An overview of the biodynamic wine sector

The wine industry is currently shifting to more sustainable production practices. Within a growing globalized wine market and increasing environmental impacts, producers have begun to pay more attention to organic and biodynamic products. Using a systematic literature review, this paper aims to investigate the biodynamic production system in viticulture and winemaking process. In particular the paper examines 1) the biodynamic practice in its main characteristics including the certification system 2) the biodynamic market characteristics and the recent trends, the production costs and the marketing strategies adopted by wineries 3) the demand attributes and wine consumers perception on sustainable practices and ‘green products’ such as biodynamic 4) the linkage between biodynamic wine chain and the environment. The paper highlight where research is going and authors would like to reflect on the potentiality and the needs of biodynamic viticulture and wine sector. The literature clearly indicates lack of knowledge regarding mainly biodynamic farming concept, and the label. Moreover, while it is clear that consumers are willing to spend more for an organic wine than a conventional one, there is no data about willingness to pay for biodynamic wines. Finally, authors conclude with implications and suggestions for further research.