organic & biodynamic winegrowing conference 2019 - speaker announcement!
We are delighted to welcome Emiliana to our 2019 Organic & Biodynamic Winegrowing Conference. Emiliana Organic Vineyards hail from Chile with their winery nestled within the Casablanca Valley. Emiliana is the largest organic and biodynamic winery on the planet and OWNZ is excited to bring their insights
and expertise to their Marlborough based event.
Founded in 1986 by Rafael and José Guilisasti, Emiliana is one of South America’s hidden gems. The family owned and operated winery only produces wine from their own organic vineyards, which incorporates 1,550ha of farmland across Casablanca, Maipo, Bío Bío and the Cachapoal and Colchagua Valleys of Rapel. Their impressive portfolio includes their icon wine Gé, the Coyam super-premium range, Signon de Origen premium wines and the Novas Gran Reserve and Adobe Reserve labels.
According to the Drinks International Brand Report, Emiliana Organic Vineyards made its debut among The World’s Most Admired Wine Brands in 2018. Drinks' report is based on a survey of international wine professionals, journalists, educators and masters of wine and aims to recognize a brand’s exceptional characteristics, not only in relation to quality, but also with respect to production methods. Drinks International magazine says it’s for their early adoption of organic winemaking and sustainable practices in Chile that Emiliana gets it most recognition. “It produced the first Chilean biodynamic wine in 2003 and was certified carbon neutral over a decade ago." Drinks International magazine also applauded Emiliana for their Human Resources practices, "they are also committed to bettering their people through fair wages and conditions, employee scholarships and providing staff allotments (including fresh grown organic vegetables)".
According to Emiliana’s marketing director, Alejandro Mitarakis, Drinks International magazine's recognition is the product of an ongoing process that began many years ago. “For Emiliana, being part of this exclusive ranking encourages us to continue in the direction we began 20 years ago. These practices have enabled us to deliver the highest quality wines, every bottle of which carries our philosophy and commitment to doing things in a different and non- conventional way,” says Alejandro.
Emiliana is adamant that organic and biodynamic farming is the only way to manage a vineyard and winery, no matter your size. They work closely with local governing bodies running trials, measuring results, checking facts and compiling indisputable rationale for fellow wineries and food producers to begin their conversion to organic. “We take care of our soil, we eliminate long term environmental problems, and we improve the quality of our grapes and therefore our wines”.
For Emiliana, biodynamics is a comprehensive form of organic farming that heals the planet through regenerative agriculture. They believe that human interaction with the earth should only improve its condition. Emiliana is an impressive farm incorporating a native nursery and forest, vegetable and fruit gardens, mobile chicken coops, an array of animals including alpacas, cows and geese, bee hives, olive groves, and more. You can check out their interactive vineyard by clicking here.
Their portfolio of wine is a product of their dedication to land and commitment to quality. Their range caters to most style and price preferences. And yes, you can find them in New Zealand. Glengarry has an impressive selection - click here to access their on-line store.
Want to learn more about Emiliana?
Click here to explore their website.
NB. Be patient, the Emiliana website is packed with videos and images so it will take a couple of minutes to load.