Riku Väänänen: “It’s About Creating a System Where Every Stage of Production Respects Both Nature and Animal Welfare”

Riku and Anna Väänänen, a Finnish couple, left their corporate careers to pursue their passion for winemaking in Bordeaux. At Château Puybarbe, they produce high-quality vegan and organic wines that have earned praise from top critics. Riku discusses their dedication to sustainable viticulture, transitioning to organic farming, and embracing biocyclic vegan agriculture to create a system that respects both nature and animal welfare. Their wines will soon carry the full Biocyclic Vegan Quality Seal after a transition period required by EU regulations.

Their commitment to biocyclic vegan agriculture is reflected in practices such as enriching soil with natural amendments, maintaining diverse habitats to support wildlife, and making decisions to enhance the natural balance of the environment. Despite challenges, they believe in the long-term benefits of sustainable and ethical winemaking, aiming to inspire the industry to adopt practices that ensure a better future for the planet and future generations of winemakers. Riku advises emerging producers to start with the foundation of the land, invest in learning about organic practices, and embrace a mindset of continuous improvement towards ethical and sustainable production.