Your Guide to Organic, Vegan, and Sustainable Wines
We’re self-proclaimed winos, in case you couldn’t tell from our Visit the Wineries, Wine Pairings, Rosé Wine Granita, or Rosé All Day articles….
When we’re looking for wine, it’s fun to search for the funniest names or labels, but lately we’ve been searching for healthier wines that are good for the environment. Organic, biodynamic, and sustainable are all key words we look for in wine. And of course, we’re also looking for vegan wines.
The differences in organic, biodynamic, and sustainable wines can get a bit confusing. Here’s our way of sifting through it:
Organic wines are grown and made with only natural ingredients (no chemical fertilizer or any of that stuff). Think of organic wine like you think of produce – the less chemicals the better!
Biodynamic wines are like organic, in that they don’t use harmful chemicals, but they take it to a new level by thinking of the vineyard as its own isolated ecosystem affected by the lunar cycle, tides, spirits, etc. Biodynamic vineyards use only natural fertilizers, ingredients, and inputs that are produced on site in the contained ecosystem. Additionally, spiritual forces play an important part in the farming and production. There’s obviously no scientific proof that this is better, but we sure appreciate all of the attention that goes into making these really great wines.
Sustainable is a less strict category, only meaning that the wine was grow and produced in an environmentally friendly way. Organic and biodynamic wineries can be sustainable, and the process of protecting the soil, air, and water typically does involve avoiding harsh chemicals. Because good farming practices ensure a good environment for the future (and good wine in the future), we’re definitely looking for this word on our labels.
Ready to give it a try? Here’s a few of our favorite picks:
1. Wölffer Estate Vineyard – a beautiful sustainable vineyard right outside of Montauk offering some delicious wines and ciders. We’re especially loving their 2015 Summer in a Bottle Rosé this time of year. Stock up early – these go quick in the summer.
2. Domaine Eugène Meyer – a pioneer in biodynamic wine production located in the Alsace region of France. Their crisp Riesling is a serious bargain and pairs perfectly with all kinds of foods.
3. Shinn Estate Vineyards – an awesome biodynamic and vegan winery in the North Fork of Long Island. Try their 2013 Nine Barrels Reserve Merlot for a special treat.
4. Château Reysson – it’s a historic châteaux in Bordeaux making biodynamic vegan wines on land that’s been recognized for quality wine production for hundreds of years. Their 2010 Haut-Médoc is the stuff of dreams.
5. Horse & Plow Winery – a great family winery in California making wine from all certified organic grapes from the North Coast of California. They’re vegan, contain no synthetic additives, no GMO’s, and are low in sulfites. Their 2014 Pinot Gris is the perfect juicy wine to pair with a light pasta dish.