As more people become conscious of what they eat and drink, the demand for cleaner, more sustainable wines has grown rapidly. Among the most talked-about are natural wine and organic wine—but what do these terms really mean?
Are they the same thing? Is one healthier or better tasting? Can a wine be both?
Here’s a straightforward guide to help you understand the key differences (and similarities) between natural wines vs organic wine, and how to choose the one that suits your preferences.
What Is Organic Wine?
Organic wine is made from grapes grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers. The focus is on farming practices that are better for the environment, soil health, and biodiversity.
Key Features of Organic Wine:
- Grapes are certified organic by an official body (e.g., USDA, EU Organic)
- Vineyard practices are strictly regulated
- Sulphites may or may not be added depending on the country
- Typically made in a more traditional winemaking style
- Labels often include the organic certification seal
What Is Natural Wine?
Natural wine types are less about certification and more about philosophy. It’s made using a minimal-intervention approach—both in the vineyard and the cellar. Most natural winemakers follow organic or biodynamic farming, but the emphasis is on what happens during fermentation and bottling.
Key Features of Natural Wine:
- Grapes usually grown organically or biodynamically (but not always certified)
- Fermented with wild/natural yeasts (not commercial strains)
- No additives—no sugar, enzymes, colouring, or lab-cultured yeast
- No or very low added sulphites
- Often unfiltered, resulting in a cloudy appearance or sediment
- Flavors can be funky, wild, or unpredictable
Natural vs. Organic Wine – The Main Differences
| Feature | Organic Wine | Natural Wine |
| Grape Farming | Certified organic methods | Usually organic or biodynamic (not always certified) |
| Additives Allowed | Some (e.g. sulphites, yeasts) | None (or very minimal sulphites) |
| Yeast Type | Commercial or wild | Always wild/native yeasts |
| Filtration & Fining | Common | Rare (often unfiltered) |
| Certification | Yes (regulated) | No (self-defined, no global standard) |
| Flavour Profile | Clean, classic, more predictable | Funky, earthy, sometimes cloudy or spritzy |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Organic Wine if:
- You want a wine made with environmentally responsible practices
- You prefer classic, clean, and predictable flavours
- You want assurance through certification and labelling
- You’re sensitive to sulphites but still want a more traditional wine style
Choose Natural Wine if:
- You enjoy bold, funky, or experimental flavours
- You’re interested in low-intervention, artisan winemaking
- You want to avoid additives, sulphites, or commercial manipulation
- You’re open to unfiltered wines with cloudy appearance or sediment
Can a Wine Be Both Natural and Organic?
Yes—many natural wines are also organic, especially when the winemaker grows their own grapes. However, not all organic wines are natural, because some use conventional winemaking techniques (like lab yeast or fining agents).
Think of it this way:
All natural wines are organic or biodynamic in spirit, but not all organic wines are natural in style.
Whether you choose natural or organic wine, what matters most is transparency, craftsmanship, and taste. Both movements are rooted in respect for the land, cleaner production, and authentic expression.
If you’re new to these styles, start exploring. Try a certified organic Syrah from the Rhône, or a cloudy, wild-fermented pét-nat from a natural winemaker in Italy. Let your palate be your guide.
