For Rex and Connie Farr, farming has never been just about growing grapes and produce — it’s about restoring and taking care of the land itself. Last Thursday, that decades-long commitment attained a major milestone when they received Demeter Biodynamic Certification at a presentation at their 60-acre farm in Calverton (Farrm Wines, 156 Youngs Ave., Calverton, 631-369-8237).
Widely regarded as one of the highest standards in regenerative organic agriculture, the certification recognizes farms that operate in harmony with nature while prioritizing soil health, biodiversity, and sustainable growing practices.
The Farrs’ journey began long before wine entered the picture. Their land, once a potato farm, has been free of chemicals since 1985. Over the years, they cultivated herbs, fruits, and vegetables using biodynamic methods before planting grapes in 2005.
Today, Farrm Wines stands out as one of only three East Coast vineyards with Demeter Biodynamic Certification — and the only 100% certified organic vineyard on Long Island.
Biodynamic farming takes organic agriculture a step further by treating the farm as a self-sustaining ecosystem. The approach emphasizes healthy soil, composting, crop diversity, and natural rhythms, including planting and harvesting schedules guided by lunar cycles. Farmers also use specialized herbal and mineral compost preparations designed to strengthen the vitality of the land.
Demeter USA executive director Evrett Lunquist traveled from Nebraska to personally present the certification to the Farrs. A biodynamic farmer and inspector with more than 20 years of experience, Lunquist praised the environmental impact of regenerative farming practices.
“Farming is a significant part of the impact on the environment,” Lunquist said. “Biodynamics has some tools that can bring back the vitality of the soil.”
Reflecting on the deeper history of agriculture and winemaking, Lunquist added that every bottle tells a much larger story. “The impact of thousands of years is in those bottles,” he said. “The soil these grapes come from carries lots of history.”
Earning Demeter certification requires farms to meet strict standards, including eliminating synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and dedicating at least 10 percent of farmland to permanent biodiversity preservation. Certified farms also undergo regular inspections and annual soil testing.
Farrm Wine in Calverton. (Photo Credit: Stephanie Villani)
Demeter USA, the American branch of the international nonprofit Demeter International, was established to support biodynamic agriculture and promote environmentally restorative farming worldwide; Demeter’s vision is to heal the planet through agriculture.
The recognition adds to a growing list of honors for the Farrs. Last year, they received the Sierra Club Long Island Group’s Environmentalist of the Year Award for their dedication to organic and biodynamic farming practices and land preservation.
Working alongside winemaker Greg Gove, the Farrs now produce five estate-grown wines from 8.5 acres of Bordeaux grape varieties, including merlot, cabernet franc, malbec, and petit verdot. The wines are available exclusively through Farrm Wines.
The vineyard’s intimate tasting room operates from April through December, Thursday through Monday from noon to 5 p.m., offering relaxed, European-style tastings on the estate by reservation.
To reserve, call 631-369-8237 or email [email protected]; for more information, visit Farrm Wine’s website here.
