Introduction
Organic wine has moved from niche curiosity to something many wine drinkers now actively seek out. But what exactly is it, and how does it differ from other wines on the shelf?
In simple terms, organic wine is made from grapes grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilisers — and with fewer additives used during the winemaking process. For some, it’s about health; for others, it’s about taste, sustainability, or a more natural connection to the land.
With growing interest in how wine is produced, more people are asking questions about what goes into their glass. This guide covers the essentials:
- What organic wine really means
- How it compares to natural and biodynamic wine
- Claimed health and lifestyle benefits
- Where and how to buy great organic wines in the UK
Whether you’re already a fan or just curious to learn more, this is your complete guide to organic wine — with no fluff, no jargon, and no empty claims.
What Is Organic Wine?
Put simply, it’s wine made from grapes grown without the use of synthetic chemical fertilisers, herbicides, or pesticides. But that’s just the start of the story.
Organic wine is rooted in a commitment to more natural vineyard practices. This means working with nature rather than against it — encouraging biodiversity in the vineyard, improving soil health, and avoiding chemical inputs that can damage ecosystems over time.
In terms of production, to be labelled organic, a wine must meet strict criteria throughout both the grape-growing and winemaking process. These standards vary by country, but generally include restrictions on the use of synthetic additives, preservatives (like sulphur dioxide), and processing aids in the winery.
In the UK and EU, organic wines must be certified by a recognised body (such as the Soil Association or Ecocert) and adhere to regulations laid out in EU law. These include:
- No synthetic pesticides or fertilisers in the vineyard
- Limited use of sulphites in the winery (lower than in conventional wines)
- No genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
- A ban on certain additives commonly used in conventional winemaking
Internationally, the definition of organic wine can vary. In the US, for example, certified organic wine must be made without any added sulphites, which is not the case in the EU — where a small amount is permitted. This can lead to differences in taste, style, and shelf life.
So, when someone asks “what does organic wine mean?” — the answer depends partly on where it’s made. But at its heart, organic wine is about a cleaner, more sustainable approach to growing and winemaking, with the aim of letting the vineyard and grape variety shine through.
How Does Organic Wine Compare to Other Types?
When it comes to low-intervention wine, the terms “organic”, “natural”, and “biodynamic” often get used interchangeably — but they’re not the same thing. Each has its own philosophy, with different rules, practices and levels of regulation.
Organic vs Natural Wine
The key difference between organic and natural wine lies in certification and control.
- Organic wine must meet formal standards. It’s certified, and the use of synthetic chemicals in the vineyard and winery is restricted or banned.
- Natural wine, on the other hand, isn’t a legally defined category. It’s more of a movement or philosophy — centred on minimal intervention from grape to glass.
Natural winemakers often use organically or biodynamically grown grapes, but they take things a step further by:
- Using wild yeasts for fermentation
- Avoiding additives completely (even sulphites)
- Bottling without fining or filtration
While organic wine follows strict regulations, natural wine relies more on the grower and winemaker’s own ethos — which means quality and style can vary quite a bit.
Organic vs Biodynamic Wine
Biodynamic wine goes beyond organic. It includes everything organic farming does — no synthetic inputs, a focus on soil health — but layers on additional principles based on the work of Rudolf Steiner. These include:
- Following a lunar calendar for vineyard work
- Using herbal and mineral preparations to treat vines
- Treating the vineyard as a closed, self-sustaining ecosystem
There’s also a separate certification system for biodynamic wines, such as Demeter or Biodyvin. While some see biodynamics as spiritual or esoteric, many top producers — particularly in Burgundy, Alsace, and Austria — follow these practices and report improved vineyard vitality and wine quality.
Are All Organic Wines Vegan or Sulphite-Free?
No — not necessarily.
- Vegan: Organic wines are not automatically vegan. Some may be fined (clarified) using animal-derived agents like egg white or casein, unless the producer specifically avoids them. Look for wines labelled or certified vegan if that matters to you.
- Sulphites: Organic wines may contain added sulphites, but at lower levels than conventional wines. In the EU, the limit is reduced — for example, 100 mg/L for red organic wine compared to 150 mg/L in non-organic. That said, organic doesn’t mean sulphite-free.
Health, Taste and Lifestyle Benefits of Organic Wine
If you’re wondering whether organic wine is better for you, you’re not alone — it’s one of the most commonly asked questions. Let’s look at what we actually know, and where perception may go beyond the facts.
Is Organic Wine Better for You?
It’s a fair question — and a common one. While organic wine may expose you to fewer synthetic residues, there’s no conclusive evidence that it’s inherently healthier. However, for people sensitive to additives or those seeking more transparency in what they drink, organic wine offers a cleaner, more traceable option.
And from a broader perspective, supporting organic producers means supporting farming methods that are better for the environment, vineyard workers, and long-term soil health — which, for many, is reason enough to make the switch.
Is Organic Wine Healthier?
Many people choose organic wine because it’s made without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilisers. That means there’s less risk of residue from those substances making it into your glass. Organic winemakers are also more restricted in what they can add during production — with limits on sulphur dioxide and a ban on artificial preservatives or processing aids.
Whether that makes organic wine “healthier” is hard to say definitively — especially as alcohol itself has known health risks. But if you’re looking to reduce your intake of chemical additives, or you prefer products made with fewer interventions, organic wine does offer a more transparent and cleaner option.
Does Organic Wine Taste Different?
This is a bit more subjective. There’s no single “organic wine taste” — just as there’s no single flavour profile for all conventional wine. But some wine lovers say that organically grown grapes can lead to wines with:
- Greater freshness or purity of fruit
- A stronger sense of place (terroir)
- More vibrant acidity or balance
That said, quality varies just as it does in non-organic wines. Organic certification doesn’t guarantee a better wine — it simply tells you how it was made. Farming methods may influence flavour, but winemaking skill and grape quality still matter most.
Organic Wine and Hangovers
There’s a popular idea that organic wine causes fewer hangovers — often linked to lower sulphite levels. But the science isn’t straightforward.
- Sulphites are often blamed for headaches, but most people aren’t actually sensitive to them, and sulphites don’t cause hangovers.
- Hangovers are primarily caused by alcohol, dehydration, congeners (by-products of fermentation), and individual sensitivity.
- That said, some people report feeling better after drinking organic wine — possibly due to fewer additives or lower alcohol levels in certain styles.
So, while there’s no hard proof that organic wine prevents hangovers, choosing wines made with fewer additives and a lighter touch may help some people feel better the next day.
Buying Organic Wine in the UK
If you’re looking to buy organic wine in the UK, there’s a growing range to choose from — both online and on the high street. But knowing how to spot a genuinely organic bottle (and a good one at that) takes a bit of know-how.
How to Find Good Organic Wine
Start by looking for wines that are certified organic. In the UK and EU, this means the wine must meet set standards throughout the vineyard and winery. Certified bottles will usually show the green EU organic leaf logo or a recognised body like Soil Association, Ecocert, or Agriculture Biologique (AB) on the label.
Avoid vague or unregulated terms like “made with organic grapes” or “natural-style” — they sound good, but they don’t mean the wine is certified or even fully organic.
Certified vs Practising Organic
Not all organic wines are certified. Many small-scale producers follow organic practices in the vineyard — using no synthetic sprays or fertilisers — but choose not to go through the formal certification process. This could be due to cost, paperwork, or the flexibility it gives them in certain vintages.
These are often referred to as “practising organic” wines. They may not carry an official logo, but they’re still grown and made with care for the environment — and can be just as good (if not better) than certified wines. If you’re unsure, ask your wine merchant — we work closely with producers and know which ones follow organic principles, certified or not.
Buying Tips
- Look for certification if you want clarity — but don’t dismiss smaller producers who aren’t certified
- Don’t assume high price means high quality — there are plenty of great-value organic wines out there
- Check the importer or wine merchant’s notes — the best ones will explain the producer’s approach clearly
Recommended Organic Wines
At Handpicked Wine Box, we’ve curated a small but standout range of organic wines — all of which we’ve personally tasted and approved. Whether you’re after a fresh and juicy red, a crisp white, or a bottle of organic prosecco, you’ll find something with character and integrity.
Explore our Organic Wine Collection
Organic Wine as a Gift
Organic wines make a thoughtful and distinctive gift — especially for anyone who cares about sustainability or simply wants to drink something a little more authentic.
- Our organic wine gift boxes come with optional handwritten gift notes and next-day delivery
- Choose from red, white, sparkling or mixed selections
- Great for birthdays, corporate thank-yous, or just because
Common Questions About Organic Wine (FAQs)
Organic wine is a growing category, but it’s still often misunderstood. Here are some answers to the questions we’re asked most often:
Does Organic Wine Have Sulphites?
Yes — but typically in lower amounts than conventional wine. Sulphites are used in winemaking to preserve freshness and prevent spoilage. In the EU, certified organic wines must stay below reduced sulphite limits.
That said, sulphites are a natural by-product of fermentation, so even wines labelled “no added sulphites” will still contain trace amounts. If you’re particularly sensitive, look for wines specifically made with no added sulphur.
Is Organic Wine Vegan Friendly?
Not always. Organic certification only covers farming and winemaking practices, not whether animal-based products are used during production.
Some organic wines are fined (clarified) with egg whites, milk proteins or other animal-derived agents. If you want to be sure, check the label for a vegan symbol, or ask your wine supplier — we always flag this clearly on our site.
Which Grape Varieties Are Used in Organic Wine?
There’s no fixed list — organic wine can be made from virtually any grape. But some varieties are more disease-resistant and better suited to organic farming. These include:
- Grenache and Carignan in southern France and Spain
- Sangiovese in Tuscany
- Tempranillo in Spain
- Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir in cooler climates
You’ll also find newer fungus-resistant varieties (known as PIWIs) becoming more common in organic vineyards, especially in wetter regions.
Is All Organic Wine Sustainable?
Not necessarily. Organic farming avoids synthetic chemicals and often improves biodiversity and soil health — but sustainability is broader than just farming practices.
Packaging, transport, energy use and water management all play a role. Some organic producers go further by adopting lightweight bottles, renewable energy, or carbon offsetting — others don’t. If sustainability is a key factor for you, look for producers who are transparent about their full process.
Is Organic Sparkling Wine Available?
Yes — though it’s a smaller part of the market, there are some fantastic organic sparkling wines available.
- Organic Prosecco is widely available and made to certified standards
- You’ll also find organic Crémant, Cava, and even Champagne from small growers who farm organically
- Look for labels or ask your merchant for options — we offer a small but carefully chosen selection ourselves
Conclusion
Organic wine is more than just a label — it reflects a different approach to both farming and winemaking. It’s about working with nature rather than against it, avoiding synthetic chemicals, and focusing on transparency, balance and sustainability.
We’ve looked at what organic wine is, how it differs from natural and biodynamic wines, and some of the common myths around health, taste and hangovers. We’ve also covered practical tips for buying organic wine in the UK — whether you’re choosing a bottle for yourself or as a gift.
At Handpicked Wine Box, we taste and select every bottle ourselves — and we won’t stock a wine unless we’d happily drink it at home. Our organic range includes everything from crisp whites and easy-going reds to sparkling wines and mixed cases.
Whether you’re new to organic wine or already a fan, there’s plenty to explore. If you’re not sure where to start, feel free to get in touch — we’re always happy to help.