Agriculture that Respects Nature and Living Beings
Biodynamic farming is a form of ecological agriculture that respects nature and living beings [1]. Its objective is to produce healthy food while caring for the Earth and responsibly using local resources [2]. This method seeks to strengthen the health of plants and animals to prevent problems such as pests or diseases [3]. Thus, it allows for the production of flavorful, nutritious, and vibrant food [4].
The Biodynamic Commitment of Château de Vullierens
Château de Vullierens adopts a biodynamic farming approach. In 2023, the estate obtained the Bio Bourgeon certification [5], issued by Bio Suisse, an organization that guarantees healthy and high-quality products from sustainable production, from field to plate [6].
Bio Suisse promotes a harmonious balance between humans, animals, and nature. It offers consumers the opportunity to choose flavorful, healthy, and environmentally friendly products, while preserving natural resources for future generations [7].
Bourgeon-labeled products combine exceptional quality, intense flavor, and the satisfaction of contributing to the preservation of nature. These foods offer a perfect balance between pleasure and sustainability [8]. They come from environmentally friendly agriculture, without synthetic chemicals or genetic engineering, and from animal husbandry adapted to the needs of the animals. A delicious and responsible way to consume [9].
Towards Demeter Certification for Even More Rigorous Practices
Furthermore, the estate is beginning the conversion process towards Demeter certification, demonstrating its commitment to adhering to even more rigorous practices, in harmony with natural cycles and the principles of biodynamic agriculture [10].
The independent Demeter label is an international certification mark that certifies that food, cosmetic, and textile products come from biodynamic agriculture, while being complementary to official organic standards [11]. This approach illustrates Château de Vullierens’ constant pursuit of excellence, while preserving the unique ecological balance of its terroir [12].
The distinction between organic and biodynamic viticulture is based on specific certifications and practices [13]. As Alexandre Grand explains in his thesis, “Winemakers certified in biodynamic agriculture by the Demeter label must also be certified in organic agriculture [14].”
Since the 1970s, these two certifications have shared a common set of specifications, which partly explains the parallel growth of biodynamic and organic wineries. In Switzerland, their number increased from 81 in 2003 to 394 in 2020 [15].
For a winemaker practicing conventional viticulture who wishes to switch to organic, the transition requires following many strict rules, described in the specifications [16]. Once this step is completed, moving from organic to biodynamic agriculture requires another adaptation effort, but with a smaller number of requirements [17].
Award-winning wines
In its quest for excellence, Château de Vullierens has seen several of its wines receive prestigious awards, confirming the quality of its winemaking expertise. The Chasselas white wine won the Gold Medal at the Vaud Wine Selection in 2024 and the Gold Medal at the Swiss Wine Grand Prix in 2020.
Among the red wines, the Galotta received the Silver Medal with 91 points at the Decanter World Wine Awards in 2023 and the Silver Medal at the Swiss Wine Grand Prix in 2020. The Gamaret was awarded the Silver Medal at the Vaud Wine Selection in 2024 and the Silver Medal at the Swiss Wine Grand Prix in 2021.
The Garanoir was awarded the Gold Medal at the Swiss Wine Grand Prix in 2022 and the Silver Medal at the Vaud Wine Selection in 2021. The Pinot Noir received the Gold Medal at the Vaud Wine Selection in 2021, the Silver Medal at the Swiss Wine Grand Prix in 2021, and the Silver Medal at the Vaud Wine Selection in 2020.
The Gamaret-Garanoir Rosé also distinguished itself with numerous awards, including a Silver Medal at the Vaud Wine Selection in 2024, a Gold Medal at the Swiss Wine Grand Prix in 2020, a Silver Medal at the Swiss Wine Grand Prix in 2019, and a Gold Medal at the Vaud Wine Selection in 2018.
These distinctions testify to the excellence and passion that drive the Domaine du Château de Vullierens, while highlighting its unique terroir and environmentally friendly practices.
[1] Biodynamics: What is biodynamics? Definition and principles
[2] Biodynamics: What is biodynamics? Definition and principles
[3] Biodynamics: What is biodynamics? Definition and principles
[4] Biodynamics: What is biodynamics? Definition and principles
[5] https://www.chateauvullierens.ch/gastronomie-et-vins/vins-du-domaine/
[6] https://www.bio-suisse.ch/fr/notre-engagement/plaisir-et-durabilite/principe-bourgeon.html
[7] https://www.bio-suisse.ch/fr/notre-engagement/plaisir-et-durabilite/principe-bourgeon.html
[8] https://www.bio-suisse.ch/fr/vivre-bio-suisse/produits-bourgeon.html
[9] https://www.bio-suisse.ch/fr/vivre-bio-suisse/produits-bourgeon.html
[10] https://www.chateauvullierens.ch/gastronomie-et-vins/vins-du-domaine/
[11] https://www.demeter.fr/nous-sommes-demeter/
[12] https://www.chateauvullierens.ch/gastronomie-et-vins/vins-du-domaine/
[13] The Institute of Social Sciences of Religions – PDF
[14] The Institute of Social Sciences of Religions – PDF
[15] The Institute of Social Sciences of Religions – PDF
[16] The Institute of Social Sciences of Religions – PDF
[17] The Institute of Social Sciences of Religions – PDF