our Biodynamics expert
L-R Mike Benziger, Nicolas Joly, Alan York
Alan York began his exploration of Biodynamic farming in the early 1970s, apprenticing in a Biodynamic garden at the horticultural center of the University of California, Santa Cruz. With a staff of 35, the center was then the largest of its kind in the world. "It was intense," recalls Alan. "We worked from light to dark with no machinery. It was all handwork."
The 1980s brought new agricultural opportunities as the natural food movement swept the nation, carrying Alan to Missouri, where he became director of a 1,000-acre farm dedicated to the cultivation of produce for upscale restaurants and natural food markets. Alan and the farm's owner forged a partnership to start a Biodynamic apple orchard in Booneville, Calif.
By the early 1990s, Alan's reputation as a leader in Biodynamic farming was firmly established. He became president of the Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association of North America for a four-year term, and editor of the Association's magazine.
Alan's first winegrowing client was Jim Fetzer of Fetzer Vineyards. Together they worked on the Biodynamic conversion of the historic 378-acre McNab Ranch in Mendocino County. Alan has since consulted for winegrape growers in California's Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino Counties, as well as vineyards in Oregon, New York, Chile and Israel.
In 1997, we hired Alan to guide us in our quest for wines with quality and individuality. In addition to consulting for Tribute, Alan works with Benziger Family Winery Director of Grower Relations Mark Burningham on our Sonoma County Grapegrowers Program. Our network of growers dedicated to farming for quality and flavor are now benefiting from a Biodynamic perspective.
Alan York is recognized as an international expert on Biodynamic farming. He is currently co-authoring a book on Biodynamic and organic viticulture/wholistic estate management with John Reganold, Ph.D. of Soil Science at Washington State University.
Vineyard Foreman
Joaquin Corona
"Every plant has something to teach you," says Vineyard Foreman Joaquin Corona, who leads Benziger's knowledgeable vineyard team through the challenges of Biodynamic farming. For nearly 20 years, he has helped to farm the Benziger family's Sonoma Mountain estate. Corona's bond with the land is evidenced by the steely clarity with which he approaches the daily demands and complexities of viticulture. "Some plants grow too much, and some not enough," he observes. "It's my job to understand why."
"Joaquin's abiding spirit and reverence for nature are an inspiration to me personally and integral to Biodynamics," says Winemaker Mike Benziger. "We couldn't farm this way without him and the entire vineyard team."