Wine 101: Wine, Explained Well

Clear, jargon-free guides to natural wine, winemaking techniques, organic and biodynamic farming, and the science behind every bottle.

Illustration of a glass of amber wine with a vine leaf, grapes and a lemon
Explainer 9 min read
What Is Vegan Wine?
Vegan wine is wine made without animal products. In practice that means no animal-derived fining agents, such as gelatin, isinglass, casein or egg white. A vegan wine is fined with plant or mineral products, or not fined at all. Neither the US nor the EU has a legal definition of vegan wine.
A biodynamic vineyard with animals - primalwine.com
Biodynamic wine 10 min read
What Is Biodynamic Wine?
Biodynamic wine is wine made from grapes farmed biodynamically, a farming method based on lectures Rudolf Steiner gave in 1924. Growers treat the farm as one living organism and use nine preparations made from cow manure, quartz and plants. Private certifiers, mainly Demeter and Biodyvin, set the rules for the vineyard and the cellar.
Paper-cutout illustration of a bottle of rosé wine, a glass of rosé and a bunch of red grapes
Explainer 8 min read
What Is Rosé Wine?
Rosé is wine made from red grapes whose skins stay in the juice for a short time, often a few hours. How it is made, what EU law says and how to serve it.
Illustration of grapes, cherry, orange slice, vanilla pods and dried leaves, the aromas found in wine
Natural wine 8 min read
Wine Aromas: A Useful Primer
Wine aromas offer insights into the wine’s varietal character, production methods, and maturation process. These aromas are classified into three categories: primary, secondary, and tertiary, each…
Illustration of a French hillside vineyard with a wine bottle, a glass, grapes, secateurs and a harvest basket
Natural wine 3 min read
French Wine Classifications: A Primer
French Wine Classifications: A Primer France employs a complex system of classifications to describe the roles and processes within its wine industry. These terms can define…
Illustration of a red tractor working between rows of vines, the fruit a negociant buys in
Natural wine 3 min read
What is Négociant Wine? What is its Role in Natural Wine?
Négociant wines make great wine more accessible—uniting skilled sourcing, transparent labeling, and low-intervention cellar work. This guide explains how négociants operate, where they excel, and how…
Illustration of a cow, a fish, an egg and a bottle of milk, the animal products used to fine wine
Natural wine 4 min read
What's the Deal with Vegan Wine?
Hey there, wine lover! Ever wondered what's really in that glass of wine you're swirling? Whether you're a vegan enthusiast, a curious drinker, or just here…
Illustration of a stack of books with a bunch of grapes and vine leaves resting on top
Natural wine 1 min read
Wine Glossary
Wine is so complicated! Or is it? Like any other human activity that has been going on for thousands of years, vine tending and winemaking definitely…
Illustration of a basket of fruit and vegetables on a wooden table, harvested from organic farmland
Farming 40 min read
Organic Farming: The Complete Guide to Sustainable Agriculture and Viticulture
Organic farming represents one of the most significant shifts in modern agriculture, moving away from dependence on synthetic chemicals toward practices that work in harmony with…
What is the Saignée Method? Natural Wine and Natural Winemaking
Natural wine 25 min read
What is the Saignée Method?
The saignée method ‘bleeds’ off some juice from crushed red grapes early in fermentation. It concentrates the remaining red wine and turns the drawn-off juice into rosé.
Some decanters with red wine in it, unfiltered wine natural wine blog.
Natural wine 27 min read
Is Unfiltered Natural Wine Better for You?
Examining the health claims surrounding unfiltered natural wine, from antioxidants and gut health to sulfites and hangovers. Introduction Natural wine has moved from niche curiosity to…
Natural wine bottles against a white backdrop
Natural wine 3 min read
Towards a Natural Wine Certification?
One of the most debated topics in recent years is the concept of natural wine. As consumers become more conscious about the processes behind their food…