What do biodynamic wines have to do with leadership in a thriving corporation?

More than you think. Having been both an innovation and marketing executive with large brands, as well as a Certified Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, I believe there is a connection between biodynamic wine growing and growing a healthy corporation.

At first glance, the link between vineyards and organizations might feel obscure. But aren’t most organizations interested in healthy growth? For example, one of my favorite Bordeaux producers is a Margaux site named Chateau Ferriere. They have been growing grapes with biodynamic methods for centuries and are now certified as such. Their winemakers believe there is a connection between biodynamic practices and smoother tannins, along with the release of unique flavor notes.

The Essence of Biodynamic Wines

I love biodynamic wines. These wines come from vineyards that exceed “organic” certification and employ century-old methods. They bring the vineyard—think more like a farm—into greater balance. This leads to smoother operations, more vitality, and excellent wine while contributing to caring for our lands. Key principles for certification include no synthetic inputs and increased diversity in animals and plants. There are also spiritual practices, such as being in sync with the cycles of the moon. Ancient civilizations and native tribes have long planned their years around moon cycles.

Here are a few ways that healthy corporations could operate more effectively with biodynamic practices

Soil Health = Organizational Culture

In biodynamic viticulture, healthy soil alive with microbes, organic matter, and nutrients is the foundation for resilient vines. In business, culture is the soil. When values and communication flow well, people flourish, and the company thrives.

Lessons for Corporate Ecosystems

Biodynamic farmers encourage biodiversity with cover crops, bees, and livestock because complexity strengthens resilience. Similarly, organizations thrive when diverse perspectives, skills, and backgrounds coexist. Innovation comes from cross-pollination, not uniformity.

What Biodynamics Teaches Us About Healthy Growth

Regeneration = Learning from Challenges

Biodynamic winemakers build up their soils so that they automatically thrive without having to recreate every season. They learn as issues arise. Corporations that keep reinventing the wheel are wasting resources. It’s better to learn and grow.

What Biodynamics Teaches Us About Corporate Healthy Growth

Organizations, like vineyards, are living ecosystems. Aligning corporate culture with the natural flow of human will lead to strong innovation, efficient operations, effective strategy, and sustainable growth. Having been a corporate innovation executive and now a Sommelier, I can clearly see the connection between curating the best wines and curating the best ways to run a brand.

Johan Vineyard Murmuration for Corporate Events by C''EST WHAT? LLC

Growing Austrian Varietals with Biodynamics in Oregon

One of my favorite winemakers is Johan Vineyards. They have been creating their biodynamic brand for 20 years, mostly with Austrian grapes such as Kerner, Saint Laurent, and Blaufrankisch. Their land is filled with sheep and chickens. These animals play in their forest and drop their blessings into the land, spilling seeds that grow plants. These plants attract beneficial insects, providing food for field critters, which the eagles love to eat. Those eagles protect the grapes from invasions of murmurations of starlings. This natural cycle of life makes the grapes thrive, enabling expert winemakers to craft fabulous wines with beautiful labels.

Why Biodynamic Wines Belong at Corporate Events

Organizations thrive when culture is nurtured, diversity is valued, and cycles are respected. That’s why biodynamic wines are more than just delicious. They serve as a metaphor for resilience. A corporate wine event featuring biodynamic selections can spark conversations about innovation, sustainability, and shared growth. Guided by a professional sommelier, your team will not only learn about wine but also experience the joy of connection.

Designing Your Corporate Events for Legendary Experiences

In short, sommeliers get excited about delighting others with wines and their stories. If your team is ready to explore resilience through wine, let’s design a biodynamic-inspired tasting for your next corporate event.

Michael Perman at C’EST WHAT? Wine and Sensory, www.cestwhatwine.com, michael@cestwhat.org.