Wine
Sustainability & Wine 101
Understanding the Key Principles and Practices
April 14, 2023
There has been a growing focus in sustainable, organic, and biodynamic wines, as more and more wineries strive to produce wines that are not only palate provoking but also environmentally responsible. These labels represent different approaches to wine production and grape growing, each with its own set of principles and practices. While the definitions behind these terms can vary greatly across the industry, they all share a common goal: to produce wines that are responsibly farmed and thoughtfully made.
Sustainable vs Organic vs Biodynamic
Sustainable Wines
Let's start with sustainable wines. The term "sustainable" refers to farming practices that support grape growing without depleting natural resources, causing environmental damage, or negatively impacting future generations. This includes conserving water and energy, maintaining healthy soil, protecting air and water quality, and preserving local ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
Many wineries practice sustainable methods without seeking certification. However, some of the certifications that sustainable wines may carry include Vinea Trust, Sustainable WA, Live Certified, Salmon Safe, SIP Certified, Fish Friendly Farming, or Napa Green.
Organic Wines
Moving on to wines made using organically farmed grapes. These are grapes grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Instead, only natural methods are used to grow the grapes and produce the wine, without the use of harmful chemicals. It's important to note that a wine made with organic grapes is not necessarily organic wine.
Across the industry, multiple boards exist that each give out their own version of organic certifications. While some of the products and facilities on the market do carry organic certifications, some wines may be referred to as organic solely based on the practices in the vineyard. Often this is because they are smaller operations without the resources needed to go through the certification process. One of the certifications that wholly organic wines may carry include USDA Organic.
Biodynamic Wines
Lastly, wine created from biodynamically farmed grapes are produced using a holistic approach to farming that views the farm as a self-contained organism. This includes using practices that promote soil fertility, biodiversity, and the health and well-being of the entire farming ecosystem. Biodynamic farming also takes into account the cycles of the moon and planets in the planting and harvesting of crops.
It’s important to note that wines created following biodynamic practices or simply using biodynamically farmed grapes may not be labeled as Biodynamic without official certification. Many often forego official certifications due to limited resources. One of the certifications that biodynamic wines may carry is the Demeter Biodynamic® Farm and Processing Standards.
So why are sustainable, organic, and biodynamic wines important? For one, they represent a commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. By using practices that minimize harm to the environment and support local ecosystems, these wines can have a positive impact on the planet.
For wine lovers, sustainable, organic, and biodynamic wines offer an opportunity to connect with the land and the people who produce the wine. By selecting these wines, you can feel good knowing that they are supporting environmentally conscious practices and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Whether you're a wine aficionado or simply someone who cares about the planet, these wines are worth exploring for their quality and uniqueness. When looking for the perfect bottle, we recommend asking questions about the farming practices used to produce the wine. Winemakers who are committed to these principles are often happy to share their methods and explain the reasoning behind them.
At Sommsation, we take pride in providing our customers access to exquisite and environmentally-responsible wines from independent wineries.
So the next time you're seeking a quality bottle of wine, consider choosing from our Sustainable, Organic, and Biodynamic collections. Who knows, you might just discover your new favorite wine in the process!
Elyse recently had the opportunity to provide her expertise on sustainability in wine to Veranda Magazine. You can read the article here.
