After representing the family brand in the USA for many years, she boldly set out to establish her own winery in California, planting the first vines in 1986. Marimar Estate now includes two exceptional single vineyard sites named after Marimar's parents, located in the Russian River Valley, Sonoma County and Freestone Valley, Sonoma Coast. Benefiting from cooler locations tempered by the breezes off the Pacific, both vineyards are planted with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

What sets Marimar Estate apart from the majority of their counterparts is their use of organic and biodynamic practices. The principles of biodynamic agriculture were established by Rudolf Steiner* in the 1920s in response to concerns over the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Going a step further than organics, biodynamics treats the farm as a holistic unit. With a focus on the interrelationship of crops, livestock and the earth, the products of each are utilized in the maintenance of the others. Without any use of synthetic or chemical substances, preparations are made from manures, composts, fermented herbs/plants and minerals. The result is improved soil structure and fertility and an increase in biodiversity.

With the widespread movement towards sustainable and eco-friendly products, it's highly likely that we will soon see an increased awareness of organic and biodynamic wines in India.

With a capacity of 15,000 cases, Marimar Estate produces a number of prized single-vineyard Chardonnays and Pinots. The 2006 Don Miguel Vineyard Chardonnay and the 2005 Don Miguel Vineyard Pinot Noir are currently available in India and registered in NCR (Delhi), Maharashtra (Mumbai) and Karnataka (Bangalore). For enquiries, please contact Prestige Wines & Spirits www.prestigewinesandspirits.com and info@prestigewinesandspirits.com

*See David Cobbold's article in Sommelier India, May/June 2010, page 46.