Visit to Georgas family farm of organic and biodynamic viticulture and organic wine
making
The visit started at the organic vineyard of the Georgas family, near Spata, of Attica.
There, 25 students from the Ellinogermaniki agogi 3rd of high-school had the chance
to see and compare organic and convetntional vines. Spata, an area of Mesogaia,
where the farm is located had always been a very fertile place with vineyards that
provided with wine the whole Attica. It is surrounded by mountains and has a good
climate, appropriate for viticulture.
The farm owner, Dimitris Georgas, at the beginning of his introduction at the
vineyard he attracted the students attention by comparing the vine plant to an alive
organism that has its head, the route system, in the soil and its body and sensors above
the soil, the leaves and branches. The more organisms, and creatures exist near the
routes, the happier the plants are. Vines are presented as very sensitive plants to the
human presence and cultivation. It is indicative that vine plants that are not cared after
would grow but would not produce grapes. Vines sense the environment and climate
conditions through their leaves. Students were gradually introduced to the nature of
vines and the physiology of the plant.
In organic farming grapes are clear from synthetic chemical additives (pesticides,
fungicides, insecticides, fertilizers) during the whole grape growth cycle, as well as
the wine making. The technique is based on a healthy vine ecosystem and particular
the soil, which is adequate for a healthy plant growth. Apart from organic agriculture
the students were introduced to biodynamic agriculture which emphasizes on the
integration of crops, recycling of nutrients, maintenance of soil, and the health and
well being of crops. Cover crops, green manures and crop rotations are used
extensively. The approach also attempts to consider celestial influences on soil and
plant development and to revitalize the farm, its products, and its inhabitants.
To understand organic viticulture students were exposed to a direct comparison of the
conventional and organic vineyards
Conventional vineyard
Organic vineyard
Through dialogue and questions the students draw conclusions regarding the presence
and usefulness of flowers, and others small plants, which in a conventional vineyards
would be considered pests and harmful weeds. It became evident to them that in the
organic vineyards the weeds, the flowers, and other little plants, protect the vine plant
by creating a complete ecosystem, keeping the life of the plant balanced, and nurture
its soil with rich ingredients. The presence of certain insects that are attracted by
specific weeds and flowers repel other insects and organism that would otherwise
harm the vine.
Mr Georgras drew his students attention to a very illustrative comparison of
conventional (to the left) and organic (to the right) soil, as he took and compare a
handful of soil from the two vineyards. He asked the students what soil would they
use for the pots at home. Most of the students pointed to the conventional soil. The
difference (or even misconception) was clarified by reference to the richness of the
soil, the presence of live organism, and recycled matter.
Next to the organic vineyard lied a
huge pile of organic compost made
from the remains of grapes after the
winemaking. This is for the wine
plants the best foods they could
ever get.
Then the students had the chance to observe an organic vine tree from a very close
distance, touch it and observe the surrounding plants.
The visit ended at the winery, where the students were shown how wine is produced,
bottled and packaged.