The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Wines 2024
Whether a glass at the end of the day or as an accompaniment to a dinner party, wine is the natural beverage of choice for many.
A red can be mulled to warm us in winter, a chilled glass of white ideal for a summer’s picnic, and the sparkling variety perfect to toast a special occasion.
But, like many things that we consume, wine can have an adverse effect on the environment.
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Let's explore the sustainability of wine, learn about the sustainability certification process in wine production, and explore some of the best eco-friendly choices for wine lovers.
This post does contain some affiliate links which means The Honest Consumer will receive a commission if you decide to purchase, however, at no additional cost to you!
The Environmental Impact of Wine
While we may often consider the environmental impact that coffee or meat have, wine does not come to mind as quickly.
That’s likely because the wine industry is a low-emitting sector – but that’s not to say it has zero impact on the planet.
Vineyard and winery activities contribute to the industry’s environmental footprint, as land use can impact biodiversity; toxic chemicals like pesticides and synthetic fertilizers contaminate air and impact the soil health, and water is needed to irrigate vineyards and hose down tanks, barrels, and floors.
The process of alcoholic fermentation necessary to make wine generates carbon dioxide, creating a carbon footprint.
The carbon footprint is increased due to emissions related to the usual, everyday running that many industries face such as heating, ventilation, and lighting.
However, the wine industry’s largest impact comes from packaging and distribution, with the method of transportation having a greater impact than the distance traveled. The vessel the wine comes in also has an impact.
Glass bottles may be more recyclable and reusable than cartons or plastic but their weight contributes more to carbon emissions during transportation. Producing glass is also more energy-intensive.
Consumption plays a role too in how we dispose of bottles, along with non-recyclable or non-reusable bits and pieces like corks, labels, and foils.
What is Sustainable Wine?
To counteract or at least decrease environmental impacts, winemakers and consumers are pursuing greener paths by adopting eco-conscious and sustainable habits.
Not only are consumers increasingly seeking greener options, but it’s in the winemakers’ best interest, as climate change – exacerbated by humans’ heavy carbon footprint – impacts the industry.
Sustainable winemaking practices include implementing water- and energy-saving practices and limiting or avoiding the use of toxic chemicals. By working with and protecting the land, winemakers protect the environment and their own livelihoods.
They’re also looking after the health and safety of their employees and surrounding communities, which is just as significant because fair and responsible social practices are a cornerstone of sustainability.
Sustainable Wine-Growing Practices
To ensure sustainable practices, winegrowers work with the land, creating a healthy, thriving environment for the vines as well as for birds, insects, and other animals.
Measures include creating wildlife corridors and sowing cover crops, as well as using organic mulch and biocontrol plants, negating or reducing the need for toxic chemicals.
Dry farming, in which no irrigation is used but rainfall is depended on instead, decreases water use.
Italy, France, Spain, and the United States are the leading wine producers in the world, with countries like Chile, Portugal, and South Africa also widely renowned for their wine.
All these regions are leaders in sustainable wine-making particularly Porto in Portugal; the Canary Islands in Spain; Champagne, France, and the Western Cape in South Africa.
In the United States, both the Napa and Sonoma Valleys have become leaders in sustainability, with reports that 99% of vineyard acreage in Sonoma is certified sustainable.
But when it comes to sustainable wine, it doesn’t stop with the vineyards. Once the wine is manufactured, packaging and distribution need to be considered too.
Some solutions include transporting wine in bulk in stainless steel containers and then bottling it close to point of sale as opposed to at the source.
Less glass means less weight which equates to fewer carbon emissions.
Organic Wine and Biodynamic Wines
With sustainable practices often limiting or avoiding the use of toxic chemicals, this may imply the wine is organic.
However, there is a distinction between organic wine and wine made with organic grapes (sometimes known as organically-farmed wine).
Wine made with organic grapes means the grapes were grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides. However, the process of making the wine may not be organic. With certified organic wine, both the grape growing and winemaking processes are organic. This means no synthetic fertilizers have been used, sulfites are not added to the wine, and certified organic yeast is used. Organic wine is usually certified by the USDA and free of sulfites.
There’s also what’s known as biodynamic wine, which is a trademarked term, with certification gained through the Demeter Association, Inc. To be considered biodynamic, associations standards must be practiced, such as regenerative farming and the use of natural pest control.
Biodynamic wine may be made with organic grapes, but sometimes still contains sulfites.
Biodynamic farming practices typically go beyond the organic practices and looks at the local ecosystem as a whole including healthy soil, air quality, land stewardship, water management, protecting wildlife habitat, how the growing practices will impact future generations, and more.
Is Sustainable Wine Healthier?
Wine, especially red wine, has certain health benefits, as it contains powerful antioxidants.
If the wine is grown and made organically, the presence of toxic chemicals is also reduced or eliminated, which is not only better for your health, but that of workers and surrounding communities who would otherwise be exposed to these.
Since sulfites are usually absent or reduced in organic wine, it can be better for you if you have a sensitivity to sulfites.
However, sustainable wine is not necessarily organic and vice versa and conventional wines can still provide some of the same health benefits.
The key to healthy wine is ultimately, drinking in moderation.
How to Find Sustainable Wine
The consumer cannot be left out of the equation, since the wine we choose to consume (and how much of it) can impact the environment and our health. Here are a few things to consider when shopping for sustainable wine.
Sustainable Wine Third-party Certifications
These wine certifications are in place for the wine industry to assess farming and winemaking practices, as well as how they fit into the community. A few certification examples include the following.
While certification can be a plus, you do not have to live and die by this rule.
Many smaller winegrowers grow their grapes organically because they’ve been doing so for years but don’t have certification because the process can be expensive and create a lot of paperwork for small family owned farms.
Don't be afraid to reach out and ask about a a vineyards social responsibility, environmental stewardship, sustainable wine growing practices, conservation of natural resources, sustainable farming practices, and any other practices that you value.
Shop Local Wines
This is where you need to consider the carbon footprint of transportation.
Avoid bottles transported by air and choose wine that’s traveled the shortest distance.
If you live on the West Coast support your local wineries and purchase their wines.
If you don't live near wineries consider choosing a bottle of wine that has traveled the shortest distance you can find.
Beware of Greenwashing
Especially when it comes to the term natural wine, which is not properly defined or regulated.
Don't be afraid to reach out and ask about a brands eco-friendly farming practices.
Brands that truly care about the greater good will likely have some practices in place, be proud to share them with you, and be grateful you took the time to ask.
8 Sustainable Wine Brands to Try
If you're ready to drink some sustainable wine here are a few great brands to try!
Along with these brands there are also a few wine clubs that focus on sustainable wines including Winc, Organic Wine Exchange, and Dry Farm Wines.
Bonterra’s Certified Climate Neutral Wine
Organically and biodynamically farmed, Bonterra is a California wine that is GMO-free, low-sulfite, and Climate Neutral® Certified.
Their regenerative farming practices include the use of a closed-loop system that incorporates on-farm solutions such as composting and animal grazing.
Bonterra holds zero-waste certification, achieved by recycling as well as composting winery waste.
In addition to these sustainability measures, they also use green energy and source recycled materials for packaging.
Their wines feature an affordable price point ranging from $14-$50.
Consumers can purchase wine in traditional glass bottles or in cans.
I particularly love their sauvignon blanc and am able to purchase this at my local grocery store in Seattle.
Dry Farm Wines Natural Wine Subscription
Dry Farm Wines is a natural wine subscription that sources sustainable wines made with the planet in mind. This includes finding growers who respect Nature, encourage biodiversity, healthy soils, and land preservation.
They also try to support small organic growers by empowering them to continue regenerative farming and teach their neighbors.
Every bottle of Dry Farm Wines features less than 75ppm, is sugar free, is biodynamic/organic, vegan, and features a lower alcohol level.
I’ve ordered a few boxes of wine from Dry Farm Wines and am impressed every time!
Use my referral link to receive an extra bottle of wine in your first shipment for just one penny!
Clos Lentiscus Biodynamic Wine from Spain
Hailing from Spain, Clos Lentiscus offers red, white, and rosé wines with no added sulfites, as well as sparkling wines made with wild yeast.
Their production follows the principles of biodynamic farming, working with the land in the protected area of Parc Del Garraf.
These sustainable wines range from $24-$50.
Biodynamic Austrian Wines by Meinklang
An Austrian wine, Meinklang practices biodynamic farming, making use of cover crops and working with their animals to supply natural fertilizer for their vineyards and fields.
Through their holistic approach to winemaking, they seek to uphold natural ecosystems and protect biodiversity.
Along with creating a home for plants and animals, vines are not pruned but left to grow freely. Discover whites and reds ranging from $19-$45.
The Wonderful Wine Co. Made with Organically Grown Grapes
Low in sugar and made with organic grapes, The Wonderful Wine Co.’s wines are low in sulfites.
The wines are made with organically grown grapes, whoever possible their wines are certified by a accredited third party like California Certified Organic Farmers.
They make use of natural cork and lightweight glass with shipping boxes made from 70% recycled material that is 100% recyclable.
The Wonderful Wine Co.'s wines are naturally low sugar, low carb, keto-friendly, paleo-friendly, and vegan. The Wonderful Wine Co. features a chardonnay, Malvasia (Orange), Tempranillo, Syrah and more.
On their website this great wine is only sold in packs, but if you want to purchase individual bottles check out their wines on Winc.
These bottles range for $17-$18 a bottle.
Proud Pour’s Wine That Gives Back
Proud Pour’s tasty wines and cider support 22 environmental nonprofits protecting bees, soil, wild oysters, sea turtles, and coral reefs.
Always high quality and sustainably grown, their drinks are a celebration of good living and our beautiful planet. sustainable wine lineup includes Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Rosé, and craft cider. Select wines are made with certified organic grapes.
Proud Pour’s wine can be purchased for $15-$20 a bottle.
TERRAMORE SICILIAN SOURCED WINES
TerrAmore organic wines are a little easier to come by for wine enthusiasts because they are frequently found in wine clubs and on organic wine lists.
You can even find these at Total Wine depending on your location.
They are a less expensive Sicilian sourced winery that uses sustainable farming and produces an EU-based organic certification.
Pick up a refreshing Pinot Grigio or a dark Nero D'Avola for $12-$13.
MOTHER’S CHOICE USDA Certified ORGANIC RED WINES
Mother’s Choice is led by a Californian-raised biologist straight from Napa Valley.
This USDA certified brand is great for any red wine enthusiast as they are known for their rich and intense reds including their organic Cabernet Sauvignon, red blend, Syrah, and more.
These wines can be purchased for around $13 a bottle.
HOM BIODYNAMIC WINES
HOM stands for "heart of many" and represents an American company that is focused on producing the best bio-dynamic wines.
This brand goes a step further and focus on how using only the best process and farming protects not only their customers, but also their workers as well.
Made by Robert Eden, one of the world's leading organic winemakers. Robert has been crafting organically grown wine for over 20 years.
Discover their sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, merlot, and more for $13 a bottle.
L’AURATAE
L’Auratae is a private winery in Italy is a little harder to get a full profile from. They have won awards in the past for different vintages, inclsavignon Internationaler Bioweinpreis Silver award for the 2018 vintage and the 2017 vintage.
They are certified EU organic and have frequently been rated high by renowned sommeliers worldwide. Try their rose, Vegan Nero D'Avola, or Vegan Catarratto Pinot Grigio Terre Siciliane for $9-11.
Hopefully this guide helped you gain an understanding of sustainability within the wine industry! Know you know what to look for the next time you are on the wine isle in the grocery store.
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