and Biodynamic

In the fall of 2008, Pro-Cert Canada certified Southbrook as organic. The vineyard later followed that up as the first winery in the country to achieve biodynamic certification by Demeter Canada. Vineyard owners Marilyn and Bill Redelmeier were at the Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar sipping their rose, mingling with guests and celebrating the labour of love that this wine represents for them. They used to be traditional farmers in rural Richmond Hill before taking the leap of faith and buying a vineyard in Ontario's Niagara region. Most any vineyard owner will tell you- they do it for the passion. Bill and Marilyn are no exception.

Of the biodynamic landmark her vineyard has achieved, Marilyn Redelmeier says, “Biodynamic farming has been practiced for years by many outstanding wine producers in Europe and we are proud to help make inroads in the Canadian wine community.”

What is Biodynamic Farming?

Biodynamic farming goes beyond the standards for organic farming; it sees the vineyard as a self-sustaining ecosystem. At Southbrook, they believe it has everything to do with “the interrelationship between the soil, plants and animals, and the energy forces affecting the farm, such as lunar and planetary cycles.”

Ann Sperling, director of Winemaking and Viticulture at Southbrook explains: “Biodynamics says the farm should be an entire living system. The resulting practices are about quality in the bottle—and quality of life,” she adds.

What the Critics are Saying about Southbrook's Wines

Yes, it may sound like new age babble to some, but whatever your opinions on biodynamic farming practices, one sip of the Cabernet Rosé and you'll agree that this is wonderful wine. Toronto-based wine critic David Lawrason agrees. He's been quoted as saying, “It’s medium weight, silky, off dry yet lively with a juicy, tart finish. Very zesty.”

The bottles retail for $18.95 CDN each and only 550 cases were produced so seek them out soon if you're at all curious. Click here to order online if you live in Ontario and if you live in the US and would like to try Southbrook's wines, click here for US delivery.

The copyright of the article Southbrook Vineyard Produces Canada's First Biodynamic Wine in Food Trends is owned by Mary Luz Mejia. Permission to republish Southbrook Vineyard Produces Canada's First Biodynamic Wine in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.