Summerhill Pyramid Winery has become B.C.'s first biodynamic-certified vineyard, and is using some unique methods to create its award-winning organic wines.

Gabe Cipes, who has lead the winery's biodynamic program, says one technique involves using rainwater mixed with the manure from a lactating cow that was stuffed inside a cow horn and buried under the ground for a year.

That produces a calcium-enriched biologically-active fertilizer which is then sprayed on the vines, he says.

"It's supposed to suppress and resist mildew and fungal diseases, as well as enhance nutrients flowing to the roots," said Cipes.

Biodynamic agriculture

Biodynamic agriculture uses traditional organic farming practices meant to improve soil quality.

Summerhill Pyramid Winery was certified by Demeter International, an international certification organization for biodynamic agriculture, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.

The certification requires biodiversity and ecosystem preservation, soil husbandry, livestock integration (except in vineyards) prohibition of genetically engineered organisms and viewing the farm as a living 'holisitic organism.'

— Source: Summerhill Pyramid Winery and Demeter International

Winemaker Eric von Krosigk admits parts of the practice sounds strange.

"Somebody yesterday said 'Well isn't it just witchcraft, right?' And I always laugh," said von Krosigk.

"Yeah, maybe in a way it is, because yesterday's witchcraft is today's science," said von Krosigk."

He explains wine takes much of its flavour from the soil, and hopes the biodynamic practices create healthier plants and better tasting wine.

Von Krosigk admits that's ultimately up to the customers to decide.

If construction and certification of Summerhill Pyramid Winery's biodynamic cellar stays on schedule, the first bottles of biodynamic-certified wine should be available in 2015.

With files from the CBC's Brady Strachan and Leia Hutchings