Nutrition: This vs. That // Organic vs. Biodynamic Wines

When trying to explore a healthier lifestyle one thing that I knew I had to try was organic wine. It seemed to make the most sense—if one is eating organic, then you will start to become more conscious of everything else you put in your body. And let’s be serious, alcohol can be a major component of many people’s lives. In today’s world, the average consumer is able to find organic and biodynamic wines on many restaurant and bar menus due to the inevitable popularity of it. Because of the mainstream interest, many vineyards are becoming more conscientious in farming habits: becoming organic, or what is called biodynamic, in their production. The difference between the organic and biodynamic vineyards is that organic wines are grown without the aid of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides or herbicides.

If the wine is “100% Organic”, it is made from 100% organic ingredients, and carries the Organic label containing no added sulfites. If the wine is simply labeled as “Organic”, it is typically made from 95% organic ingredients with 5% of it non-organic. If it is listed as “Made With Organic Ingredients”, it is only 70% organic. Sustainable wineries essentially try to use less chemicals and are mindful of responsible farming. But that doesn’t make them organic, just conscientious. Biodynamic wines are organic as well, but the growing involves so much more. These vineyards employ a farming technique called Biodynamics, which is the highest form of organic farming. It is more than just not using chemicals; it incorporates the environment in and around the vineyard and works with holistic principles. It emphasizes the balance of the soil, plants and animals as a self-nourishing system. Biodynamics goes beyond organic with the additions of particular preparations and even the use of an astronomical sowing and planting calendar.

Organic and biodynamic wine growers don’t feed the plants themselves, but rather they feed the soil the plants grow from through the use of compost, cover crops, and in the case of biodynamics—with specific biodyanimic preparations as noted previously.

Try converting to this type of wine when indulging, see if you can taste the difference and feel a difference in your body. Know that when consuming alcohol it is better to drink in moderation, so stick to only a glass or two to ensure total and complete health.