We’re so glad you asked. Organic beverages, similar to other types of organic foods, are generally those made from ingredients cultivated without the use of conventional pesticides, petroleum-based fertilizers, or bio-engineering. For wine, this often applies to the growing process for the grapes. For beer, this means organically farmed barley and hops. And for organic spirits such as vodkas, this means using organically grown rye.
Does a beverage have to be certified organic in order to use the term ‘organic’ on the label?
Yes. While terms like ‘sustainable’ and ‘natural’ can be thrown around rather easily without any meaning, companies have to be certified by one of multiple governing bodies to use the term ‘organic’ on the label. More on that below.
What do those organic certifications on the labels mean?
Organic certifications help protect consumers, and provide peace of mind against ‘green washing’ claims. In the organic beverage industry there are many entities providing certification, including Demeter USA (biodynamic farming), USDA, California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), Oregon Tilth, and Low Input Viticulture and Enology (LIVE).
Are only small, craft producers making organic beverages?
Not anymore. It’s true that many organic wineries, breweries, and distilleries are smaller than their traditional counterparts. Particularly for distilleries, organic ingredients can be more difficult to source in larger quantities. However, many well-known wine producers, such as Fetzer Vineyards, are heavily involved in organics. On the brewer side, beer giant Anheuser Busch has moved into the organic market as well.
What is the difference between an organic and biodynamic wine?
A 100% organic wine is made from grapes farmed without any pesticides or fertilizers, as well as any preservatives added in the actual production process. A wine made from organically farmed grapes must contain at least 70% organic ingredients, with the remainder to come from other agricultural materials, or another ingredient added in production such as yeast. A biodynamic wine is made from grapes that have been farmed following a method that treats the earth and soil as a living organism. This philosophy, first espoused by Austrian Rudolf Steiner in the 1920’s, includes the integration of nature in the winemaking process, including composting, using animals for pest control, and conservation of water. Biodynamic certification is governed by the Demeter Association, which offers individual certifications for both vineyards and the wines themselves.
Are organic wines completely free of sulfites?
No. Sulfites usually occur naturally in winemaking, so nearly all wines contain some sulfites, including those that are organic. Most wines then have sulfites added during the winemaking process, primarily as a preservative, or to provide additional stability. In order to be certified by the USDA as 100% organic, a wine is not permitted to introduce any additional sulfites other than those that occur naturally. However, wines that are made with organically farmed grapes are able to add some additional sulfites during the wine production process.
