Organic Wine – What It Is, and Why It Matters

In recent years, demand for products that are better for us and better for the environment has grown rapidly — and wine is no exception. Organic food is now firmly mainstream, and organic wine has followed the same path, with sales continuing to rise year on year.

Given our own focus on organic wines atHouse of Wine, we’re often asked what organic wine actually is, whether it costs more, and whether it really makes a difference. So here’s a clear, no-nonsense guide.

What is organic wine?

Organic wine is made from certified organic grapes, grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fungicides or chemical fertilisers.

Since 2012, regulations have allowed the entire process — from vineyard to bottle — to be certified, meaning producer scan now legally label their wines as organic wine, not just “made from organicgrapes”.

To achieve certification, growers must workin a very different way to conventional viticulture. Rather than relying onchemical intervention, organic producers focus on prevention, soil health andbiodiversity. It’s a more hands-on, more demanding approach — and one that requires real skill.

You’ll often see organic vineyards using cover crops to encourage beneficial insects, improving soil structurenaturally, or even grazing animals between vine rows to control weeds. The aim is to work with nature rather than against it.

Why don’t all producers do this?

It’s worth saying that no winemaker enjoys spraying their vines — it’s costly, time-consuming and far from ideal. However, conventional methods offer a safety net in difficult vintages. Organic producers choose to forgo that safety net, accepting greater risk in exchange for healthier vineyards and better long-termsustainability.

That decision takes confidence, experienceand commitment — which is why organic wines tend to come from producers who care deeply about their land and their wines.

Does organic wine cost more?

Sometimes — but not always.

There are additional costs involved incertification, which can be significant, particularly for smaller producers. Organic farming is also more labour-intensive and carries greater risk in challenging growing seasons.

That said, organic does not automatically mean expensive. While you’re unlikely to find mass-produced, bland supermarket wine made organically, there is excellent value to be found. We regularly work with organic producers offering wines well below the £10 mark that deliver outstanding quality for the price.

As with most things in wine, value is about what’s in the bottle — not just the label.

Does organic wine mean fewer hangovers?

There’s no guarantee that organic wine will prevent a hangover — alcohol is still alcohol. However, some people find they feel better drinking organic wines, often due to lower levels of additives or sulphites.

Everyone reacts differently, but if you suspect preservatives don’t agree with you, organic wines can be worth exploring.

Where to start

If you’re curious about organic wine, the best place to start is simply with well-made examples that don’t cost the earth.

We work with a growing number of organic producers who offer fantastic value and flavour, clearly showing how working responsibly with the land can result in vibrant, expressive wines — without the premium price tag.

If you’re interested in introducing organic wines to your list, or would like help choosing the right styles for your customers, we’re always happy to help.