Compost Day in Bendigo — A Biodynamic Gathering at Quartz Reef

Compost Day in Bendigo — A Biodynamic Gathering at Quartz Reef

There’s something deeply grounding about getting your hands in the soil — especially when it’s soil you’ve cared for season after season. Last week, the Quartz Reef team spent a spectacular autumn day in our Bendigo vineyard, working in our biodynamic shed preparing compost as part of our ongoing commitment to sustainable and regenerative viticulture.

But this wasn’t just any compost day — we were joined by our friends from Felton Road, another pioneering Central Otago winery with a shared passion for biodynamics. Together, we dug in (literally and figuratively) to create the vital material that feeds and supports the very foundation of our vineyards: the soil.

Why Compost Matters

Compost is one of the cornerstones of biodynamic farming. It’s not just a soil conditioner — it’s a living material, teeming with microbial life and nutrients. At Quartz Reef, we prepare our compost using a careful balance of organic matter, cow manure, vine prunings, and biodynamic preparations. These preparations — made from herbs such as yarrow, chamomile, and nettle — are aged and added in precise quantities to activate microbial activity and enliven the compost.

Once applied to the vineyard, this compost works in harmony with the land, enriching the soil structure, improving water retention, and promoting healthy vine growth. It’s slow, intentional work — but the results are unmistakable in the glass.

A Shared Biodynamic Vision

The day was as much about connection as it was about compost. Having the Felton Road team with us was a true highlight. These collaborations and shared efforts reinforce a sense of community among those dedicated to biodynamics here in Central Otago. We swapped techniques, shared stories, and enjoyed the kind of camaraderie that only comes from a full day of hard, earthy work under the sun.

From Soil to Glass

At Quartz Reef, we believe great wine begins in the vineyard — and that healthy soils produce wines of real energy, expression, and sense of place. Compost day may not be glamorous, but it’s one of the most important days in our calendar. It’s where our wines truly begin.

As we go through winter, the compost we built will begin its quiet transformation — a slow alchemy that will enrich our vineyard soils for the next growing season and beyond.

– The Quartz Reef Team