Organic Wine in Australia: Everything You Need to Know

Many of us care about what we put on our tables, from the food we eat to the beverages we drink. With the popularity of organic products, organic wine has become an increasingly popular choice for wine lovers in recent years. Organic wine has been gaining traction in Australia as an alternative to conventional wines. But what is organic wine, and is it really better for you? In this blog, we'll delve into the world of organic wine in Australia, from the production process to its benefits. 

In Australia, organic wine is from grapes grown using organic farming practices. Grapes used are without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilisers, and the vineyard management focuses on sustainability and biodiversity. Organic winemakers adhere to organic principles, which include limiting additives and minimising sulfite usage. Organic wine production in Australia has gained popularity in recent years as consumers seek more environmentally friendly and health-conscious options, resulting in a growing number of wineries adopting organic practices and offering a diverse range of high-quality, eco-friendly wines. 

Check out organic wine producers here.

Organic and natural wine represent two distinct approaches to winemaking, each with its principles and practices. Whereas Organic wine avoids synthetic chemicals like pesticides and herbicides and adheres to specific organic farming standards, natural wine takes minimal intervention to the extreme, emphasising the grape's true character and the terroir by using non-interventionist winemaking techniques like spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts and minimal filtration. Hence, cloudy wines with a bit of funk. Not all organic wines are natural in winemaking; however, most will be organic. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, with organic wines offering a cleaner approach and natural wines providing an adventurous, hands-off experience – tasting both is the best way to uncover your preferred style. 

Check out natural wine producers here

Getting certified organic involves a structured process overseen by organisations such as the Australian Certified Organic (ACO) or the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia (NASAA). Producers must understand and implement organic farming principles, including avoiding synthetic chemicals and GMOs. If transitioning from conventional to organic practices, there's typically a conversion period of around three years. The winery must select an accredited certification body, submit detailed documentation, and undergo on-site inspections to assess compliance with organic standards. Upon approval and a heft sum, wineries can label their products as "certified organic." Regular annual inspections ensure ongoing compliance, emphasising sustainable and environmentally friendly practices throughout the vineyard and winemaking processes.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) is a common preservative added to many wines, including organic wine, to prevent harmful bacteria from forming in the bottle. While some people may be sensitive to sulfites in wine, it's important to note that sulfites occur naturally in wine and exist in many other consumable products besides wine. Some organic wines may contain small amounts of sulfites, but they are often significantly less than conventional wines, making organic wine an excellent choice for people with sensitivities to sulfites.

While there isn't much research dedicated to the possible health advantages of organic wine, some studies have shown that organic produce generally contains lower levels of harmful compounds such as pesticide residues. According to some sources, organic wine contains higher antioxidants than conventional wine - but the real kicker lies in that production methods for organic wine can benefit the environment and the people producing and consuming it.
 

Try a mixed case of organic wine here.

Many established and prestigious wineries produce organic wines in Australia, and choices abound. Great options include the d'Arenberg range of certified organic wines, which includes Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay varieties. You can also consider Angove's Premium Organic Shiraz, Pike and Joyce Pinot Noir, and the Vinteloper Odeon Series Shiraz.

Check out this blog post, which explores more organic Australian wine brands.

The benefits of organic wine in Australia include sustainable agriculture, minimal environmental impact, and often fewer additives. While organic wine contains sulfites like other wines, the amounts are usually lower than in conventional wines. It is important to remember that many wineries follow organic principles. However, they may not be certified due to the timely and expensive certification process.