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.
On this 2022 International Grenache Day, let’s celebrate the most elegant of red wines!
Grenache is an important varietal at Paxton Wines, and McLaren Vale is, according to no less than James Halliday, ‘Australia’s best location for Grenache’. The Vale is also home to some of the oldest Grenache vines in the world.
Grenache is incredibly well-suited to our region because of a magic combination of soil and climate, and thrives in our vineyards.
We source our organic, biodynamic Grenache fruit from three vineyards, grown using different approaches: the vines at our Quandong Farm and Landcross Farm vineyards are ‘bush vines’, ie grown without stakes or trellis. It’s a labour-intensive pruning technique, but bush vine canopies do a fabulous job filtering the sunlight, promoting good fruit colour and flavour. The Grenache vines at our Thomas Block vineyard experience colder than average McLaren Vale mornings and warm summer days, providing the perfect conditions for ripening.
At Paxton we are proud of the Grenache and Grenache-blend wines we produce, and we know our fans enjoy them too… the 2021 Grenache is completely sold out. The 2022 vintage is in barrels, and we look forward to sharing this gorgeous wine with you upon its release later this year.
Today, enjoy one of our Grenache, or Grenache blend wines, the AAA and the Queen of the Hive Red Blend, and we wish wine lovers everywhere a very Happy International Grenache Day!
#grenache #internationalgrenacheday #mclarenvale #mclarenvalewine #paxtonwines #fleurieupeninsula #biodynamicwine #southaustralianwine #gosouthgolocal #organicwine #biodynamicfarming #ichoosesa
They’re BAAAACK! And why? Grazing sheep in our Landcross Farm vineyards reduces the need for slashing mid rows and mechanical weeding to control under vine growth, with additional benefits as a result of lower fuel use reducing our carbon footprint.
Paxton embraces the animals’ ability to graze the vineyard floor, convert pasture to manure and return to the soil in a different form which enhances the living mass in the ground. A soil that is full of life can improve itself naturally – which for us means better tasting grapes.
The presence of sheep, and other animals, in vineyards in Australia is on the rise after about a century of decline. As leaders in organic, biodynamic viticulture, Paxton stands proudly alongside winegrowers across the world who are returning to a more holistic approach to farming that not only makes for better wine, but is better for the environment and the community at large.
And the sheep look rather contented...!
#paxtonwines #mclarenvale #fleurieupeninsula #winerysheep #biodynamicwine #southaustralianwine #gosouthgolocal #organicwine #biodynamicfarming #ichoosesa #sheep
Paxton's Spring Sessions are in full swing and the Pop-Up Bar is open! Spend a relaxing Saturday or Sunday afternoon lounging on Paxton's epic Landcross Farm lawns under shady trees, enjoying Paxton wines or a Swell Brewery ale, and Doughballs' wood fired gourmet pizzas and doughballs (and yes, vegan options are available!).
From 12-3pm on Sunday 25th, wonderful singer/guitarist Sophie Ford will be performing. And of course, Cellar Door will be open for tasting flights and tasty local produce.
We look forward to welcoming you! Paxton Wines, 68 Wheaton Road, McLaren Vale 🍕🍷🎸
#paxtonwines #adelaidelivemusic #springsessionsatpaxton #paxtonpopup #sundaysessionsatpaxton #livemusicadelaide #mclarenvale #fleurieupeninsula #doughballsau #whatsonadelaide #woodfiredpizza #swellbrewery #mclarenvalewine #sophiefordmusic #gosouthgolocal
Cheers Dads! Thanks to the many Dads, their families and friends who joined us at Paxton Wines to celebrate Father's Day 2022. A fine time was had by all, there was great food, wines and music, and we hope to see you again next year for FD23!
#paxtonwines #mclarenvale #fleurieupeninsula #paxtonpopup #fathersday2022 #whatsoninadelaide #gosouthgolocal
Congratulations to Winemaker Ashleigh Seymour and the Paxton winemaking team for winning The Drinks Association’s Australian Drinks Awards 'Gaining in Popularity 2022' for our red wines at their annual award ceremony held in Sydney on the 28th July. Paxton’s win comes after a shortlist of 200 brands nationally was followed up by a survey of 4000 customers asking their brand preferences. Paxton’s delicious, expressive red wines continue to win over more and more fans of fine wines around the country - and indeed the world!
The Australian Drinks Awards presentation recognises, encourages, promotes and celebrates excellence in the Australian drinks industry. Now in its tenth year, the Australian Drinks Awards have grown to become the premier event for honouring achievement and innovation in the Australian liquor industry.
Healthy vines make better wines, and it all starts with the soil. Biodynamics is the most advanced form of organic farming. It uses natural preparations and composts – that we prepare ourselves at our vineyards – to bring the soil and the vine into balance. This results in exceptionally pure and expressive fruit.
It is our intention that Paxton vineyards mimic the characteristics of a natural system. We constantly strive to promote diversity and allow natural balance to counter the effects of pests or disease, and to promote optimum soil health.
#paxtonwines #mclarenvale #fleurieupeninsula #biodynamicwine #organicfarming #sustainablewinemaking #soilhealthmatters
It’s barre washing time. Something we need to spend quite a lot of time doing so that no nasties are growing in our barrels and spoiling our delicious wines.
From Vineyard to Barrel, Blending to Bottle, discover how Paxton Wines creates its organic, biodynamic Grenache and Grenache-blend wines in this special experience limited to just 30 guests, created for the McLaren Vale Grenache and Gourmet Festival.
Tickets are $110 inc GST and are limited to 30 to ensure the best possible experience. Click on our Link Tree link in the bio, and then click on Events to take you to our Facebook page, where you can learn more about this amazing McLaren Vale Grenache experience and book tickets.
#paxtonwines #mclarenvale #fleurieupeninsula #doughballsau #whatsonadelaide #grenache #mclarenvalegrenacheandgourmet #grenacheandgourmet #biodynamic #wineryexperiences
This month why not celebrate International White Wine Day 2022, and the coming Spring weather, with a glass of our wildly popular Paxton Pinot Gris? Why, of course!
With a nose alive with fresh citrus flavours of lime and lemon myrtle, and a hint of pear blossom and canary melon, a zesty palate reminiscent of grapefruit sorbet, and a lively finish, our Pinot Gris invokes salty beach days, sand-covered skin and cricket being played with the waves lapping at sun-kissed feet.
We'd love to welcome you and yours to Paxton Cellar Door to sample our Pinot Gris, and other fine wines from our organic, biodynamic range. We’re open 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm for tasting flights and tasty local produce.
#mclarenvalewine #paxtonwines #mclarenvale #gosouthgolocal #biodynamicwine #ichoosesa #paxtoncellardoor #pinotgris #internationalwhitewitch
What was THE KILLERS’ Ronnie Vannucci and Brandon Flowers’ shout out to Paxton Wines on national TV about? Here’s the scoop! We’ve been working with The Killers’ drummer extraordinaire Ronnie on a JV to bring you a wine that truly celebrates the rhythm of life, Paxton’s BATERISTA!
Baterista, Spanish for drummer, is an Ode to rhythm in both music and In organic and biodynamic wine making. Rhythm is the back bone and heartbeat to both. When the rhythm is right, all else thrives.
Ronnie: “I do love wine, and especially great wines like the ones Paxton produces. They’re unique, and Paxton has an unusual passion for doing things with a real earth centric focus. In short, they care, and it shows. Meeting like-minded people with a passion for crafting something that takes time is attractive to me. It’s a treat to be involved because I know there are others out there, like me, who appreciate this kind of devotion and level of near-magic, and I want it to be available so they can enjoy it, too”
Baterista is a premium single vineyard Shiraz from our beloved 60 year old vines on our Jones Block vineyard, the best two barrels of vintage specially selected by winemaker Ashleigh Seymour for this limited offering.
The new 2019 Baterista is NOW! Click on the LinkTree link in our bio to get to our wine store and secure your bottles of this limited edition wine.
Ronnie Vannucci and Paxton Wines are very proud of the Baterista and feel that consumers will agree: it's an exceptional example of a premium single vineyard, hand crafted Shiraz from McLaren Vale, and shows great depth and complexity and the true purity of fruit and vitality in organic, biodynamic wine making.
Footage from Channel 9’s Today Show, Thursday 27th July, Ronnie and Brandon interviewed by Brooke Boney. Live footage from The Killers Live at Glastonbury.
#paxtonwines #mclarenvale #fleurieupeninsula #livemusicinadelaide #whatsonadelaide #thekillers #ronnievannucci #paxtonbaterista
Queens of The Hives... we salute you! This Sunday August 7, as part of the Fleurieu Food Festival, come help us launch our brand new Queen of the Hive Honey!
From 11am enjoy pancakes, scones, and mulled wine, all featuring our Honey, plus live music and great company, overlooking the rolling hills around Paxton Cellar Door.
Pancakes with honey only available from 11am-12pm, so get in early! Scones with honey and cream available until sold out, and mulled wine infused with Honey will be served all day.
About our Honey: It’s sourced from hives situated across Paxton’s McLaren Vale Vineyards, and from other locations on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula – a region internationally renowned for its sustainable farming practices. The flavour of this 100% pure Honey reflects the terrior and floral diversity of the Region. No sugar or other ingredients are added.
Bees only survive and thrive in chemical free environments, hence why our certified biodynamic, estate vineyards in McLaren Vale are home to so many bee hives and their tireless Queens.
#mclarenvalewine #paxtonwines #honey #honeybees #sconeswithhoney #pancakes #mclarenvale #gosouthgolocal #biodynamicwine #sundaysessionsatpaxton #queenofthehive #ichoosesa
Fire safety is of paramount importance in all workplaces and homes, and the winemaking and vineyard teams at Paxton Wines were spotted brushing up on fire suppression techniques, and having a go at operating the latest model fire extinguishers.
#FireSafetyTips #mclarenvalewine #paxtonwines #mclarenvale #fireextinguishertraining
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#biodynamic
On this 2022 International Grenache Day, let’s celebrate the most elegant of red wines!
Grenache is an important varietal at Paxton Wines, and McLaren Vale is, according to no less than James Halliday, ‘Australia’s best location for Grenache’. The Vale is also home to some of the oldest Grenache vines in the world.
Grenache is incredibly well-suited to our region because of a magic combination of soil and climate, and thrives in our vineyards.
We source our organic, biodynamic Grenache fruit from three vineyards, grown using different approaches: the vines at our Quandong Farm and Landcross Farm vineyards are ‘bush vines’, ie grown without stakes or trellis. It’s a labour-intensive pruning technique, but bush vine canopies do a fabulous job filtering the sunlight, promoting good fruit colour and flavour. The Grenache vines at our Thomas Block vineyard experience colder than average McLaren Vale mornings and warm summer days, providing the perfect conditions for ripening.
At Paxton we are proud of the Grenache and Grenache-blend wines we produce, and we know our fans enjoy them too… the 2021 Grenache is completely sold out. The 2022 vintage is in barrels, and we look forward to sharing this gorgeous wine with you upon its release later this year.
Today, enjoy one of our Grenache, or Grenache blend wines, the AAA and the Queen of the Hive Red Blend, and we wish wine lovers everywhere a very Happy International Grenache Day!
#grenache #internationalgrenacheday #mclarenvale #mclarenvalewine #paxtonwines #fleurieupeninsula #biodynamicwine #southaustralianwine #gosouthgolocal #organicwine #biodynamicfarming #ichoosesa
They’re BAAAACK! And why? Grazing sheep in our Landcross Farm vineyards reduces the need for slashing mid rows and mechanical weeding to control under vine growth, with additional benefits as a result of lower fuel use reducing our carbon footprint.
Paxton embraces the animals’ ability to graze the vineyard floor, convert pasture to manure and return to the soil in a different form which enhances the living mass in the ground. A soil that is full of life can improve itself naturally – which for us means better tasting grapes.
The presence of sheep, and other animals, in vineyards in Australia is on the rise after about a century of decline. As leaders in organic, biodynamic viticulture, Paxton stands proudly alongside winegrowers across the world who are returning to a more holistic approach to farming that not only makes for better wine, but is better for the environment and the community at large.
And the sheep look rather contented...!
#paxtonwines #mclarenvale #fleurieupeninsula #winerysheep #biodynamicwine #southaustralianwine #gosouthgolocal #organicwine #biodynamicfarming #ichoosesa #sheep
Paxton's Spring Sessions are in full swing and the Pop-Up Bar is open! Spend a relaxing Saturday or Sunday afternoon lounging on Paxton's epic Landcross Farm lawns under shady trees, enjoying Paxton wines or a Swell Brewery ale, and Doughballs' wood fired gourmet pizzas and doughballs (and yes, vegan options are available!).
From 12-3pm on Sunday 25th, wonderful singer/guitarist Sophie Ford will be performing. And of course, Cellar Door will be open for tasting flights and tasty local produce.
We look forward to welcoming you! Paxton Wines, 68 Wheaton Road, McLaren Vale 🍕🍷🎸
#paxtonwines #adelaidelivemusic #springsessionsatpaxton #paxtonpopup #sundaysessionsatpaxton #livemusicadelaide #mclarenvale #fleurieupeninsula #doughballsau #whatsonadelaide #woodfiredpizza #swellbrewery #mclarenvalewine #sophiefordmusic #gosouthgolocal
Cheers Dads! Thanks to the many Dads, their families and friends who joined us at Paxton Wines to celebrate Father's Day 2022. A fine time was had by all, there was great food, wines and music, and we hope to see you again next year for FD23!
#paxtonwines #mclarenvale #fleurieupeninsula #paxtonpopup #fathersday2022 #whatsoninadelaide #gosouthgolocal
Congratulations to Winemaker Ashleigh Seymour and the Paxton winemaking team for winning The Drinks Association’s Australian Drinks Awards 'Gaining in Popularity 2022' for our red wines at their annual award ceremony held in Sydney on the 28th July. Paxton’s win comes after a shortlist of 200 brands nationally was followed up by a survey of 4000 customers asking their brand preferences. Paxton’s delicious, expressive red wines continue to win over more and more fans of fine wines around the country - and indeed the world!
The Australian Drinks Awards presentation recognises, encourages, promotes and celebrates excellence in the Australian drinks industry. Now in its tenth year, the Australian Drinks Awards have grown to become the premier event for honouring achievement and innovation in the Australian liquor industry.
Healthy vines make better wines, and it all starts with the soil. Biodynamics is the most advanced form of organic farming. It uses natural preparations and composts – that we prepare ourselves at our vineyards – to bring the soil and the vine into balance. This results in exceptionally pure and expressive fruit.
It is our intention that Paxton vineyards mimic the characteristics of a natural system. We constantly strive to promote diversity and allow natural balance to counter the effects of pests or disease, and to promote optimum soil health.
#paxtonwines #mclarenvale #fleurieupeninsula #biodynamicwine #organicfarming #sustainablewinemaking #soilhealthmatters
It’s barre washing time. Something we need to spend quite a lot of time doing so that no nasties are growing in our barrels and spoiling our delicious wines.
From Vineyard to Barrel, Blending to Bottle, discover how Paxton Wines creates its organic, biodynamic Grenache and Grenache-blend wines in this special experience limited to just 30 guests, created for the McLaren Vale Grenache and Gourmet Festival.
Tickets are $110 inc GST and are limited to 30 to ensure the best possible experience. Click on our Link Tree link in the bio, and then click on Events to take you to our Facebook page, where you can learn more about this amazing McLaren Vale Grenache experience and book tickets.
#paxtonwines #mclarenvale #fleurieupeninsula #doughballsau #whatsonadelaide #grenache #mclarenvalegrenacheandgourmet #grenacheandgourmet #biodynamic #wineryexperiences
This month why not celebrate International White Wine Day 2022, and the coming Spring weather, with a glass of our wildly popular Paxton Pinot Gris? Why, of course!
With a nose alive with fresh citrus flavours of lime and lemon myrtle, and a hint of pear blossom and canary melon, a zesty palate reminiscent of grapefruit sorbet, and a lively finish, our Pinot Gris invokes salty beach days, sand-covered skin and cricket being played with the waves lapping at sun-kissed feet.
We'd love to welcome you and yours to Paxton Cellar Door to sample our Pinot Gris, and other fine wines from our organic, biodynamic range. We’re open 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm for tasting flights and tasty local produce.
#mclarenvalewine #paxtonwines #mclarenvale #gosouthgolocal #biodynamicwine #ichoosesa #paxtoncellardoor #pinotgris #internationalwhitewitch
What was THE KILLERS’ Ronnie Vannucci and Brandon Flowers’ shout out to Paxton Wines on national TV about? Here’s the scoop! We’ve been working with The Killers’ drummer extraordinaire Ronnie on a JV to bring you a wine that truly celebrates the rhythm of life, Paxton’s BATERISTA!
Baterista, Spanish for drummer, is an Ode to rhythm in both music and In organic and biodynamic wine making. Rhythm is the back bone and heartbeat to both. When the rhythm is right, all else thrives.
Ronnie: “I do love wine, and especially great wines like the ones Paxton produces. They’re unique, and Paxton has an unusual passion for doing things with a real earth centric focus. In short, they care, and it shows. Meeting like-minded people with a passion for crafting something that takes time is attractive to me. It’s a treat to be involved because I know there are others out there, like me, who appreciate this kind of devotion and level of near-magic, and I want it to be available so they can enjoy it, too”
Baterista is a premium single vineyard Shiraz from our beloved 60 year old vines on our Jones Block vineyard, the best two barrels of vintage specially selected by winemaker Ashleigh Seymour for this limited offering.
The new 2019 Baterista is NOW! Click on the LinkTree link in our bio to get to our wine store and secure your bottles of this limited edition wine.
Ronnie Vannucci and Paxton Wines are very proud of the Baterista and feel that consumers will agree: it's an exceptional example of a premium single vineyard, hand crafted Shiraz from McLaren Vale, and shows great depth and complexity and the true purity of fruit and vitality in organic, biodynamic wine making.
Footage from Channel 9’s Today Show, Thursday 27th July, Ronnie and Brandon interviewed by Brooke Boney. Live footage from The Killers Live at Glastonbury.
#paxtonwines #mclarenvale #fleurieupeninsula #livemusicinadelaide #whatsonadelaide #thekillers #ronnievannucci #paxtonbaterista
Queens of The Hives... we salute you! This Sunday August 7, as part of the Fleurieu Food Festival, come help us launch our brand new Queen of the Hive Honey!
From 11am enjoy pancakes, scones, and mulled wine, all featuring our Honey, plus live music and great company, overlooking the rolling hills around Paxton Cellar Door.
Pancakes with honey only available from 11am-12pm, so get in early! Scones with honey and cream available until sold out, and mulled wine infused with Honey will be served all day.
About our Honey: It’s sourced from hives situated across Paxton’s McLaren Vale Vineyards, and from other locations on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula – a region internationally renowned for its sustainable farming practices. The flavour of this 100% pure Honey reflects the terrior and floral diversity of the Region. No sugar or other ingredients are added.
Bees only survive and thrive in chemical free environments, hence why our certified biodynamic, estate vineyards in McLaren Vale are home to so many bee hives and their tireless Queens.
#mclarenvalewine #paxtonwines #honey #honeybees #sconeswithhoney #pancakes #mclarenvale #gosouthgolocal #biodynamicwine #sundaysessionsatpaxton #queenofthehive #ichoosesa
Fire safety is of paramount importance in all workplaces and homes, and the winemaking and vineyard teams at Paxton Wines were spotted brushing up on fire suppression techniques, and having a go at operating the latest model fire extinguishers.
#FireSafetyTips #mclarenvalewine #paxtonwines #mclarenvale #fireextinguishertraining