Cow horns filled with crystals buried under a full moon. Potions brewed of chamomile, stinging nettle and fermented cow dung. Energizing vortexes and humans developing the characteristics of the animals that fertilize their foods. Are these instructions from a magical book of spells, or a practical guide to viticulture?

Happy Halloween and welcome back to Roadside Terroir - Season 3 - Farming for Terroir.

This episode explores the witchy world of biodynamics in order to discover whether this mystical method has a real influence on the vines and the wines themselves, or if it's all just a hoax.

We begin by peering into the spiritual side with Andreas Schumann of the famed biodynamic farm at Odinstal. We break down the detailes of the cosmic cycles, spooky preparations, and greater philosophies of biodynamics. We then take a look at the practical side with a review of the scientific research that has been done to try to understand how this hocus pocus might really work before discussing why biodynamics might be the most terroir-focused farming practice that we can find with experts Paul Wasserman and Rodrigo Soto.

Thank you for Listening to Roadside Terroir!

The episode is sponsored by the wonderful team at Becky Wasserman and Company.

Thank you to our guests: Rodrigo Soto, Andreas Schumann, Paul Wasserman, and Frédéric and Clothilde Lafarge.

Thank you, as always, to our grand cru patrons Steven and Amy Lipin.

If you liked this episode, please share it and give us a review–it really does make a difference! And don't forget to hit subscribe.

This season wouldn't be possible without the support from all of you–Check out our website roadsideterroir.com to learn more about THIS SEASON, and HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW by staying in touch, donating, sponsoring, or becoming a Roadside Insider. Insiders get access to extended interviews, maps, photos, and more–including invitations to events and travel opportunities to explore terroirs around the world with us.

Credits:

Roadside Terroir is hosted and produced by Brenna Quigley

Sound engineering, original music and sound design by Jeff Alvarez

Research, writing, and hosting support by Paul Knittel

With special thanks to Clare Shaheen and Esa Eslami.

Check out our website roadsideterroir.com to learn more about THIS SEASON and HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW . UPDATE LINKS

Resources:

Goode, Jamie. The New Viticulture: The science of growing grapes for wine. Flavour Press, 2023.

Brown, Elaine Chukan. The Wines of California. Academie du Vin Library Ltd, 2025.

Reganold, J. P. "Effects of Biodynamic and Conventional Farming on Soil Quality in New Zealand." Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Washington State University Pullman, Washington, USA (1993).

Meissner, Georg, et al. "Conversion to organic and biodynamic viticultural practices: impact on soil, grapevine development and grape quality." OENO one 53.4 (2019).

Michael Olbrich-Majer (2017): Über das Geistige in der Möhre: Einführende Betrachtungen zur biodynamischen Landwirtschaft.

Romana Echensperger (2020): Von der Freiheit, den richtigen Wein zu machen: Biodynamisches Winzerhandwerk im Portrait.

Aaron Ayscough: The World of Natural Wine: What It Is, Who Makes It, and Why It Matters. Artisan, 2022.