Organic wine: what it is and how it differs
Organic wine is made from grapes grown without synthetic fertilisers, herbicides or pesticides, and it is certified (EU Organic, USDA Organic and others). It describes the farming, not the taste: sulphites are usually allowed, though in smaller amounts.
What it is
Organic wine is wine from grapes grown under organic farming rules: no synthetic chemistry in the vineyard, with certification required. Rules for the winemaking itself vary between standards — the EU, for example, caps the level of added sulphites.
How it is made
In the vineyard: natural fertilisers and biological pest control only, with no synthetic pesticides or herbicides. In the cellar: a restricted list of permitted additions and a lower sulphite ceiling. Certification is issued by accredited bodies and the mark goes on the label.
What to pair with
- light vegetable dishes
- seasonal cooking
- cheeses
- fish
Rather not guess?
We’ll pick a wine for your taste and occasion — or walk you through a tasting step by step.
FAQ
How is organic wine different from natural wine?
Organic is about certified farming — no synthetic chemistry in the vineyard. Natural is about minimal intervention in the cellar (wild yeast, almost no additions) and usually carries no strict certification.
Does organic wine contain sulphites?
As a rule yes, but in smaller amounts than the conventional standard allows. Wine with no added sulphites at all is a separate category.
Is organic wine healthier?
There is no direct evidence that it is. The difference lies in how the grapes are grown and in fewer additions, not in any medicinal properties.