Hawkins Holistic

Lately I’ve been all about organic wine, thanks in part to BC Liquor Stores – they now carry a wide selection of organic wines and label their place on the shelf with a distinctive “Organic” tag so they’re easy to locate while perusing the aisles (thanks!). But I’ve been wondering; what’s behind this organic certification? And how, exactly, is choosing an organic vino better for my health & the environment?

I did some research into organic viniculture, and contemplated the findings. Here’s some key facts.

Organic wine is made from organically grown grapes, and therefore is void of toxic pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers and GMOs – just like any certified organic product. If that’s not reason enough, sulphites – a common food allergen widely found in conventional wines to preserve its shelf life – are not added during the winemaking process. Let it be known that an organic wine is quicker to spoil because of the lack of this taste-saving preservative. If you don’t plan on polishing off the bottle in one go, store it in the fridge to maintain freshness for evenings to come.

Grapes are one the largest – if not THE largest – fruit crop on earth. Consider all of those acres of soil, agriculture and grapes that are being treated with dignity and respect thanks to rigorous organic farming practices and regulations. Plant a tree: save the forest? Buy organic wine: save the grapevine?

Now that I’ve successfully convinced you to try organic wine, here’s some buying tips.

If the bottle bears the Organic label and the country of origins organic seal, it must be made from organically grown grapes and cannot have any added sulphites. It may have naturally occurring sulphites, but the total sulphite level must be less than 20 parts per million. If the bottle says, “Made with Organic Grapes” or “Made with Organically Grown Grapes”, this wine must be made from organic grapes BUT it can include added sulphites.

Because I love wine and respect my body and the earth, I will continue to choose organic when I can because it means less harm to the environment and less toxicity in my body. Thankfully the organic certification doesn’t have to mean costly! My trusted brand of organic wine is the Chilean Cono Sur. It has as a price point of around $15 CAD and their wineries produce a Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. The taste will not disappoint!

Happy sipping 🙂

Naturally yours.

Sarah Hawkins, R.H.N.