Sustainable Farming Practice Connects Wine With Nature
BOULDER, Colo., Sept. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Wild Oats Markets,
Inc. (Nasdaq: OATS), a leading national natural and organic foods retailer,
today announced it will add Certified Biodynamic wines and wines made with
Biodynamic grapes to its current selection of high-quality domestic,
international and organic wines available at Wild Oats stores. Biodynamic
is characterized by a connection with the soil, sunlight and rhythms of
nature that are unique to each vineyard.
Biodynamic agriculture dates back to 1924, is considered the oldest
comprehensive method of farming and is practiced around the world. This
farming method goes beyond organic farming practices and follows a rigorous
process that sustains soil productivity and maintains biodiversity with the
use of organic pest controls, crop rotation and the cyclical rhythms of
nature. Biodynamic agriculture results in a greener planet, self-sustaining
farms, healthier soil, and great-tasting food and wines that are rich in
nutrients.
"Wild Oats is proud to be the first national retailer to offer a
comprehensive selection of Biodynamic wines to our customers," said Kevin
Weaver, category manager for beer and wine at Wild Oats Markets. "Not only
will these unique wines complement our current high quality selection,
Biodynamic agriculture is very consistent with the Wild Oats mission of
supporting a clean environment while maintaining sustainability."
In order for a wine to be labeled as Biodynamic, it must comply with
strict standards set by Demeter USA. Demeter certification is globally
recognized as a symbol for products grown using approved Biodynamic
methods. Certified Biodynamic wines are made without the addition of yeast,
enzymes, tannins, oak or chappalization, which manipulates the wine.
Certified Demeter wines made from Biodynamic grapes are made with approved
processing agents, such as yeast and are an intentional part of the wine
making process.
"At Demeter, we have extremely rigid guidelines that a winemaker must
follow in order for it to be considered Biodynamic," said Jim Fullmer,
director of Demeter USA. "By simply following the rhythms of nature, these
exceptional wines offer the truest expression of flavor and rely
exclusively on the quality of the grape."
Wild Oats' growing selection of Biodynamic wines and wine made with
Biodynamic grapes include: Frey, Patianna, Ceago and Cooper Mountain
vineyards. These wines are available now in all Wild Oats stores that have
liquor licenses.
To learn more about Biodynamic farming and Demeter's certification
processes log onto http://www.wildoats.com or visit http://www.demeter-usa.org for more
information.
About Wild Oats:
Wild Oats Markets, Inc. is a nationwide chain of natural and organic
foods markets in the U.S. and Canada with annual sales of more than $1.1
billion. The Company operates 113 natural foods stores in 24 states and
British Columbia, Canada. The Company's markets include: Wild Oats Natural
Marketplace, Henry's Farmers Market, Sun Harvest and Capers Community
Markets. For more information, please visit http://www.wildoats.com.
About Demeter USA:
Demeter is a leader of Biodynamic(R) certification and awareness,
investing in and activating self-sustaining resources that make an impact
on farm communities and the consumers they serve. Demeter USA provides
Biodynamic certification to and exceeding the minimum standards set by
Demeter International. These standards are offered to farms and handlers as
a certification mark of Biodynamic value and approval.
Biodynamic(R) is a registered trademark held by Demeter Association Inc.
SOURCE Wild Oats Markets, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.wildoats.com
http://www.demeter-usa.org
CONTACT:
Heather Musselman of Wild Oats Markets, Inc.,
+1-720-562-4996
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