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Hello fellow Earthlings and welcome to the vineyard. In this special discussion we will be discovering the amazing evolution taking place in the production of table wines for the general public. This transformation is not only happening in the famous wine regions of California, but is also gaining momentum in France, Chile, Australia, as well as many of the other wine growing areas of the United States. Today there are more than 400 organic wine grape producers registered around the world, including some very influential French and American wineries.
The proprietors of Maison Chapoutier in the Rhone Valley in France and Topolos in the Russian River region of California have been proponents of organic viticulture (grape production) for some time, and they produce some incredible wines. These pioneers, along with a growing number of vineyards are continuing to discover that using natural (biodynamic) and organic practices is allowing them to grow superior grapes while supporting nature
instead of fighting her. As new information comes out regarding pesticide residues in food and the impact of these pesticides on soil quality and the environment, food producers, and wineries are attempting to reverse this trend. This increasing trend toward environmental and ecological responsibility has produced some very pleasant results. Award winning wines without the use of potentially harmful pesticide residues.
By using a combination of age-old practices and new technologies, organic vineyards are popping up all over the place. Just like organic farms. The producers of our foods have gotten the message from us. As our intolerance of poisons in our food grows, we get listened to. It takes a while for the larger producers to clue in to what the public wants, but now it's become clear. We don't want poisons in our food supply any longer. The most valuable benefit of this trend toward organic farming is that the environment is respected and nurtured. Rivers become cleaner, fish and wildlife return and are healthy, and our air quality is improved. This
trend of stewardship of the land is ever increasing, and you, the consumer is the reason why this is happening. Like any other thing worth while, this movement started small and has grown bigger by over 20% each year for some time now. Organic wines are a product of this movement.
By practicing integrated pest management (the use of beneficial insects) and other cultural methods to protect their grapes, these growers have been able make wine without any pesticide residues. These growers use methods much like the ones we discuss in my columns regarding the soil as well. Mulching and composting are practiced by organic viticulturists for weed control and to conserve water. Runoff of irrigation water into streams, oceans, and other bodies of water are eliminated as well. The environmental impact of farming is minimized by these practices in favor of the natural processes that nature had perfected long before the invention of
agricultural chemicals.
Organic wines are also gaining respect among connoisseurs of wine as well. The quality of these wines has been getting some notice at wine competitions as well. Several of the organic wines that are commercially available at your local wine shop are consistently winning awards at a number of important wine tasting events. Some important work is being done with Cabernets, Zinfandels, Merlots, and Bordeaux wines. The organic white wines are also getting a lot of attention. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, produced organically, have begun to find their way into the mainstream along with the organic red wines. This acceptance into the elite and difficult to enter society of wine enthusiasts is evidence of the superior taste and character of these organic wines.
If you are interested in finding out more about organic wines, where they are available, and if your favorite grapes are being grown organically I have a contact for you. Give Mr. Keith White at Independent Wine Sales a call at 760.439.0818 or fax you inquiries to the same number. Keith is an expert in organic wines and can give you valuable information on chemistry-free wines. I drink them and enjoy the fact that I am supporting organic growers aside from the great quality and taste of these naturally produced wines. See you in the Garden!
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