An unconventional Austrian philosopher’s influence has stretched across a century to specialty vineyards and inventive classrooms in Sonoma County that share his vision for bringing a “life force” to the tilling of soil and cultivating of young minds.

With its trademark affection for liberal politics and alternative practices, this suburban-to-rural county has become fertile ground for the ideas hatched in the early 20th century by quirky, controversial Rudolf Steiner.

Waldorf critics abound…

It's a well-worn phrase used by countless parents and relatives over the years as junior gets home: "So, what did you do at school today?"

The controversial Steiner teaching method is to be offered at a South Australian government school for the first time.