Domaine des Amadieu: A Commitment to Biodynamic Wines

For Jean-Yves and Corine Houser, winemaking is a way of life: they were both agricultural engineers (agronomists), before changing careers to start their family project at Domaine des Amadieu, 18 years ago. Longing for a better quality of life, they wanted to use their existing skills in production, management and marketing to create a small company and produce wine in harmony with nature. Jean-Yves doesn’t deny that this is hard work, but he loves above anything to come back home and see his family every day, after an interesting day of work.

From Organic to Biodynamic

Jean-Yves and Corine’s respect for nature showed from the beginning, as they produced organic wines immediately at Domaine des Amadieu. They avoid synthetic chemicals and work with natural elements to cultivate healthy vines. But in the early 2010s, after tasting biodynamic wines with fellow winemakers, Jean-Yves noticed something special—an added depth and balance that intrigued him. This led him to explore biodynamic principles, seeking to create wines that are fresh, balanced, and expressive, even in the warm Mediterranean climate. They got certified organic in 2013, and followed with the biodynamic certification in 2014.

What is Biodynamic Winemaking?

Biodynamic winemaking goes beyond organic farming. While both avoid chemical treatments, biodynamics focuses on creating a living ecosystem within the vineyard, ensuring vines are healthier, more resilient, and better connected to their natural environment. Here’s how it works:

• Soil Health: Maintain healthy, nutrient-rich soils by using composted cow manure from organic farms for example.

• Natural Treatments: Use plant-based treatments to prevent disease and strengthen the vines.

• Cosmic Influence: Using the influence of the rhythms of the moon, stars and planets to determine the best times for planting, pruning, and harvesting.

• Minimal Intervention in the Cellar: Using wild, indigenous yeasts and allowing fermentation to happen naturally, unlike traditional winemaking.

Working biodynamically isn’t easy. The hands-off approach in the winery means winemakers must closely monitor fermentations to ensure a stable and high-quality product. This will give wines with vibrant energy, purity, and a true sense of place.

To be certified biodynamic, it is mandatory to have an organic certification beforehand. Converting a vineyard towards organic and then biodynamic takes at least 3 years.

Looking to the Future

Beyond biodynamics, Jean-Yves is dedicated to increasing biodiversity around the vineyard. His efforts include installing bat boxes (bats naturally control vineyard pests) and allowing sheep to graze in the vineyard during winter, enriching the soil.

Another major goal is to reduce the estate’s carbon footprint by cutting energy consumption in the winemaking process, ensuring that the Domaine remains sustainable for future generations.

At Domaine des Amadieu, every bottle tells a story—of dedication, balance, and respect for nature. By embracing biodynamics, Jean-Yves and his family are not just making wine; they are creating a legacy of sustainable viticulture at the Domaine des Amadieu, producing wines that are vibrant, refreshing, and deeply connected to the land.