Organic, biodynamic, natural wine: what's the difference?
Organic, biodynamic, natural, no added sulphites, vegan… Labels carry more and more claims. What they really guarantee, and what they don't say.
Updated 24 October 2026
Organic wine: an EU rulebook
Since 2012, "organic wine" has been defined by EU regulation, from vineyard to cellar. In the vineyard: no synthetic fertilisers or pesticides. In the cellar: a shorter list of permitted additives, and lower maximum sulphite levels than for conventional wine (for example 100 mg/l for a dry red, against 150 mg/l). The EU organic logo (the green leaf of stars) guarantees it, with the certification body's code.
Biodynamics: organic, and beyond
Biodynamics starts from organic and adds natural preparations (based on plants, manure or silica) and a calendar that follows nature's rhythms. It is certified by private bodies such as Demeter or Biodyvin. Supporters see a livelier vineyard; its effects are debated, but it always implies organic farming.
Natural wine: minimal intervention
There is no EU definition of natural wine. The idea: organic grapes, hand-picked, native yeasts, no additives and little or no sulphites. In France, the "Vin méthode nature" designation, recognised since 2020, frames these practices. These wines can be wonderful… or less predictable: their taste sometimes surprises (cider notes, cloudiness).
"No added sulphites"
Fermentation naturally produces some sulphites, so a wine is never entirely free of them. The statement "contains sulphites" is compulsory above 10 mg/l. Wines without added sulphites are more fragile: keep them cool.
And vegan wine?
Some wines are clarified (fined) with animal proteins such as egg white or casein. A vegan wine uses plant-based or mineral alternatives, or is not fined.
How to find your way
- The EU organic logo is the only official guarantee; claims such as "sustainable" or "natural" without a logo commit to nothing.
- A winemaker can farm organically without being certified: ask them, it is often on their sheet or website.
- Organic doesn't mean better-tasting: it is a way of farming. Pleasure is judged by tasting.
To taste before choosing, join our tastings, and learn how to taste wine.
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