The Organic Wine Revolution

As with other food and drink products, the world of wine, has recently been going organic.

Arguably, the major wine producers around the world are taking the lead with the approach, starting with select small volumes produced in well known, as well as less famous vineyards, the organic movement is certainly gaining momentum. Every season brings some extraordinary results.

According to some wine gurus, the growth in organic wine production is supported not only by the traditional altruistic environmentalists whose main concern is the future of the planet, but also by growers who are seeing a deterioration in their soil quality and consumers who are fuelling demand after making the connection between what they eat and drink and their health.

Organic Wine Production

Organic wine is produced in a similar way to other organic products, which means that the process adheres to a strict rule of no synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, fungicides or indeed chemical preservatives. Research has shown that even the tiniest traces of synthetic chemicals can cause a surprising range of illnesses, and the problems associated with toxic build-up are clearly documented. The recent increase in allergies and food and drink product intolerances, for example, is linked to such toxins.

Unfortunately, over the past four or five decades, the wine industry has relied heavily on chemical fertilizers and sprays to safeguard their crops and ensure a bumper harvest. Consequently, the soil for growing vines has suffered, over the years. And equally worrying, certain common vineyard pests have built up a tolerance to insecticide sprays. So, things had to change and it was indeed time for a rethink on flagging terroir, in the major wine growing regions of the world that could afford to invest in "going organic".

It's a bit like back to basics, with organic vineyards starting with chemical-free soil and using natural compost and animal manure. Instead of crop rotation, companion plants, vegetables and fruits are planted to create biological diversity, thus encouraging insects, birds and animals to ward off popular vineyard pests.

In some wine growing regions where mildew and black rot may be a problem, such as Bordeaux, in France, organic regulations allow the use of a naturally occurring chemical, copper sulphate.

Look at the Label for Organic Certification

So how do you know that you're not being conned when you see the word "Organic" on the wine label? Rest assured; producers can only use the term organic on wines approved by a recognized certification authority. Look out for

  • The Soil Association (UK),


  • Terre et Vin (France)


  • Ecovin (Germany)


All of which have to comply with International Federation of Organic Movements' regulations.

In the US, the USDA National Organic Program controls over 90 domestic and foreign NOP-certified bodies.

Look for "Organic Wine" or "Wine Made from Organic Grapes" on the label.