Wild Oats Markets Goes Biodynamic with Wines
BOULDER, Colo. - Trying to go one better than organic, Wild Oats Markets, Inc. here is expanding its selection of biodynamic wines, which are characterized by a connection with the soil, sunlight, and rhythms of nature that are unique to each vineyard.
"We started rolling them out in August, along with customer education materials about the wines, and we plan on expanding the selection in the coming months," Sonja Tuitele, Wild Oats spokeperson, told Progressive Grocer.
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Biodynamic agriculture dates back to 1924, is considered the oldest comprehensive method of farming, and is practiced around the world. This farming method is said to go beyond organic farming practices, following a rigorous process that sustains soil productivity and maintains biodiversity with the use of organic pest controls, crop rotation, and the cyclical rhythms of nature.
"Not only will these unique wines complement our current high quality selection, biodynamic agriculture is very consistent with the Wild Oats mission of supporting a clean environment while maintaining sustainability," said Kevin Weaver, category manager for beer and wine at Wild Oats.
The program will include certified biodynamic wines, as well as wines made with biodynamic grapes. In order for a wine to be labeled as biodynamic, it must comply with strict standards set by Demeter USA. Demeter certification is globally recognized as a symbol for products grown using approved Biodynamic methods, said Wild Oats.
Certified biodynamic wines are made without the addition of yeast, enzymes, tannins, oak or chappalization, which manipulates the wine, said Wild Oats.
Certified Demeter wines made from biodynamic grapes are made with approved processing agents, such as yeast, and are an intentional part of the wine making process, the retailer said.
Wild Oats' selection of biodynamic wines and wine made with biodynamic grapes include: Frey, Patianna, Ceago, and Cooper Mountain vineyards. These wines are available now in all Wild Oats stores that have liquor licenses.
--Joe Tarnowski
"We started rolling them out in August, along with customer education materials about the wines, and we plan on expanding the selection in the coming months," Sonja Tuitele, Wild Oats spokeperson, told Progressive Grocer.
(Story continues below.)
Biodynamic agriculture dates back to 1924, is considered the oldest comprehensive method of farming, and is practiced around the world. This farming method is said to go beyond organic farming practices, following a rigorous process that sustains soil productivity and maintains biodiversity with the use of organic pest controls, crop rotation, and the cyclical rhythms of nature.
"Not only will these unique wines complement our current high quality selection, biodynamic agriculture is very consistent with the Wild Oats mission of supporting a clean environment while maintaining sustainability," said Kevin Weaver, category manager for beer and wine at Wild Oats.
The program will include certified biodynamic wines, as well as wines made with biodynamic grapes. In order for a wine to be labeled as biodynamic, it must comply with strict standards set by Demeter USA. Demeter certification is globally recognized as a symbol for products grown using approved Biodynamic methods, said Wild Oats.
Certified biodynamic wines are made without the addition of yeast, enzymes, tannins, oak or chappalization, which manipulates the wine, said Wild Oats.
Certified Demeter wines made from biodynamic grapes are made with approved processing agents, such as yeast, and are an intentional part of the wine making process, the retailer said.
Wild Oats' selection of biodynamic wines and wine made with biodynamic grapes include: Frey, Patianna, Ceago, and Cooper Mountain vineyards. These wines are available now in all Wild Oats stores that have liquor licenses.
--Joe Tarnowski