What Is Organic Wine? Understanding Labels, Benefits & Taste

Organic wine vineyards make up around 6.2% of the world’s total vineyard area. They are considered rare but exceptional conditions to produce wines that are rich in character and better for your health. 

At Silk Road Wines, we import certified organic wines from Georgia and understand that there may be confusion over what’s truly organic. Plus, many people ask, is organic wine better?

In this guide, we’ll make things easy to understand and explain all the organic wine benefits. 

What Is Organic Wine?

Organic Wine Definition 

Organic wine is produced from grapes grown with organic farming principles, making it free from artificial and chemical supplements such as fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. 

Despite having different definitions in the US and EU, it generally means that from cultivation to bottling, the winemaking process must comply with strict organic standards. If not, the wine won’t receive an official organic certification. 

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires that organic wines are made from grapes grown without synthetic fertilizers, in a manner that protects the soil and environment, and even includes other organic ingredients, such as certified organic yeast. Even sulfite regulation (which can occur naturally) cannot be added.

Organic Wine Labelling Guide

Source: TTB.gov

Organic vs Conventional Wine

Does Organic Wine Taste Better?

It would be a lie to claim that all organic wine tastes better than non-organic wine. At the end of the day, many factors determine the taste quality of a wine. 

But, studies made with critics and blind tastings show that certified organic wines are sometimes scored higher than wines on average (based on 128,000 wines).

Thanks to organic farming techniques, there are undeniable benefits and characteristics unique to organic wine. Most notably, the vineyard and terroir environment tends to be far more present (such as soil health). The absence of synthetic chemicals provides a purer, more characterful profile. You are far more likely to notice a pleasant balance between tannins, fruit, and alcohol.

The idea that organic wines give a funky taste is a misconception. When produced well, they are clean and elegant. It’s an elevated experience. 

Shelf Life and Aging Qualities

Contrary to popular belief, the shelf life of a wine isn’t particularly affected by whether it’s organic or not. Your wine is more likely to be affected by the storage conditions and the excellence it’s been produced with.

There is a myth that due to the lower sulfite levels that organic wine will age poorly, but when the right grapes and terroir have been used, it will age just as well as any other non-organic wine.

High tannins are especially beneficial to wine aging – which is where Georgian wines can shine, thanks to the ancient Qvevri process. 

Should You Try Organic Wine?

Yes! We can’t recommend it enough. Organic wine vineyards, like those who work with Silk Road Wines, are extremely hands-on and apply a level of care to their wines that you won’t get with conventional wines. 

As a result, you’ll experience a better, more authentic expression of terroir and help promote a greener and more eco-conscious wine production industry.  

Our Organic Rosé Wine From Georgia

Introducing a fantastic example of organic wine, with our Georgian organic certified wine, Rosé. Produced using the ancient Georgian qvevri method, it sees organic grapes buried underground in earthenware pots. This process provides naturally regulated fermentation, humidity, and temperature. 

The grapes are grown organically in the Kakheti region’s unique terroirs (60% Rkatsiteli and 40% Saperavi grapes).

You’ll enjoy a sophisticated, vibrant rose-pink wine with notes of cherry, mulberry, and a hint of vanilla. The clean, easy finish is available in a limited release of just 1,3000 bottles – all signed by twin winemakers Gia and Gela Gamtkitsulashvili.

This organic Georgian wine makes a great pairing with strawberries, blue cheese, and brussels sprouts with bacon.

Biodynamic, Natural, and Organic: What’s the Difference?

There is often some confusion over calling a wine ‘biodynamic’, ‘natural’, or ‘organic’. It’s important to know that only biodynamic and certified organic wines are the only true organic wines.

Biodynamic Wines

Biodynamic wines are often considered as ‘organic-plus’ wines. They must be certified organic and demeter – which is a strict certification for proving the farming is regenerative and uses minimal sulphite. 

Every step of biodynamic wine production incorporates holistic farming methods based on lunar and solar cycles. While that’s highly unlikely to make your wine healthier or taste better, it does suggest the producer will have a more hands-on and careful approach that results in a better final product.

Natural Wine Meaning

Natural wines are not regulated or certified. It is a label given to vineyards that typically use minimal intervention but have not committed to being certified – so there’s no guarantee about what you’re actually getting. 

Grapes may not be organic, but they will generally use native yeast for fermentation and avoid additives like enzymes or commercial yeast.

Try Authentic Organic Wine Today

Curious to experience an organic wine rooted in ancient Georgian tradition? Try our limited-release organic rosé today — clean, vibrant, and crafted for flavor and integrity.

You can also gain 10% off from the Silk Road Wine online store by signing up to our mailing list.