Beaver Creek Vineyards

Beaver Creek Vineyards: A Technical Overview of Old World, Biodynamic Winemaking

Beaver Creek Vineyards, under the direction of Martin Pohl, has been a pioneering force in the natural wine movement, particularly in California's Lake County. Originally from the Czech Republic, Pohl brings an "Old World" sensibility to his winemaking, viewing the vineyard as a living, self-sustaining organism. The core of his philosophy is captured in the mantra: "Let nature create the wonders and we will work hard to support and enhance her efforts." This technical overview will detail the principles that guided his winemaking.

Terroir: The Lake County Environment

The original Beaver Creek Vineyards were located on a unique piece of land in Lake County, a region that provides a distinct terroir. While their current vineyards may vary, the core principles of their approach are a direct response to this kind of environment.

• Volcanic Soils: Lake County is a volcanic region, and the vineyards' soils are often rocky, well-draining, and rich in minerals. This type of soil composition naturally stresses the vines, leading to lower yields and grapes with more concentrated flavors and aromas.

• High Elevation and Mountainous Terrain: Many vineyards in Lake County are at higher elevations, which, like the North Fork Valley of Colorado, results in a significant diurnal temperature shift. The warm days ripen the grapes, while the cool nights preserve acidity, which is essential for creating balanced, fresh wines.

• Arid Climate: The arid climate of the region naturally minimizes disease pressure, allowing for farming without the use of chemical fungicides and pesticides. This is a crucial element for their biodynamic approach.

Vineyard Practices: The Biodynamic and Regenerative Approach

Martin Pohl's farming philosophy is a holistic one, where the vineyard is not just a place to grow grapes, but a thriving, biodiverse ecosystem. They were one of the first vineyards in California to achieve both CCOF organic and Demeter Biodynamic certifications.

• Biodynamic Farming: This is the heart of their vineyard work. Biodynamic agriculture goes beyond organic, viewing the vineyard as a closed-loop system. They use a variety of biodynamic preparations—composts and herbal teas—to enhance soil health and plant vitality.

• Biodiversity: To create a balanced ecosystem, they set aside a significant portion of the land for biodiversity. This includes having a variety of animals, such as sheep and goats for grazing and fertilization, as well as chickens, bees, and other creatures that contribute to the health of the vineyard. The presence of a wide range of flora and fauna naturally controls pests and enriches the soil.

• No Synthetic Inputs: Beaver Creek Vineyards strictly avoided all chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. They believed in building soil health naturally, through composting and the use of cover crops, which helps the vines to be strong and resilient on their own.

Winemaking: An "Old World" and "Natural" Philosophy

Pohl's winemaking is a direct extension of his biodynamic farming. He seeks to capture the energy and purity of the grapes with as little intervention as possible. He sees winemaking as an art form, not a factory process.

• Native Yeast Fermentation: All fermentation is spontaneous, using the indigenous yeasts present on the grapes and in the cellar. This is a hallmark of natural winemaking and results in wines with a truer, more complex expression of the vineyard's terroir.

• Minimal Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): In keeping with his focus on naturalness, Pohl uses little to no added sulfur, a common preservative in winemaking. This results in "living" wines that are more vibrant and can be enjoyed by people who are sensitive to sulfites.

• No Fining or Filtering: The wines are not fined with fining agents like egg whites or filtered. This ensures that the wine retains its natural character, texture, and beneficial compounds. This can sometimes result in a slight sediment in the bottle, which is a sign of a natural, unprocessed wine.

• Holistic Approach: Pohl's mission extends to the consumer, with a focus on producing wines that are not only delicious but also "healthy" and "high vibrational," without the industrial flavors or potential side effects associated with chemically-treated wines.