Regenerative Viticulture Part 1 with Becky Sykes

This show was published Friday, March 8, 2024

Overview

Becky is based in East Sussex in the South of England and is Program Director at the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation.

Regenerative viticulture focuses on the soil and is a way of farming grapes by looking at the whole eco system of the vineyard and reducing excessive synthetic chemicals in the growing of grapes

Rather than introduce a set of rules that must be followed, the idea is to encourage producers to make changes to improve the bio-diversity of the eco system. Think of it as a way to restore the functioning of the soil (in the same way we might think about our own gut microbiomes).

The foundation was set up around two years ago by Stephen Cronk (owner of Mirabeau, in the South of France). Stephen couldn't find an organisation and so set up his own, along with microbiologist and grower in Oregon, Mimi Casteel (one of 7 trustees of the foundation).
They offer producers support in terms of vineyard management through initiatives such as connecting with local growers and sharing new practices. They are a charity, funded and supported by the likes of Decanter, Moet Hennessy and others.

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