Episode 022: Ted Lemon’s Biodynamic Revolution

Ted Lemon is a lifelong winemaker who began his career by receiving an Enology degree from the Université de Dijon in 1981. He is the co-founder (along with his wife Heidi) of Littorai Wines, a small, family owned and operated winery dedicated to producing wines of place.

He is the first American to ever be hired as winemaker and vineyard manager of an estate in Burgundy, Domaine Guy Roulot in Meursault, where he resided until 1984. He worked at many prestigious estates in Burgundy: Domaine Georges Roumier, Domaine Bruno Clair, Domaine Parent, Domaine De Villaine, Domaine Delorme and Domaine Dujac. 

Upon returning to the United States, Ted worked as a winemaker in Napa Valley and became consultant to a number of prominent wineries in California, Oregon and New Zealand.

In 2010, Ted was selected as Winemaker of the Year by the San Francisco Chronicle. He has been nominated multiple times for a James Beard award as Wine and Spirits Professional of the Year. Ted’s philosophy of terroir winegrowing is cited in Burgundy’s application to the United Nations as a World Heritage Site.

In today's conversation we discuss:

• Biodynamic farming

• Zero commercial advertising

• Why you can't find Littorai in retail stores

• Expression of the terroir

• Being responsible with our ecosystem footprint

• Remaining small to maintain control over your process

• Determining the best vineyard sites to truly express Pinot Noir and Chardonnay