If you’re a wine lover, you may have heard about organic wine and the benefits it offers. But what exactly is an organic wine, and why is it considered better than conventional wine?

Organic wine is made from grapes that are grown using organic farming methods. This means that the grapes are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, and are instead nourished by natural elements like compost and animal manure.

In this article, we’ll explore the various benefits of organic wine and how it compares to conventional wine. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking to make healthier choices, read on to learn more about the benefits of organic wine.

Environmental Benefits of Organic Wine

One of the key benefits of organic wine is its positive impact on the environment. Conventional wine production often relies on the use of chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers to protect the grapes and promote growth. However, these chemicals can have negative effects on the environment, including soil and water contamination, harm to wildlife, and air pollution. Organic farming greatly reduces these effects on the environment. In addition, the use of cover crops and other natural techniques to improve soil health help to reduce erosion, restore wildlife habitat and improve the overall sustainability of the vineyard.

Health Benefits of Organic Wine

Before we talk about this, please remember that wine is still an alcoholic product and you should enjoy it responsibly. The health benefits we talk about here are with respect to conventional wines, not the benefits of drinking wine per se.

Wine is made from pressing bunches of grapes along with their skin, stem and pulp (and everything else that is sticking to them). Did you know that conventional wine could have up to 70 different micro-ingredients, including sulphur, added sugar, other chemicals and preservatives. Organic grapes are not only cultivated without spraying chemicals and pesticides, they are also produced under strict regulations that disallow any added chemicals and therefore the wine in your glass does not contain any nasties.

In addition to this, the level of sulfites added to preserve the wine is also strictly regulated – as per EU laws, organic wine is supposed to have less sulfites ppm (part per million) compared to conventional wine and these levels have to be adhered to in order to retain the organic certification. Sulfites can cause intolerance to some people and many people report that they suffer from less hangovers with organic wine compared to conventional wines with higher sulfite levels.

Taste and Quality of Organic Wine

But what about the taste and quality of organic wine? Many wine enthusiasts argue that organic wine has a more complex and nuanced flavour profile, thanks to its true expression of the terroir (the natural environment in which the grapes are grown, including factors like soil, climate, and topography).

In fact, organic wine has gained increasing popularity among wine critics and connoisseurs in recent years. Many experts argue that the absence of chemical intervention allows the authentic character of the grapes and terroir to shine through in the final product.

How to Choose and Enjoy Organic Wine

If you’re interested in trying organic wine, there are a few things to keep in mind when selecting and enjoying it.

First, look for wines that have been certified as organic by reputable organizations like the EU or USDA. This will ensure that the wine meets strict standards for organic production. Next, don’t be afraid to experiment and try different grape varieties and styles to find what you like best. You might be surprised by the range and quality of organic wines available.

As you explore different organic wines, keep in mind that supporting organic wine producers is an important part of the equation. By choosing organic wine, you can help to promote sustainable agriculture practices and support healthier and more environmentally-friendly wine production.

So next time you’re at the wine store or restaurant, consider giving organic wine a try. You may be surprised by the quality and flavour of these sustainably-produced wines.