There is a very special alchemy in the Redden Bridge wines produced by Greg and Emma Koch in the vineyards surrounding their family home in Wrattonbully, South Australia.

Greg’s 30-year experience as a viticulturalist combined with Emma’s passion for living soils has led them to experiment with different chemical-free farming techniques, in the process producing a premium wine with a definite point of difference.

“We have had a fascinating time,” says Emma, “applying all sorts of interesting brews to the vines and the soils, including compost and compost tea, kelp & fish products, humates and biochar trials.” The benefits of living soils were so apparent, they then introduced the ‘magic’ that is biodynamics. This opened up a whole new level of understanding about working with the natural world.

In the vineyard positive changes were noticed from the onset with increased moisture holding capabilities in the soil and improved vine strength in relation to heat and frost stress. “We had some fears that this ‘easy living’ of the vines would soften them! But we continue to see great sugar/acid balance in the wine and are impressed with the cleanness of the palate,” says Greg.

The Koch’s were initially resistant to the idea of certifying the vineyard as it restricted many of their options, but now believe that official recognition will help with contract fruit sales as well as their own label. So after 7 years of BD farming, Redden Bridge will start to promote their wines as “Biodynamic” from 2010 onwards.

“We have found the move to BD in the vines to be a pretty natural one and know we can commit to the process,” says Greg. “It is great to see public opinion of organic products in general starting to be recognised, and we hope that the public will be able to see BD wines with even more respect and ‘romance’ than conventionally grown wines.”

This journey has been a lot of experimentation and has enabled the couple to strike the balance of biodynamic and biological farming, ensuring the strength and resilience of their vines. This passionate adherence to the health of their vines and soil has yielded remarkable results for the Redden Bridge label. “We were thrilled to have won the LSCWS “Best Individual Vineyard” in 2005, and we continue to receive many warm accolades in Winestate, Wine Selector and James Hallidays Wine Companion.

By honouring the natural balance and nurturing the soil that yields their magnificent grapes, Greg and Emma Koch have achieved that rare balance between the head and the heart that is captured in every bottle of their Redden Bridge wines.