Wine and Dine with Organic Wine!
Posted by Green Weddings | Filed under Green Wedding Ideas
Some wedding elements are more difficult than others to be eco-friendly. However, your wine decision is an easy way to go green with your wedding!
Think about it, the taste and quality of the wine served to all of your guests is always a crucial decision, but not many of us know that organic will actually produce some of the best tasting and quality wine. Before I lend some organic wine suggestions, here is a small tutorial of what organic wine really means.
According to the USDA Definition for Organic food is as follows: “Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; petroleum-based fertilizers or sewage sludge-based fertilizers; bio-engineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled “organic,” a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards.” Read more
What does that mean? Basically all you need to know is that there are three variations of ‘organic’ wine:
100% organic: These wines are produced with grapes that are certified 100% organically grown and do not have any added sulfites.
Just ‘Organic’ – Refers to wines that have at least 95% of their ingredients from certified organic sources. These wines may have an additional 100 ppm of sulfur dioxide added to them.
Made with Organic Grapes – Refers to wines that have at least 70% of their grapes from organic sources. These wines may have sulfur dioxide added as well. *wine info from Stacy Slinkard, About.com
Now don’t get me wrong, any of these organic variations are better than nothing at all! Keep in mind, because of harsh conditions, unfertile the soil and nasty insects, grapes are one of the most chemically sprayed produce out there today. However, I would like to share a few organic vineyards that create wonderful wine without harmful pesticides.
The Organic Wine Company proudly displays organic in their title. This company offers a number of imported French wines. Like many organic conscious wine connoisseurs, this company is based off of a long tradition. Véronique, the founder of Organic Wine Company, states, “For more than 200 years, my family has grown grapes and made wine on our St. Chinian property, Château Bousquette, in the South of France. In 1970, our grandfather, a retired professor of medicine, decided to devote his “Golden Years” to the family estate. He studied and experimented, seeking better, healthier ways of growing grapes and making wine. In 1972, he began cultivating our 50 acres of vineyards organically.” Véronique even selects the wines they offer for the Wine of the Month Club that would make a wonderful gift!
Lolonis Winery really gives a new perspective on organic wine. The wine wizards at this vineyard don’t label it as organic, they claim “This is no accident. In our experience, the organic winemaking methodology makes a wine that is unstable, and its quality is often suspect. Quality is the highest priority at Lolonis. We stake our well-earned reputation on it” (Lolonis Winery). 
What I think is great about Lolonis Winery is their deep appreciation for the ladybug! It’s the ladybug that keeps away harmful insects, there is no need for pesticides.
My third pick as helpful in times of economic crisis! Trader Joe’s defies a common misconception that organic wine is expensive. Trader Joe’s offers an inexpensive organic chardonnay. Read here for more information about that TJ’s wine.
The right wine can really enhance your guests overall dining experience for your wedding guests. So, no matter if you want a French wine, 100% organic, or something not too expensive these variations organic is the way to go green!!
Tags: Add new tag, eco friendly wine, go gree with wine, organic drinks, organic grapes, organic wine, usda
