Eco-Responsible Wine: Organic, Natural, Biodynamic… Which One Should You Choose?

These days, we hear more and more about “eco-responsible” wines: organic, natural, biodynamic… But what really lies behind these labels? Are they just marketing buzzwords, or do they bring real benefits for the environment—and for you, the consumer?

Spoiler alert: there’s truth in it, but also plenty of nuance. Let’s break it down.

• Organic Wine: The Most Common

• Biodynamics: A Holistic Vision

• Natural Wine: The “Purest,” but the Least Regulated

• So, Which One Should You Choose?

• What About our Wines at Hemmingford Winery?

Organic Wine: The Most Common

Organic wine is probably the best-known label. In short, it means:

• No synthetic pesticides or herbicides — only certified organic products

• No chemical fertilizers and no GMOs

• A total sulfite limit of 120 mg/L

• Annual inspections carried out by one of seven accredited organizations

  

The advantages

• Fewer chemical residues → better for your health and for the soil

• Vineyard practices that support biodiversity

• Transparency guaranteed by official certification

The limitations

• In Quebec, only 33 out of 180 vineyards are certified organic (less than 20%).

• Why so few? Because organic farming carries risks: lower yields, pests, diseases, and potential crop losses. It’s a real economic gamble.

• And most importantly: organic is good… but it doesn’t solve everything. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation, vineyard machinery, and glass bottle production remain significant.

Biodynamics: A Holistic Vision

Biodynamic wine is organic… with a spiritual twist. It follows lunar cycles and uses natural preparations (plants, compost, silica) to strengthen the vines.

• Organic certification is required before being biodynamic

• A total sulfite limit of 105 mg/L

• Regular inspections by accredited organizations

  

It’s a more philosophical approach that appeals to those who believe in a global, holistic view of agriculture.

Natural Wine: The “Purest,” but the Least Regulated

Natural wines go a step further:

• No chemical products (though in practice, natural wine can sometimes be made from non-organic grapes)

• No filtration

• Sulfites are almost non-existent — some winemakers add a tiny amount at bottling to stabilize and protect the wine (maximum 30 mg/L in total)

• In theory, no other additives

But beware: there’s no official certification. You have to rely on the producer’s integrity.

So, Which One Should You Choose?

It really depends on what you’re looking for:

• Want something concrete and verifiable? Go for organic.

• Believe in lunar cycles and a holistic approach? Biodynamics might be for you.

• Prefer the least possible intervention? Natural wines will appeal to you.

But don’t forget: the real challenge for the vineyards of tomorrow isn’t just eliminating pesticides—it’s also reducing wine’s carbon footprint (lighter bottles, shorter supply chains, renewable energy in the cellar…).

What About Us?

At Hemmingford Vineyard, we’ve chosen to follow the path of organic. Our first two parcels are pre-certified by EcoCert, and if all goes well, our 2026 cuvées will proudly carry the “organic” seal.

It’s a step in the right direction, though we know there’s still work ahead before wine becomes truly sustainable.

And you — when you choose a bottle, does the organic/natural/biodynamic label influence your decision?