About Organic Wines and Wineries

Almost every grocery store offers organic foods and the number of options are growing strong (Total U.S. organic sales, including food and non-food products, were $17.7 billion in 2006, up 21 percent from 2005. They are estimated to have reached $21.2 billion in 2007, and are projected to surpass $25 billion in 2008. Source: 2007 OTA Manufacturer Survey), but what about wines? Ever wonder why we don't see more organic wines?

More organic food statistics

Turns out we don't see more organic wines, because the requirements for certification and labeling are more rigid then other organic foods.

"Organic wine is unlike any other food and beverage category covered in the USDA’s National Organic Program." -Paolo Bonetti,President of Organic Vinters



Other foods require a 70% organic minimum to be certified organic. Wine however requires a 100% organic product compstition (Bonetti 2008). If the label says "organic," it means it has the 100% requirement and no sulfites, nitrates, or nitrites were added. Oh ya, and that green USDA logo is not allowed on the label.

Resources:
Organic Vintners
The Organic Wine Company

So if you are looking to "Green" your drinking habits, consider wineries that are working towards issues like soil depletion and erosion, water pollution, loss of biodiversity, energy consumption, ecological impact, packaging, and sourcing as well as organic farming.

A Few Good Green Choices

Parducci Ukiah, Ca- "Even soy based inks!"
Kunde Estate Kenwood, Ca - "Yes, Eco-Hiking Tours!"
Bonterra Ukiah, Ca- "Certified Organic"
Merryvale Starmont - Napa - "Composting, recycling, bird boxes, cover cropping, weather stations"
Benziger - Glen Ellen, Ca- "Biodynamics"
Fetzer Vineyards-Hopland - "certified by
California Certified Organic Farmers"