The careful consumer is able to find both organic wine and wine made from organic grapes. In the purist point of view, organic wines are made from organically grown grapes and do not contain any additives (sulfites, yeasts, bentonite, egg whites, gasses). However, because of lobbying by some organic vineyards, the USDA has defined organic wine as containing up to 100 ppm sulphur dioxide, a preservative. This allows for a greater diversity in availability of this type of wine, which is still 99.99% organic.

Wine produced by organic standards is unquestionably the better choice for our planet and for people, rather than conventional wine which routinely uses chemical pesticides, fertilizers and additives in its making. In fact, commercially grown grapes are one of the most heavily sprayed crops. These chemicals deplete the soil of nutrients, contaminate water supplies and create a resistance in the very pests they are supposed to destroy. In short, the environment is debilitated by a cyclical dependence on chemicals. In addition, the application of these chemicals exposes the farmers and their families to their harmful effects, and the grapes themselves are left with a chemical residue that ends up in the wine, thus posing a potential health hazard to wine consumers.

Organic vineyards rely instead on sustainable practices for fertilization and pesticide control. For example, to fertilize crops, manure or algae is spread in the vineyards. Biodiversity is also utilized by growing other plants in and around the vineyard to attract beneficial insects such as spiders and predatory mites to control the pest population. While greatly beneficial, the practices that avoid the use of chemicals are not cheap. They are both more labor-intensive and approximately 20% more costly than conventional methods.

As is the case with organic foods, many consumers prefer the taste of organic wines reporting more flavor and even a “cleaner” quality. In addition, many organic vineyards harvest by hand. This allows for the selection of only the ripest and healthiest grapes which also contributes to superior flavor.

Consumers amplify the many benefits offered to us by organic vineyards when they patronize a network of businesses that support organic practices. By “buying organic,” the wine drinker supports farmers, brokers, processors, distributors, retailers and restaurateurs committed to conducting business in a globally responsible manner.

Photos by Bob Perkoski, www.Perkoski.com.