Organic Wine

Organic wine is produced from grapes grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, following certified organic farming practices that prioritize soil health and environmental sustainability. Our collection features organic wines from producers across Europe and California who have committed to chemical-free viticulture, resulting in wines that offer pure expressions of grape and terroir.

Organic wine production begins in the vineyard, where growers rely on composting, cover cropping, and natural pest management rather than synthetic chemical interventions. Organic viticulture promotes biodiversity, builds healthy soil ecosystems, and eliminates synthetic residues from the finished wine. In the cellar, organic winemakers minimize additives and processing aids, allowing the character of organically grown grapes to remain unobscured.

The regulations governing organic wine differ between the United States and European Union. USDA organic certification prohibits added sulfites in wines labeled "organic," while wines labeled "made with organic grapes" may contain up to 100 parts per million. EU organic wine standards permit sulfites at lower levels than conventional wine, typically 100 mg/L for reds and 150 mg/L for whites. Many organic wine producers work well below these limits, and some produce wines with no added sulfites at all.

Organic wine shares common ground with biodynamic wine and natural wine, though each category has distinct characteristics. Biodynamic wines meet organic standards while incorporating additional practices based on Rudolf Steiner's agricultural philosophy, often certified by Demeter. Natural wines typically follow organic or biodynamic farming but emphasize minimal intervention throughout production, though no legal certification exists. Many wines in our organic collection also qualify as natural wines, made by producers who view organic certification as a baseline rather than an endpoint.

Choosing organic wine supports farming practices that protect vineyard workers, surrounding communities, and local ecosystems from chemical exposure. Organic vineyards build soil fertility over time rather than depleting it, creating conditions for vines to thrive for generations. Whether you prefer organic red wine, organic white wine, or organic orange wine, the producers in this collection have made meaningful commitments to sustainable agriculture—commitments you can taste in every glass.

Why Buy Organic Wine?

Organic wine appeals to consumers seeking wines made with minimal chemical intervention and transparent production methods. Certified organic vineyards undergo annual inspections to verify compliance with organic farming standards, providing assurance that the wines you drink come from responsibly managed land. Organic certification also guarantees that winemakers have avoided synthetic additives throughout the production process.

Many wine drinkers report that organic wines cause fewer headaches and sensitivities than conventional wines, though individual responses vary. The absence of synthetic pesticide residues and lower sulfite levels may contribute to this experience. For drinkers exploring low sulfite wines or seeking alternatives to mass-produced bottles, organic wine offers a compelling entry point.

Organic Wine Regions

Organic viticulture thrives in regions with climates that naturally limit disease pressure, though committed producers have achieved organic certification in challenging conditions worldwide. France leads organic wine production in Europe, with significant organic vineyard acreage in the Loire Valley, Languedoc, and Rhône Valley. Italy has seen dramatic growth in organic certification, particularly in Sicily and central regions. Spain benefits from dry conditions that reduce fungal pressure, making organic farming more accessible across many appellations.

In the United States, California dominates organic wine production, with clusters of certified producers in Mendocino County, Sonoma, and the Central Coast. Oregon's Willamette Valley has emerged as another hub for organic and biodynamic viticulture, with producers drawn to the region's progressive farming culture.