The world of biodynamic farming has taken another step in Napa Valley, CA with the application of an all natural sunscreen to wine grapes to help shield them from the intense summer sun.

Aaron Pott of Quintessa is hoping that a “compost tea” made up of a little aloe vera, yucca, and marine algae will provide the same benefits to his grapes that we have been realizing on our own skin for years.

The grapes face the same summer sun exposure dangers that concern bikini-clad sun bathers. We’re all aware of the benefits of algae and aloe vera in protecting ourselves from sun damage. We simply took that evidence into the vineyard.

Is this just another tool for grape growers to put in their grape growing toolbox along with proven techniques such as canopy management and irrigation or is this taking the biodynamic trend too far? Only time will tell. However, there’s no disputing the challenges faced by farmers every year as they spar with Mother Nature to bring their fruit to optimal maturation. In my case, Mother Nature worked over my vineyard during the intense July heat wave that blanketed most of California. My vines have not been the same since. Maybe next year I’ll treat them to an organic Coppertone solution when the mercury rises.

Read the full story on decanter.com.