His ambition? Simple. “I want to make world class wine and change farming,” he says. “I want people to come up here and say this is the greenest spot in the midwest.” Bos is an advocate of biodynamic agriculture, a holistic and ecological approach to farming and food inspired by the work of early 20th-century Austrian philosopher and scientist Rudolf Steiner. Biodynamic vineyards have been increasing in popularity worldwide, particularly in France, where some well-known estates employ its methods. In Napa, Bos helped convert Grgich Hills Estate to biodynamic, which led to consulting gigs at other California wineries interested in doing the same. In Michigan, he’s bringing biodynamic methods to Mari Vineyards on Old Mission Peninsula, where he serves as vineyard manager. Bos says he’s seeing increased interest in organic and biodynamic methods of farming, with many vineyards starting small, usually with composting. “Everyone is transitioning in that direction,” he says. “Farmers need to be innovating at all times, even more so now because of climate change.” Like organic agriculture, biodynamic farming eschews chemicals, but it includes esoteric practices related to astrological and lunar cycles. While it certainly has its detractors, those who favor the methods point to the results. “It brings health, quality, and vitality to the farm system,” says Bos. “I’ve seen sick vineyards Rudolf Steiner
become healthier, going from sickly vines to making world class wines.”
9 | MICHIGAN UNCORKED
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