Conventional viticulture loses to organics and biodynamics in London debate

Thursday evening in London saw Dr Richard Smart roundly defeated in a debate regarding vineyard production methods at the Wine and Spirit Education Trust in London. Presented to some 40 members of the London wine trade, the motion debated was “That the UK wine trade should promote organic and biodynamic wines” with Smart against noted UK wine journalist and biodynamic viticulture proponent Monty Waldin. Interestingly, there was a vote taken before and after the debate of the audience opinion, which changed little. Around three-quarters of the audience were for the motion.

Smart said that this proportion indicated that the UK wine trade were already supporting alternate production methods, and that this was disadvantaging “conventional” wine growers in the market place, for which point he gave evidence. Monty Waldin spoke very well, his claim being that organic and biodynamic wines were better for the environment, consumers health and wine quality. Smart sees the outcome as a reinforcement of a disturbing trend against conventional viticulture, which will fuel consumers perceptions. What was very evident from the debate was that the term “sustainable viticulture” has little recognition, and where wine growing regions like Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and large parts of California are adopting this system there is need for much better promotion.