22 Best Organic Wines To Sip On Earth Day (Or Any Day)
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Organic wine is produced from grapes grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Organic wine is also produced using organic standards throughout the winemaking process.
In many viticulture regions around the globe, organic wine is at the foundation of their production. In Italy, for example, even though a winery may solely rely on natural farming and cellar methods, many vintners wouldn't necessarily refer to their wine as 'organic' wine.
"Most Italian wines are organically produced—it has been their standards and traditions for centuries,' shares Kendele Sieve, beverage director and co-owner of Noto Pizza and Bormio in St. Louis. 'The winemakers are committed to preserving the terroir. They also respect it and choose to work with the nature around them instead of fighting it with modernization.' Yet, they don't refer to it as organic as it's inherent to them.
In the United States, however, in order for a wine to be categorized as organic, both the winery's vineyards and facilities need to be certified by one of the major organizations — USDA Organic, Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) or California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). These multi-year certifications are rigorous and expensive; therefore, some producers prefer to abide by organic practices but never certify.
The prolific interest around natural wines in the past decade has permitted a new audience for organic wines as many natural wines are a result of organic practices, even if they may not be certified organic.
Further, wines that are sold as 'made with organic grapes' have different requirements than organic wine, according to the USDA. The organization explains: 'When a wine is labeled as being made with organic grapes, 100 percent of those grapes used must be certified organic. Yeast and any other agricultural ingredients aren't required to be organic, but have to be produced without excluded methods (like genetic engineering).'
As a consumer, you don't necessarily need to know all about the certification process but if you're somebody that's interested in learning about organic wine rather than drinking it because it's trendy, it's always pragmatic to do some research beyond the stamp-of-approval on the label. Maybe your favorite winery doesn't boast a USDA or CCOF certification, but perhaps they follow certain organic practices, or perhaps you've been buying organic wine and not fully appreciating its all-encompassing backstory. Or maybe you're still on the fence about organic wine but are ready to fill your glass with one.
Regardless of your background with organic wine, Earth Day is the perfect time to jump further into the category so we asked sommeliers to share the organic wines they're loving right now. Below, discover 22 organic wines to help celebrate Mother Earth more responsibly.
A four day skin contact wine from the volcanic soils of Lemnos, this Muscat offers 'explosive aromatics with heaps of white flowers and generous fruit,' says Jeremiah Cates, wine director of Xenia Greek Hospitality in Boston. 'It's a perfect introduction for a novice to orange wines, while still having enough nuance to impress an expert. Dare I say a summer porch pounder?'
If you're looking for a white wine to open right now or to pop in the cellar, this wine is for you, assures Tynan Pierce, beverage director of Yes Society, a private membership for wine collectors. 'It is a beguiling wine that is a wonderful demonstration of the caliber of white wines that you can find in Spain,' he adds.
For a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that is unlike today's typical style, Jade Palmer, general manager and sommelier at Madeira Park in Atlanta, recommends this bottle from Matthiasson. 'It's lighter, fresher, and infinitely crushable,' says Palmer. 'Abundant red and black cherry, raspberry, and blackberry notes with hints of cedar, graphite, and herbs. The tannins and acidity balance each other well, leaving a pleasant finish on the palate.' The estate-farmed vineyards that comprise the blend are all certified organic under CCOF.
This classically dark, juicy, and dry sparkling red wine is from a family-owned winery that obtained organic certification for Concerto in 2020. Lauren Schaefer, partner at Mother Pizzeria in Newport, Rhode Island says their team is 'mildly obsessed' with the wine as it 'pairs so perfectly with sourdough pizza and it is also the first single vineyard vintage Lambrusco.'
The 'Arcipressi' is a field blend from a single vineyard at the edge of the family estate, near the arch of two cypress trees – hence the name. 'It's predominantly Sangiovese but up to 15 different grape varieties are grown in this single vineyard,' says Tom Folsom, lead sommelier of Che Fico in San Francisco. 'Its coastal proximity makes this a bit lighter than most reds from the region; it's juicy and easy going but still interesting with charming rusticity and an unmistakably Tuscan soul.'
Produced with grapes grown in a vineyard that translates to 'hell-like' as it receives abnormal amounts of sunshine, this Riesling offers aromas of peach honey blossom and dried lemon peel that makes it a favorite of Gray Maddox, general manager and sommelier at Tre Luna Bar & Kitchen in Hoover, Alabama. 'I've stood in vineyards that are lush and full the necessary nature to thrive while their neighbor uses chemicals, and their vineyard looks like a moon landing,' shares Maddox on the importance of featuring as many organic wines as possible on their menu.
Sara & René Viticultors are leading the organic wave in Catalonia says Kara Daving, sommelier at The Bazaar by José Andrés New York. 'Their 2020 Textures de Pedra—a blend of Xarel-lo, Sumoll, and Bastard Negre—is unapologetically textural and mineral, with zesty citrus and a creamy mousse finish.'
While many imbibers may not immediately connote Champagne and organic, Drappier does an impeccable job, according to Paresh Patel, beverage director and co-owner of Besharam in San Francisco. Not only is the organically-farmed Champagne exceptional, but they are sustainable in other aspects of their winemaking Patel shares: 'I love how this producer minimizes the use of glass for their bottles and uses recycled glass.'
In the Italian hills above Spoleto in Umbria, the Mattioli family farms four hectares of old vines by hand, using compost from their animals and following the rhythms of the lunar calendar. Louis Fabbrini, wine director at Smyth in Chicago explains: 'Fermentations take place in open-top cement vats without temperature control or additions, and everything is bottled unfiltered and unfined. 'La Selezione Le Cese' is their smallest bottling—100 percent Sangiovese from a single parcel, made only in select vintages.' The wine bursts with black cherry, violet and iron.
This Sauvignon Blanc from the vineyards of Marlborough, New Zealand is 'a mouth-watering white wine with vibrant acidity and refreshing character,' says Dave Wallace, director of beverage at The Charleston Place. The vineyards are certified by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, ensuring mindful practices from vine to bottle. It's a fruity, medium-bodied wine with aromas of lime, tropical fruit, and currant, with delicate notes of gooseberry. On the palate, vibrant flavors of passionfruit, lemongrass, and white peach deliver a deliciously balanced sip.
'The Cannubi vineyard is often described as the Panettone of Barolo,' explains Alec Riveros, general manager and wine director of Woods Hill Pier 4 in Boston. Although Chiara Boschis efforts to transition vineyards in parts of Piedmont to organic farming were initially not well received in Barolo, she persevered and slowly began a movement to convince winemakers to take the leap and farm organically. 'All the classic characteristics are there: tar, roses, bitter espresso, tart cherry, savory notes, dark plum and firm grip which is the hallmark of Nebbiolo,' says Riveros.
Martin and Melanie Muthenthaler's organically farmed vineyards lie in the steep, rugged and rocky Spitzer Graben, the coldest section of the Wachau river valley, which results in 'some of the most pure, crystalline expressions of Grüner Veltliner that Austria has to offer,' shares Madison, sommelier at Tiya in San Francisco. There are notes of 'green apples, lemon pith, fresh green herbs and a touch of white pepper, lean and mineral with mouthwatering acidity.'
This producer has a long history of sustainable winemaking, explains Petr Landa, beverage director at The Fulton. 'Their vision is not just to make 'healthier wines' but to preserve soil and contribute to the environment,' says Landa on this Chablis with a well-balanced palate that clearly reflects the minerality of its limestone and chalk soils.
When thinking about organic wines, Nate Black, sommelier at Stake Chophouse & Bar in Coronado, California says Ruinart's Blanc de Blancs Champagne is the first to come to mind. 'Not only is it delicious wine, with crisp apples, pears, and a splash of lemon, but Ruinart takes great pride in the biodiversity of their vineyards,' shares Black. 'They have created ecosystems where natural predators take the place of pesticides, and other inorganic viticultural techniques.'
Grapes used in the 2022 Mineral Spring Ranch Pinot Noir are grown on a 240-acre biodynamic and organic vineyard at the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley. 'It has a great mix of ripe red cherry and plum aromas, with a little spice from white peppercorn and hints of raspberry, currant, and herbs,' says Lexi Strachan, sommelier at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples. 'Soter Vineyards practices biodynamic farming, which goes beyond organic farming by incorporating holistic, environmentally conscious practices,' she adds.
'Eddie Chami is the man to watch in modern Lebanese winemaking today,' says Preston Smith, sommelier at Beity in Chicago, describing the reverence he shows the land and the vines as 'a perfect example of both his winemaking prowess and the care he gives to the land he cultivates.' Expect bright notes of pomegranate and cranberry dance on the palate with soft herbs coming through on the finish. 'Farmed organically, this wine has all the rusticity and ease of a natural wine married with the finesse and beauty of top tier winemaking; and the color is just so darn pretty!'
This field blend of 12 different varieties from the Grand Cru village of Schoenenbourg is made by Jean-Michel Deiss and his son, Mathieu. 'They are certified biodynamic and organic and downright romantics in the idea and expression of wine from Alsace,' says Matthew Brodbine, beverage director of Pasjoli and Seline in Santa Monica. 'Notes of honeysuckle, melon, and overripe pears are present on the front end but due to the structure you can enjoy this wine with savory courses like lobster, chicken, and caviar,' adds Brodbine, noting it's a 'personal favorite.'
"At Little Saint, we are proud to feature wines from women who are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the wine industry, and Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a shining example of that leadership,' says Laurel Livezey, wine program manager at Little Saint in Healdsburg, California. Spottswoode has been certified organic since 1985 but their dedication to organic and biodynamic farming guides each aspect of the winemaking process. 'This wine is bold and elegant, with rich dark fruit flavors and a touch of cocoa, offering a beautiful balance of strength and grace,' says Livezey.
'I believe that there is this unfortunate misconception that organic sustainable wine is going to be 'funky,' a 'natty' wine if you will,' prefaces Michael Myers, beverage director at Counter in Charlotte, North Carolina. 'RAEN winery is showing that organic practices should apply and can apply to all styles of wine, even those that are coming from 'classic' regions.' Started by Carlo and Dante Mondavi of the famed Mondavi family across the county lines in Napa, the estate's primary focus has always been on sustainability. 'The Sea Field Vineyard Pinot Noir is truly one of my favorite wines coming out of California, with elegance being the word that gets stuck in your head while drinking it. Cool dark fruits, with this beautiful black tea and rose quality that makes you rethink Cali Pinot.'
'Mendocino is one of the leading wine regions when it comes to responsible farming,' shares Savannah Riedler, wine director at Wildland in Carlsbad, California. Jason and Molly Drew have been farmers in Mendocino for over 15 years; their estate vineyard, Faîte De Mer Farm, is certified organic. 'The wines are incredibly alive and have such tension and acidity,' says Riedler.
This 100 percent Sangiovese from Emilia-Romagna, Italy is 'fresh, vibrant and yearning for the sunshine,' according to Haley Fortier owner-sommelier of haley.henry wine bar and nathálie wine bar in Boston, who only works with winemakers that are farming sustainably, responsibly, organically and more often, biodynamically. 'There's beautiful notes of wild strawberry, white flowers and overall appeal.'
At 95 percent Roussanne and 5 percent Grenache Blanc, Matthieu Nectoux, head sommelier at Coquillade Provence describes this label as a 'beautifully expressive wine that captures the sun-kissed elegance of Provence.' The Roussanne lends a creamy texture and floral aromatics, while Grenache Blanc adds a subtle crispness.
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If you are eager to see fast results in your landscape, planting a fast-growing shrub is the answer. A shrub is considered fast-growing when it adds between 2 feet to more than 3 feet of growth per year. There is no shortage of choices, from fast-growing bushes for a privacy hedge, evergreen shrubs that provide year-round color in your yard, or flowering shrubs with gorgeous blooms in the spring or summer. The growth habits of the plants vary, too, ranging from low-lying shrubs to small trees that can be shaped and pruned to suit your space. Whether you live in Texas with its hot summers and mild to cool winters or anywhere else in the South, there are different options for fast-growing shrubs. Many of them are tough and withstand extreme weather events. Here are 18 shrubs that put your landscape on the fast track. Botanical Name: Lagerstroemia spp. Sun Exposure: Full Soil Type: Loamy, clay, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-8.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-9 Growth Rate: 24 inches per year While there are a variety of crepe myrtles to choose from, most fall within the shrub or small tree category. They are easy to grow and produce interest in the garden all year long, from long-lasting clusters of pink, white, or red blooms that start in June to their exfoliating bark in winter, the true calling card of this Southern classic. Expect lots of growth when given proper growing conditions. Once established, crepe myrtles only need water about once every other week. Learn More Botanical Name: Hydrangea macrophylla Sun Exposure: Partial Soil Type: Moist, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-8.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9 Growth Rate: 24 inches per year The French hydrangea, also known as bigleaf hydrangea, is a showstopping shrub. The profuse blooms, either mopheads or lacecaps, come in a wide range of colors (and you can tweak their color by altering the soil acidity). For a continuous bloom all summer, select a repeat-blooming variety such as 'Endless Summer' that will flower on both old and new growth. Plant in well-draining soil amended with organic matter, and give them enough water so the top few inches of soil remain moist. Hydrangea is toxic to humans and pets. Learn More Botanical Name: Ligustrum x ibolium Sun Exposure: Partial, full Soil Type: Moist, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-8.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8 Growth Rate: 3 feet per year One of the fastest growing shrubs on this list, north privet matures rapidly to a height of up to 8 to 12 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide. Its appearance is characterized by a pyramid-like shape and glossy, dark green leaves. Plant this low-maintenance, fast grower as a privacy hedge. Pollinators are attracted to its fragrant white flowers. Beware of confusing north privet with its invasive cousin, Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense). Botanical Name: Weigela florida Sun Exposure: Partial, full Soil Type: Loamy, clay, sandy, moist, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to alkaline (5.5-7.5) USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9 Growth Rate: 13-24 inches per year While not the fastest grower on this list, weigela shrubs are still a good choice for dense growth and relatively quick spread. They reach their mature size within a few growing seasons. Bell-shaped, rosy pink flowers appear throughout April and May. Though a location in full sun ensures the best foliage color, weigela also does well in dappled sunlight. Botanical Name: Forsythia x intermedia Sun Exposure: Partial, full Soil Type: Moist, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-8 Growth Rate: 24 inches per year With upright, sometimes arching branches and a cloud of yellow blooms that flower on last year's wood, the forsythia is an iconic sight in the South. It will grow in a rounded shape and reach a height of 8 to 10 feet when mature. If you're looking for a smaller variety, opt for a more compact form such as Show Off® Sugar Baby®. Forsythia withstands some drought and tolerates clay soil if it is amended with organic matter. Botanical Name: Linnaea amabilis (previously Kolkwitzia amabilis) Sun Exposure: Partial, full Soil Type: Clay, loamy, sandy, moist, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-8.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8 Growth Rate: 24 inches per year Best suited for the Upper South, the beauty bush is beloved for its abundant pink flowers that attract bees and hummingbirds and complement the deep green foliage. Plant it as a focal point in the landscape or as a stunning hedge. When mature, it reaches between 6 to 10 feet in height and width. Beauty bush is resistant to drought and deer, and it tolerates clay soil. Full sun produces more flowering, but partial shade brings out more vibrant foliage color. Botanical Name: Vitex agnus-castus Sun Exposure: Full Soil Type: Well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-9 Growth Rate: 24 inches per year These large, rounded shrubs or multi-trunked trees need plenty of room to grow as they mature at three to 20 feet tall and wide. They feature grayish-green leaves and fragrant panicle blooms in shades of white, pink, blue, or lavender. It is drought-tolerant and grows in sandy or rocky areas. In Zone 6, chaste tree may die back to the ground in winter but resprouts in the following growing season. Chaste trees attract lots of pollinating insects and birds. Learn More Botanical Name: Viburnum opulus Sun Exposure: Partial, full Soil Type: Loamy, clay, sandy, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to alkaline (5.0-8.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8 Growth Rate: 24 inches per year This most recognizable of viburnum varieties grows up to 12 feet tall or more with a spread of 12 to 15 feet. While not an extremely fast grower, snowball viburnum is very attractive with clouds of flowers that appear in May and look similar to mophead hydrangea. The flowers also make good cut flowers. In fall, the leaves turn red-orange. Snowball viburnum prefers moist, loamy soil that is well-drained but tolerates other soils. Learn More Botanical Name: Melaleuca spp. Sun Exposure: Full Soil Type: Moist, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to alkaline (6.0-8.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 8-11 Growth Rate: 3-6 feet per year This fast-growing shrub got its name from the shape of its colorful flowers, which grow as dense spikes or round clusters in red, pink, yellow, or white that attract hummingbirds. The size and growth habit depend on the species, some bottlebrushes are dense and compact, lending themselves to be grown as informal hedges, whereas others are sparse and open and can be pruned into a small tree. What all bottlebrush varieties have in common is their fast growth rate. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soil but it is moderately salt-tolerant so it is a good choice for coastal gardens. The evergreen foliage gets easily damaged by frost. Learn More Botanical Name: Ternstroemia gymnanthera 'Sotall' Sun Exposure: Full, partial, shade Soil Type: Rich, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic (5.0-6.5) USDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10 Growth Rate: 18 inches per year Cleyera Bigfoot™ is a favorite for hedges and privacy screens due to its fast-growing nature and appealing, glossy evergreen foliage. These upright growers are low-maintenance and provide year-round color. The shrub reaches a height of 15 to 20 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide. In hotter climates, they need afternoon shade and tolerate full shade. Botanical Name: Buddleia 'Blue Chip' Lo & Behold® Sun Exposure: Full Soil Type: Clay, loamy, sandy, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-8.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9 Growth Rate: 24 inches per year Due to its invasiveness, butterfly bushes are no longer recommended. 'Blue Chip' butterfly bush, however, is an exception because it does not produce seeds. The fragrant, star-shaped flower clusters do not require deadheading and provide a pretty counterpoint to dark green leaves. Eight hours of full sun each day ensures more flower production and strong stems that don't require staking. Learn More Botanical Name: Callicarpa americana Sun Exposure: Full, partial Soil Type: Loamy, clay, moist, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (5.0-7.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-10 Growth Rate: 13-24 inches per year This fast-growing native shrub has year-round appeal. Pale purple or pink flowers burst forth in the summer months, turning into tiny, bright purple berries in fall and winter. The berries attract a wide variety of winter birds and other wildlife to your yard throughout the season. If you're looking to up the berry production, consider planting beautyberry en masse. Full sun will increase flower and berry production. Beautyberry bushes need pruning to maintain their shape and watering during dry periods. Botanical Name: Loropetalum chinense Sun Exposure: Full, partial Soil Type: Rich, loamy, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (4.0-7.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-10 Growth Rate: 6-24 inches per year The evergreen shrub features green foliage on arching branches and spidery flowers that appear both at the top of shoots and between the shoot and leaf (known as the leaf axil) in color ranging from off-white to pink. Opt for loropetalum to bring color and texture to your garden early in the spring when other flowering shrubs haven't yet begun their show. Water when there hasn't been adequate rainfall to keep the soil slightly moist, but don't overwater because they don't like wet roots. Learn More Botanical Name: Prunus laurocerasus Sun Exposure: Full, partial Soil Type: Well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to alkaline (5.5-7.5) USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-10 Growth Rate: 24 inches per year Cherry laurel is a popular shrub in the South, oftentimes used for hedges. While it grows up to 20 feet tall, it can be maintained in a smaller size if needed. Spiky, white flowers appear in mid-spring but are sometimes be hidden behind the glossy and elongated foliage. Black berries appear in the fall for an interesting encore. Cherry laurel isn't super picky and will tolerate dry, poor, and alkaline soils, salt, as well as heavy pruning. It is toxic to humans. Botanical Name: Syringa vulgaris Sun Exposure: Full, partial Soil Type: Sandy, clay, moist, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to alkaline (6.5-7.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-7 Growth Rate: 13-24 inches per year Common lilac will start off as a fast grower, tapering off as it nears maturity. You might catch a whiff of lilac before you catch sight of its fragrant, lilac blooms that appear in April and May. While it's always tempting to try lilac in warmer climates, lilac is not suited for the hot and humid conditions of the lower South; these shrubs prefer cooler summer temperatures. Full sun is best for good flower production, and well-drained soil is essential to prevent root rot. Botanical Name: Cornus sericea Sun Exposure: Full, partial Soil Type: Clay, rich, moist, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic (5.5-6.5) USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-8 Growth Rate: 24 inches per year Ideal for the Upper South, this native dogwood shrub is the outlier in a family of otherwise slower-growing species. It's a great choice both for its resiliency and versatility whether as a true shrub or hedge. Once mature, it will reach a height of 7 to 9 feet and 10 feet wide. Red twig dogwood likes consistently moist areas so it should be watered during dry spells. Botanical Name: Thuja 'Green Giant' Sun Exposure: Full, partial Soil Type: Clay, loamy, moist, well-drained Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline (6.0-8.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-8 Growth Rate: 3-4 feet per year These shrubs live up to their name, maturing at up to 40 to 60 feet tall and 12 to 18 feet wide. They are low maintenance due to a uniform, pyramid-shaped growth habit and need little pruning. 'Green Giant' can be shaped into a hedging or privacy screen when young. Glossy, scale-like needles remain green all winter long. Plant in a location with good drainage that gets six to eight hours of sun. Botanical Name: Spirea spp. Sun Exposure: Full, partial Soil Type: Sandy, clay, moist, well-drained Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0) USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8 Growth Rate: 24 inches per year Spirea is easy to grow because it adapts to many different soil types, doesn't require special care, and grows quickly. Give the shrub full sun, though it will also grow in some shade, and don't let the soil get soggy. Pink or white flowers emerge from blue-green or chartreuse foliage that changes color in the fall. Prune after the spring bloom and enjoy a rebloom later in the summer. Read the original article on Southern Living
