You’ve likely noticed labels like organic, biodynamic, and natural (nature) popping up in bottle shops. Here is a breakdown of what these terms actually mean.

1. Organic (Bio) Wine

Made from grapes grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers.

• Rules: Must be certified by governing bodies (like USDA Organic or EU Euro Leaf). Certain wine additives, including sulfites (preservatives), are allowed in limited amounts during winemaking.

2. Biodynamic Wine

An holistic form of organic farming based on Rudolf Steiner’s theories. It aligns vineyard tasks with lunar cycles and uses special compost preparations to boost soil biodiversity.

3. Natural (Nature) Wine

An unregulated term for wines made with “minimal intervention.” Grapes are farmed organically, fermented with native wild yeasts, and bottled unfiltered with zero or minimal added sulfites.