In this feature series we highlight the farmers and processors who bring Biodynamic® products to life — focusing this month on vineyards and wineries east of the Rocky Mountains. Demeter’s online Biodynamic Directory is a tool for both producers and consumers.
View all posts in this series.
Photo above by Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard.
Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard
Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard, in Dundee, New York, was founded in 1979 in the Finger Lakes region. They eliminated herbicide use in 2003, relying on cover crops and cultivation between rows to control weeds, thus protecting natural yeast populations. In the summer of 2014, they committed their first block of acres to Biodynamic management and as of 2023 the entire HJW site is certified Biodynamic®.
They found Biodynamic methods lead to “healthier, more resilient vines, more active yeast cultures, and smaller grapes with thicker skins—qualities that enhance winemaking. We saw how biodynamic farming benefits not only the vines but also the people who care for them. By working in harmony with nature, we reduced chemical exposure in the air, water, and soil of our farm, fostering a healthier environment for our workers and the surrounding community.”
Speaking of their choice to pursue Biodynamic certification, they write, “This achievement reflects our dedication and ongoing commitment to thoughtful agriculture, including the introduction of grazing Katahdin-Dorper sheep and heirloom Cotton Patch geese to support natural pest control and improve soil health.”
Shop – Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard Online Store
Lewis & Clark Lake Vineyard
Lewis & Clark Lake Vineyard, located in Yankton, South Dakota, grows a variety of Biodynamic® orchard fruits and berries as well as grapes for wine. Their grapes are available wholesale to area wineries.
In addition to Biodynamic methods, the Vineyard uses Korean Natural Farming practices, Japanese Natural Farming, and traditional organic farming methods. Owner Greg Stach is particularly committed to using vermicompost.
Of Biodynamic farming, he is quoted in AgWeek saying, ““Biodynamics has always been about what I know as natural farming, it’s making all the ingredients you can from the products you grow on your vineyard and on your farm.”
Contact: lclo@vyn.midco.net, 605-665-6776
Lewis & Clark Lake Vineyard – South Dakota Specialty Producers Association Listing
Lightfoot and Wolfville Vineyards
Located in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Lightfoot and Wolfville Vineyards focuses on cool climate grapes, particularly German-style whites specifically selected for their microclimates.
They write that they are “maximizing the expression of our wines by practicing biodynamic viticulture in some of the Annapolis Valley’s most favourable vineyard sites. Our intention from the beginning has been an unwavering dedication to quality throughout the wine’s journey.”
Their winery is open year round and their wines can also be purchased from their online store.
Contact: +1 (902) 542-7774, admin@lightfootandwolfville.com
Wine – Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards
Stardust Cellars
Stardust focuses on grapes native to their region, particularly Muscadine, a culturally significant heirloom in North Carolina. Founder Nico Hogrefe studied microbiology before starting his farm in 2017. We interviewed him for our newsletter last year, and he told us that his knowledge of the importance of beneficial microbes is a core part of his belief in Biodynamic principles. “And I am convinced that we barely understand the depth of importance beneficial microbes have on an ecosystem and on our bodies. The interactivity between microbe, plant, and man is boundless and to holistically look at an ecosystem as its namesake, a system, we must consider the holistic approach that Biodynamics provides.”
Stardust is still in the building phase, selling wines and meads without the Biodynamic label, and planning to expand their vineyard and winery in the future.
Contact: stardustcellars@gmail.com
Tap Room: (704) 360-2959
https://www.stardustcellars.com
Find Their Products: Stardust Cellars Retail Outlets
The Farrm
Located in Baiting Hollow, on Long Island, New York, The Farrm, owned by Rex and Connie Farr, has been managed with Biodynamic production methods for 35 years and was the first certified organic farm on Long Island. The vineyard was planted in 2005 with four varieties of Bordeaux grapes, and they gained Biodynamic certification in 2025.
The Farrs write, “All of our grapes are handpicked and we use the Biodynamic Production Method started by Rudolph Steiner in 1920. Through this process, we hope to understand the relationship between the moon and the tides and their impact on production.”
Wines from The Farrm are available for purchase on site.
Contact: rfarr@optonline.net, 631-369-8237