Wine is a product of natural processes, but there are many opportunities for winemakers to influence its development – or not.

Organic
This means what you would expect: no pesticides, herbicides, artificial fertilizers, but the exact regulations vary by region. Many European wines are organic, but do not label their wine as such. In the United States, you can have organically grown grapes, but to qualify for the label, “organic wine,” no sulfites can be added. The Tuscan vineyards of producer Pietramora are 100% certified organic. 

Sustainable
This approach complements an organic winery with the addition of composting, recycled water, the placement of plants to attract insects or deter pests, and the introduction of favorable predators. Sustainable refers to the process of winemaking rather than the end product.

Biodynamic
This approach takes organic and sustainable to a metaphysical level with all planting, pruning and harvesting dictated by cycles of the moon, constellations and planets. At first blush it seems unusual, but biodynamic techniques are regularly practiced in every major wine-growing region. Like organics, there are variations in practice and some winemakers employ techniques, but do not seek certification.

Natural
This approach is the least common. The vineyards are organic, sustainable, and biodynamic, but with minimal human contact. Natural wine has nothing added, nothing removed. The result is as close as we can get to the wine from millennia past, albeit a little dirty, cloudy, and complex.

Of course, techniques and approaches alone don’t make the wine, it’s the vineyard, the quality of the fruit and the skill of the winemaker. And ultimately your preference.