Stéphane Derenoncourt is a French-born (Dunkirk) largely self-taught consultant, with a global portfolio of clients, some of whom practice Biodynamics. He is also an independent winegrower and is often described as ‘biodynamic’ despite being open about using non-organic/biodynamic treatments if necessary on both his own Domaine de l’A estate in Bordeaux’s Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux AOC, and on his clients’ estates worldwide. “I don’t believe in certification,” he told me. Derenoncourt’s first job in Bordeaux was in the mid-1980s at Paul Barre’s now biodynamic vineyards. He then worked with and ultimately took over from Barre’s mother Maryse who had tried (unsuccessfully) to convert Chateau Pavie-Macquin in St-Émilion to biodynamics from 1986-1993, a move which ultimately launched his consulting career. Paul Barre’s was the first Biodynamic winery I ever Visited via a tip from Marc Quertinier.

Clients outside France

Austria: Esterhazy, Austria, from 2009.

Hungary: Esterhazy, from 2009.

Italy, Tuscany: Argentiera, Bolgheri, Italy from 2003. | Fattoria la Massa, Tuscany, Italy from 2009. | Tenuta La Novella, Chianti, Italy from 2004 (no longer in 2016).

India: Alpine Winery, from 2010.

Lebanon: Marsyas, Bekaa Valley, from 2007.

Spain: Alonso Del Yerro, Ribera del Duero, from 2003.

Syria: Bargylus, from 2006.

Turkey: Kavaklidere, from 2008.

USA, Virginia: Boxwood winery, Virginia, USA, from 2006.

USA, California: Inglenook, Napa Valley, from  2008.