In recent years, genetically engineered wine yeasts have become commercially available.  These yeasts are risky for the industry, because they can move from one winery to another and contaminate fermentations.  The Wine Institute has made a public statement against the sale and use of genetically modified yeast.  We purchase only guaranteed GMO free yeast, and support a ban on the sale and use of GMO yeast. 

 

Certified organic yeast is now available in limited quantities in Europe.  Our own yeast provider, Llalemand, is now providing us certified organic yeast which we use on all of our organic wines starting with the 2010 vintage. (Frey Biodynamic wines are still made with no added yeast, fermented with their own natural yeasts in accordance with Biodynamic winemaking standards.)