Louis Latour Agencies

McHenry Hohnen receives biodynamic certification

27 July 2020

We are thrilled to announce that McHenry Hohnen have achieved biodynamic certification for their winery and southernmost Margaret River Vineyard: Hazel’s Vineyard. After 12 years farming biodynamically, earning formal certification was a logical step for McHenry Hohnen and one which required little change to well established viticultural practices.

Formerly known as Rocky Road Vineyard, Hazel’s Vineyard was farmed organically after purchasing from Albert and Shirley Engler in 1997. The move towards biodynamics came when Viticulturalist Mike Sleegers joined the team in 2008.

Mike said, ”We have a duty to ensure that we restore the natural soil ecology to what it once was, and when we've got it there, to put back whatever we take out. This is where biodynamics plays a significant role”.

Winemaker, Jacopo Dalli Cani said, “Farming this way naturally provides lower yields which translates into greater flavour intensity and a more balanced chemistry which allows a minimalistic approach in the winery”.

Biodynamics is an extension of organics that was first introduced in 1924 by Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian philosopher. He saw the effect modern agriculture was having on soil health and advocated for the use of certain preparations and techniques and their interactions so these could work in harmony to improve soil health and revive the land.

McHenry Hohnen’s biodynamic certification was awarded by Australian Certified Organics: Australia’s largest certifier for organic and biodynamic produce. Biodynamic certification ensures compliance with national and international production standards and allows trace back of all products to their origin.

Watch our conversation with Mike and Japo about Biodynamics here