In recent years, natural wine has evolved from an obscure niche to a global movement embraced by sommeliers, chefs, and wine lovers alike. But what exactly is natural wine? How is it made, and what makes it different from organic or biodynamic wines? Whether you’re a curious drinker or an eco-conscious foodie, this guide is your one-stop introduction to the exciting, unpredictable, and soulful world of natural wine.
🍇 What Is Natural Wine?
At its core, natural wine is wine made with as little human intervention as possible. It is produced using organically grown grapes (often hand-harvested) and is fermented with native yeasts. In the cellar, winemakers avoid additives and excessive manipulations: no commercial yeasts, no enzymes, no flavour corrections, no fining, and often no filtration.
Many natural wines are also made with little to no added sulfur (SO2), a common preservative in conventional winemaking. The goal is to preserve the living energy and true character of the grape, soil, and season.
Natural wine is:
- Made from organic or biodynamic grapes
- Fermented with indigenous yeasts
- Produced with minimal or no additives
- Rarely filtered or fined
- Sometimes cloudy, always expressive
It’s not about chasing perfection. It’s about celebrating authenticity.
🌿 In the Vineyard: Organic Farming & Beyond
Natural wine begins in the vineyard. While there is no single legal definition of natural wine, most producers adhere to strict organic or biodynamic farming principles.
Key practices include:
- No synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers
- Use of cover crops and biodiversity to enhance soil health
- Hand-harvesting to avoid damaging grapes and soil
- Small yields that concentrate flavour and reflect terroir
Some producers go beyond organic to embrace biodynamics, a holistic agricultural philosophy that treats the vineyard as a living organism. Biodynamic farming includes composting, planting according to lunar cycles, and applying special herbal preparations to promote microbial life.
Whether organic or biodynamic, the guiding principle is respect for nature.
🍷 In the Winery: Low-Intervention Winemaking
Once the grapes arrive at the winery, natural winemaking takes a hands-off approach.
The process typically involves:
- Spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts (no inoculation)
- No added sugar, acids, enzymes, or tannins
- Minimal sulfite addition, if any (some winemakers add a small dose at bottling)
- No fining or filtration, allowing wine to retain texture and sediment
The result is often a wine that is alive, evolving, and full of character. It may be cloudy, it may have fizz, and yes, it may taste funky. But it’s honest.
🆚 Natural vs Organic vs Biodynamic vs Conventional Wines
The wine world is full of labels. Let’s break down the differences.
Conventional Wine: Most supermarket wines fall into this category. Grapes may be sprayed with chemicals, and winemaking can involve up to 70+ additives (like artificial colour, commercial yeasts, powdered tannins, acidifiers, and more).
Organic Wine: Certified organic wines must be made from grapes grown without synthetic chemicals. In the US, the label also means no added sulfites. In Europe, a small amount of SO2 is permitted.
Biodynamic Wine: A stricter form of organic farming, biodynamics follows spiritual and ecological principles laid out by Rudolf Steiner. Certification is through Demeter or Biodyvin.
Natural Wine: No official certification, but commonly overlaps with organic or biodynamic farming. Involves native yeast fermentation and minimal intervention in the cellar. The focus is on transparency and authenticity.
🌍 Why Natural Wine Matters
Natural wine is more than a trend. It’s a cultural, agricultural, and ethical statement.
For consumers:
- Fewer chemicals and no additives = fewer headaches (literally)
- Greater diversity of flavour and style
- Transparent labelling and connection to origin
For the environment:
- Regenerative farming practices improve soil health
- No toxic runoff into waterways
- Encourages biodiversity and carbon capture
For communities:
- Supports small-scale producers and family farms
- Preserves traditional winemaking methods
- Encourages local economies and craft revival
These wines represent a shift from industrial agriculture to regenerative culture.
🌟 Notable Natural Wine Producers & Iconic Bottles
Natural wine is a global phenomenon, with outstanding producers in every corner of the winemaking world. Here are some to know:
France:
- Jean Foillard (Beaujolais) – Morgon wines that are elegant and pure
- Pierre Overnoy (Jura) – Pioneer of oxidative Savagnin and zero-sulfur vin jaune
- Clos Lentiscus (Catalonia) – Stunning sparkling wines from Mediterranean soils
Italy:
- Frank Cornelissen (Etna, Sicily) – Iconic for volcanic Nerello Mascalese wines
- Radikon (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) – Orange wines with deep maceration
- Arianna Occhipinti (Sicily) – Feminine, earthy reds and thoughtful viticulture
Georgia:
- Tilisma (Kakheti) – Qvevri wines made in ancient style
- Baia’s Wines – Known for stable Tsitska, Tsolikouri, Krakhuna wines, not too heavy
Australia:
- Lucy Margaux – Provocative and playful wines from the Adelaide Hills
United States:
- Martha Stoumen (California) – Low-alcohol, sun-soaked, joyful wines
- La Garagista (Vermont) – Alpine, farm-driven wines with a poetic touch
These producers often have cult followings and limited availability. They’re best enjoyed with good bread, funky cheese, and great conversation.
🍇 Natural Wine Fairs & Events
One of the best ways to explore natural wine is by attending a dedicated fair. These events bring together winemakers, importers, and fans for tastings, panels, and parties.
Major natural wine fairs around the world:
- RAW WINE (London, New York, Berlin, LA): Curated by Isabelle Legeron MW
- La Dive Bouteille (Saumur, France): The OG natural wine fair in the Loire
- Les Vins Vivants (France): Celebrates living wines from small growers
- Glou Glou Fest (Australia): Funky and fun down under
- Wine Call (Ukraine): A rising gathering spotlighting Central & Eastern European natural wines
Most events are open to both professionals and consumers. Many also include music, food pairings, and workshops.
🍷 How to Enjoy Natural Wine
- Keep an open mind: Some bottles might be surprising or unusual.
- Serve slightly chilled: Red or orange wines can benefit from a light chill.
- Decant when needed: Letting a wine breathe can open up hidden dimensions.
- Pair boldly: Natural wines love vegetables, spices, and fermented flavours.
- Drink within a few days: These wines are often unfiltered and delicate.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Buzz
Natural wine is alive: in the glass and in the culture that surrounds it. It tells stories of soil, season, and soul. Whether cloudy or clear, fizzy or flat, it demands that you taste, not just drink. That you think, not just sip.
If wine is about pleasure and connection, natural wine simply takes us closer to the source.
Welcome to the world of living wines. Raise your glass to nature.
P.S. I’d also recommend you have a look at my popular post about 5 Myths of Natural Wines.
By Dito
Restaurateur. Wine Expert & Educator (dipWSET). Flexitarian Chef. Senior Marketer. Entrepreneur.
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