Biodynamics is the most advanced form of organic farming. It uses natural preparations and composts, to bring the soil and the vine into balance, resulting in exceptionally pure and expressive fruit. Healthy vines make better wines
-David Paxton
What is Biodynamic Wine?
The foundation of biodynamic farming is soil health. This does not simply mean the adjustment of nutrient levels. Our farming aims to maintain a balanced and diverse population of soil biology. Compost applications initiate conditions favourable to soil micro-organisms which are active in making nutrients available to plants in a natural form. Vegetation and composts are broken down to form humus which improves soil structure and better holds water and nutrients. Irrigation inputs are thus reduced.
Synthetic fertilisers and pesticides which damage the soil biology are not used which allows the natural system to operate without interruption. Weeds are controlled by straw mulching or careful machine weeding. Increased soil activity has a flow on effect. The earthworm population increases rapidly and greater volumes of soil are aerated and made available for exploration by plant roots.
The farm is seen as a whole organism rather than a series of problems to be solved individually. It is the intention that PAXTON vineyards mimic the characteristics of a natural system. In this endeavour we seek to promote diversity and allow natural balance to counter the effects of pests or disease. New vineyards are propagated from our old, existing vines rather than using identical clonal material. This maintains the subtle differences between each vine and produces wines of greater individuality.
Between the vine rows we promote a variety of plant life, each providing different habitat and nutrient profiles. The incorporation of bee hives improves grape pollination and seed production of the mid-row plants.
The main biodynamic composts are produced primarily from cow manure. Manure tainted with treatments makes poor compost, and therefore, to ensure the integrity of our compost, we maintain our own small herd of non-drenched cattle for this purpose.
The necessity to focus on the smallest details is rewarded by great benefits. We now spend far more time digging amongst the weeds. Observing what is happening below the ground gets as much attention as what happens above.
The ultimate result, we hope, is a range of wines that highlight the individuality of the vineyard, vintage and the actions of the people who are the temporary custodians of the land.
Why the Bee?
Vines do not need bees, but they need plants for a healthier environment; that’s where the bees come into it. Bees are the primary pollinators of plants, which then aid in the natural replenishment of important soil nutrients.
The flowers that need bees then attract more bugs, and hence the healthy ecosystems begins. Keeping this biodiversity in balance eliminates the need for chemicals.
What will the 2022 vintage bring? 🧐
“Well, we've had quite unpredictable weather during flowering, a lot of rain and wind, so fruit set has not been the best in all of our vineyards. But that only means that crops will be a little lower than last year, so we might have to spend less energy on bunch thinning. The quality looks like it will be pretty good with beautiful green canopies that have only profited from the spring rains.
In Mclaren Vale, we have had a dry December - one of the driest on record, which has been conducive in eliminating any small amounts of mildew that had started in the rainy spring period.
Overall, everything is looking excellent out there, and I am looking forward to an exciting vintage and lots of new things to come at Paxton!”
-Ashleigh Seymour, Head Winemaker
#vintage2022 #mclarenvale #biodynamicwines #yield #organicwines #winemakers #southaustralia #harvest
Looks like these ones got a little excited!
Veraison \ vé·ré·zon \ noun
: a stage in the ripening process of grapes, the short period during which the firm, green berries begin to soften, change colour and accumulate flavour 🍇
Soon. Very soon people #vintage2022
#tempranillo #véraison #harvest #mclarenvale #fleurieupeninsula #redwine #southaustralia #biodynamicwine #organicwine
Say hello to a man with two business hats. Garry Stillwell, the singer/guitarist has performed and shone for over 15 years. You can find him across the Southern Vales humming his sets while he moonlights (or daylights in his case) running his window-washing business!
Garry knows how to read a room and has amassed a following playing laidback acoustic to lively performances that will make you want to dance. You can expect classic renditions from the '60s through today with covers from The Beatles, Creedence, Cold Chisel, INXS, David Bowie, Coldplay and many more.
It's well worth catching Garry in the act as he leaves every atmosphere (and piece of glass) a little bit sparklier than he found it ✨
See you this Friday from 5pm!
#garrystillwell #paxtonpopup #adelaidelivemusic #organicwine #biodynamicwine #mclarenvale #southaustralia #eventsadelaide #mclarenvalewine #southaustralia #fleurieupenisula
Jones \ ˈjōnz \ verb
: to have a strong desire or craving for something
That would be accurate 👌
#jonesing #jones #paxtonwines #mclarenvale #organicwine #biodynamicwine #southaustralia #shiraz #biodiversity #earthfirst #regenerativefarming
Tbt those hot summertime days and blue skies! 👋🏻
It may be a grey sort of week, but we are open for tastings every day from 10-5 pm. Lots of outdoor seating and spacious lawns for the kids to run around while you enjoy a glass of wine (or two!) 🍷🍷
#biodynamicwines #organicwines #mclarenvale #fleurieupeninsula #tbt #paxtonwines #familyfriendly #southaustralia
Playing gigs in Mclaren Vale since he was 16 years old, Rhys Coventry is no stranger to the locals. His "acoustic chilled out folk" style only compliments his laid-back attitude. And as a local midcoast surfer, he knows how to keep a smile on his face when the weather gets stormy (back in November he happily played here in 20kph gusty winds!)
Rhys is now an established 21-year-old singer, songwriter and guitarist who plays his signature Coastal Folk tunes across the Fleurieu Peninsula. But as much as we love his music, his endearing nature has us booking him again and again!
Friday Night Knock-Off's
4-8 pm at Paxton Pop-Up
Music by @rhyscoventry Pizza by @doughballsau
We hope to see you there!
#fleurieupenisula #paxtonwines #mclarenvale #southaustralia #livemusicadelaide #rhyscoventry #doughballsau #organicwine #winebar #acousticmusic
New Year's resolutions, are they actually helpful? Here at Paxton, we like to think so. An opportunity to check-in, evaluate how far we have come and envision where we need to be.
Swipe across to see what the man himself, David Paxton, has to say about 2022 ▶️
Happy New Year from the Paxton Family and Staff!
#paxtonwines #mclarenvale #organicwine #biodynamicwine #southaustralia #preservativefreewines #biodiversity #earthfirst #regenerativefarming #soilhealth #biodiversity #earthfirst #regenerativefarming #soilhealth #newyearresolutions
Does this man look familiar? You might have seen Mason Lloyde as a contestant on The Voice Australia 2020!
And lucky for us, he is playing at Paxton this Sunday.
Born in Broken Hill, NSW, Mason is a self-taught guitarist. Initially inspired by Elvis Presley, he went on to unearth his unique sound and elegant yet powerful raspy vocals. With an impressive vocal range and oozing charisma, it's not just us who are big fans of his music!
"So Dynamic" and "Such an elegant voice. Nothing like I've ever heard." -Kelly Rowland
"Phenomenal! Amazing Artistry and what a range" - Delta Goodrem
With excellent music, drinks, pizza and shady lawns, it is time for you and your friends to take advantage of this glorious weather in a Covid-Safe setting.
-FREE ENTRY
-Doors from 10am
-Music from 12pm
-Outside Event
-Social Distancing is easy to do on our spacious lawns
-Food by @doughballsau
#biodynamicwine #organicwine
#eventsadelaide #mclarenvale #adelaidemusic #southaustralia #fleurieupenisula #mclarenvalewine #livemusicsa #masonlloyde
Wishing you a Merry Christmas from Ben, David and the team at Paxton. We hope your holidays are filled with loved ones, delicious food and, as always, excellent wine!
#merrychristmas #paxtonwines #mclarenvale #tistheseason
// PHOTO CONTEST //
Do you want a cellar loaded with Paxton Wine in 2022?
Just 4 sleeps until Christmas, and we want to give away a mixed vintage case of MV Shiraz (12 bottles) to one of our lucky followers! It's easy to enter: submit a festive photo that includes a bottle of Paxton Wine alongside your holiday dinner and use the hashtag #festivepaxtonxmas. The image we love the most wins our flagship Shiraz valued at over $350!
Check out all the T&C's below.
The contest ends at 11:59 pm on Saturday, December 25! The winner will be announced via our stories on December 28, 2021.
To enter, all you need to do is:
-Follow our Instagram
-Like and share this post on your stories
-Post a photo and use the hashtag #FESTIVEPAXTONXMAS
-Images must include a bottle of PAXTON wine and a food pairing
-Images must be posted between 21/12/21 - 25/12/21
-Contest is available to Australian residents over the age of 18
-Free Shipping to anywhere in Australia
-Enter as many times as you like (we can't wait to see what you are pairing with Paxton wines this Christmas)!
#photocontest #festivepaxtonxmas #mclarenvalewine #freewine #giveaway #winepairing #foodpairing #mclarenvale #paxtonwine
Photo by @rewineoradea
Dying soil changed the course of Paxton Wines; here's how.
In the early 2000s, after nearly 20 years of grape farming, it was becoming apparent to David Paxton that the soil in his vineyards was slowly dying. He needed to find another way to farm to ensure soil & vineyard health for the future, so off he went to his first conference on biodynamics in Victoria. Intrigued by Rudolf Steiner and his Biodynamic principles, he thought, 'let's give this a go!' And give it a go, he did.
Returning to Mclaren Vale, David then converted 40+ acres at his newly acquired vineyard site, Quandong Farm. After the first vintage, David was so impressed by the quality of the fruit, moisture retention, and improved quality of the soil that he converted his entire estate, six vineyards across 200 acres to become fully biodynamic completed in 2011.
Today all Paxton Wines are 100% fully certified Organic and Biodynamic. David is still Paxton's head viticulturist, and he keeps a watchful eye on his vines as they continue to thrive.
#mclarenvale #organicwine #mclarenvalewine #shiraz #paxtonwines #quandongfarmshiraz #fleurieupeninsula
#biodynamicwine
#fleurieupeninsula
This time of year has been dubbed silly season for a reason. With Christmas parties, school holidays, working and vintage around the corner, silly is a bit of an understatement! So Paxton Staff and the Doughballs Team will be taking a few days to rest and recharge this holiday period.
Below is our Summer Holiday Hours. Thank you for all your continued support, and we hope you have a Merry relaxing Christmas!
@ Cellar Door
OPEN every day 10-5 pm
*December 25 CLOSED
@ The Pop Up Wine Bar & Doughballs Pizza
December 24 OPEN 4-8pm
December 25 CLOSED
December 26 OPEN 12-4pm (Doughballs Closed)
December 31 CLOSED
January 1 OPEN 12-4pm
January 2 OPEN 12-4pm
#mclarenvalewine #mclarenvale #mclarenvalecellardoor #supportlocalsa #doughballsau #organicwine #holidayhours #mclarenvalewinery #quandongfarmshiraz
Photo by @jewelchenowethphotography
Flowers and Decor by @vultureviolet.studio @stemhaus_ @memorylaneadelaide @whitemarquee
FOLLOW US
@paxtonwines
#biodynamic
What will the 2022 vintage bring? 🧐
“Well, we've had quite unpredictable weather during flowering, a lot of rain and wind, so fruit set has not been the best in all of our vineyards. But that only means that crops will be a little lower than last year, so we might have to spend less energy on bunch thinning. The quality looks like it will be pretty good with beautiful green canopies that have only profited from the spring rains.
In Mclaren Vale, we have had a dry December - one of the driest on record, which has been conducive in eliminating any small amounts of mildew that had started in the rainy spring period.
Overall, everything is looking excellent out there, and I am looking forward to an exciting vintage and lots of new things to come at Paxton!”
-Ashleigh Seymour, Head Winemaker
#vintage2022 #mclarenvale #biodynamicwines #yield #organicwines #winemakers #southaustralia #harvest
Looks like these ones got a little excited!
Veraison \ vé·ré·zon \ noun
: a stage in the ripening process of grapes, the short period during which the firm, green berries begin to soften, change colour and accumulate flavour 🍇
Soon. Very soon people #vintage2022
#tempranillo #véraison #harvest #mclarenvale #fleurieupeninsula #redwine #southaustralia #biodynamicwine #organicwine
Say hello to a man with two business hats. Garry Stillwell, the singer/guitarist has performed and shone for over 15 years. You can find him across the Southern Vales humming his sets while he moonlights (or daylights in his case) running his window-washing business!
Garry knows how to read a room and has amassed a following playing laidback acoustic to lively performances that will make you want to dance. You can expect classic renditions from the '60s through today with covers from The Beatles, Creedence, Cold Chisel, INXS, David Bowie, Coldplay and many more.
It's well worth catching Garry in the act as he leaves every atmosphere (and piece of glass) a little bit sparklier than he found it ✨
See you this Friday from 5pm!
#garrystillwell #paxtonpopup #adelaidelivemusic #organicwine #biodynamicwine #mclarenvale #southaustralia #eventsadelaide #mclarenvalewine #southaustralia #fleurieupenisula
Jones \ ˈjōnz \ verb
: to have a strong desire or craving for something
That would be accurate 👌
#jonesing #jones #paxtonwines #mclarenvale #organicwine #biodynamicwine #southaustralia #shiraz #biodiversity #earthfirst #regenerativefarming
Tbt those hot summertime days and blue skies! 👋🏻
It may be a grey sort of week, but we are open for tastings every day from 10-5 pm. Lots of outdoor seating and spacious lawns for the kids to run around while you enjoy a glass of wine (or two!) 🍷🍷
#biodynamicwines #organicwines #mclarenvale #fleurieupeninsula #tbt #paxtonwines #familyfriendly #southaustralia
Playing gigs in Mclaren Vale since he was 16 years old, Rhys Coventry is no stranger to the locals. His "acoustic chilled out folk" style only compliments his laid-back attitude. And as a local midcoast surfer, he knows how to keep a smile on his face when the weather gets stormy (back in November he happily played here in 20kph gusty winds!)
Rhys is now an established 21-year-old singer, songwriter and guitarist who plays his signature Coastal Folk tunes across the Fleurieu Peninsula. But as much as we love his music, his endearing nature has us booking him again and again!
Friday Night Knock-Off's
4-8 pm at Paxton Pop-Up
Music by @rhyscoventry Pizza by @doughballsau
We hope to see you there!
#fleurieupenisula #paxtonwines #mclarenvale #southaustralia #livemusicadelaide #rhyscoventry #doughballsau #organicwine #winebar #acousticmusic
New Year's resolutions, are they actually helpful? Here at Paxton, we like to think so. An opportunity to check-in, evaluate how far we have come and envision where we need to be.
Swipe across to see what the man himself, David Paxton, has to say about 2022 ▶️
Happy New Year from the Paxton Family and Staff!
#paxtonwines #mclarenvale #organicwine #biodynamicwine #southaustralia #preservativefreewines #biodiversity #earthfirst #regenerativefarming #soilhealth #biodiversity #earthfirst #regenerativefarming #soilhealth #newyearresolutions
Does this man look familiar? You might have seen Mason Lloyde as a contestant on The Voice Australia 2020!
And lucky for us, he is playing at Paxton this Sunday.
Born in Broken Hill, NSW, Mason is a self-taught guitarist. Initially inspired by Elvis Presley, he went on to unearth his unique sound and elegant yet powerful raspy vocals. With an impressive vocal range and oozing charisma, it's not just us who are big fans of his music!
"So Dynamic" and "Such an elegant voice. Nothing like I've ever heard." -Kelly Rowland
"Phenomenal! Amazing Artistry and what a range" - Delta Goodrem
With excellent music, drinks, pizza and shady lawns, it is time for you and your friends to take advantage of this glorious weather in a Covid-Safe setting.
-FREE ENTRY
-Doors from 10am
-Music from 12pm
-Outside Event
-Social Distancing is easy to do on our spacious lawns
-Food by @doughballsau
#biodynamicwine #organicwine
#eventsadelaide #mclarenvale #adelaidemusic #southaustralia #fleurieupenisula #mclarenvalewine #livemusicsa #masonlloyde
Wishing you a Merry Christmas from Ben, David and the team at Paxton. We hope your holidays are filled with loved ones, delicious food and, as always, excellent wine!
#merrychristmas #paxtonwines #mclarenvale #tistheseason
// PHOTO CONTEST //
Do you want a cellar loaded with Paxton Wine in 2022?
Just 4 sleeps until Christmas, and we want to give away a mixed vintage case of MV Shiraz (12 bottles) to one of our lucky followers! It's easy to enter: submit a festive photo that includes a bottle of Paxton Wine alongside your holiday dinner and use the hashtag #festivepaxtonxmas. The image we love the most wins our flagship Shiraz valued at over $350!
Check out all the T&C's below.
The contest ends at 11:59 pm on Saturday, December 25! The winner will be announced via our stories on December 28, 2021.
To enter, all you need to do is:
-Follow our Instagram
-Like and share this post on your stories
-Post a photo and use the hashtag #FESTIVEPAXTONXMAS
-Images must include a bottle of PAXTON wine and a food pairing
-Images must be posted between 21/12/21 - 25/12/21
-Contest is available to Australian residents over the age of 18
-Free Shipping to anywhere in Australia
-Enter as many times as you like (we can't wait to see what you are pairing with Paxton wines this Christmas)!
#photocontest #festivepaxtonxmas #mclarenvalewine #freewine #giveaway #winepairing #foodpairing #mclarenvale #paxtonwine
Photo by @rewineoradea
Dying soil changed the course of Paxton Wines; here's how.
In the early 2000s, after nearly 20 years of grape farming, it was becoming apparent to David Paxton that the soil in his vineyards was slowly dying. He needed to find another way to farm to ensure soil & vineyard health for the future, so off he went to his first conference on biodynamics in Victoria. Intrigued by Rudolf Steiner and his Biodynamic principles, he thought, 'let's give this a go!' And give it a go, he did.
Returning to Mclaren Vale, David then converted 40+ acres at his newly acquired vineyard site, Quandong Farm. After the first vintage, David was so impressed by the quality of the fruit, moisture retention, and improved quality of the soil that he converted his entire estate, six vineyards across 200 acres to become fully biodynamic completed in 2011.
Today all Paxton Wines are 100% fully certified Organic and Biodynamic. David is still Paxton's head viticulturist, and he keeps a watchful eye on his vines as they continue to thrive.
#mclarenvale #organicwine #mclarenvalewine #shiraz #paxtonwines #quandongfarmshiraz #fleurieupeninsula
#biodynamicwine
#fleurieupeninsula
This time of year has been dubbed silly season for a reason. With Christmas parties, school holidays, working and vintage around the corner, silly is a bit of an understatement! So Paxton Staff and the Doughballs Team will be taking a few days to rest and recharge this holiday period.
Below is our Summer Holiday Hours. Thank you for all your continued support, and we hope you have a Merry relaxing Christmas!
@ Cellar Door
OPEN every day 10-5 pm
*December 25 CLOSED
@ The Pop Up Wine Bar & Doughballs Pizza
December 24 OPEN 4-8pm
December 25 CLOSED
December 26 OPEN 12-4pm (Doughballs Closed)
December 31 CLOSED
January 1 OPEN 12-4pm
January 2 OPEN 12-4pm
#mclarenvalewine #mclarenvale #mclarenvalecellardoor #supportlocalsa #doughballsau #organicwine #holidayhours #mclarenvalewinery #quandongfarmshiraz
Photo by @jewelchenowethphotography
Flowers and Decor by @vultureviolet.studio @stemhaus_ @memorylaneadelaide @whitemarquee
