Finding a new favourite wine or trying something different isn’t always easy - especially when purchasing online. Most people prefer to try before they buy. But with the convenience of online shopping, everything is a simple click or two away. You don’t want to sacrifice quality, and it’s important to trust you’re spending money on wine you’ll enjoy.
With the wealth of options at our fingertips, how do you know the right one for your taste buds? Wine is a pretty personal product. That’s why we’ve created this guide to arm you with the knowledge to make the best choice.
After all, buying organic wine online should be an easy and satisfying experience.
Let’s get started.
1. Make Sure it’s Certified Organic Wine
The environmental impact of pesticides on our land and wildlife is now well documented. Along with the shift to more health-conscious products, more consumers are switching to certified organic and paying a premium for sustainable and ethically made products.
But if you’re paying more for organic and small-batch wine, you want it to be better than good!
Unfortunately, some brands use the word ‘organic’ without living up to the strict standards. You can avoid this by ensuring you’re buying certified organic wine. Certified Organic products are closely monitored and strictly assessed, making their claims accurate, genuine, and factual.
If the winery is certified organic they must follow strict rules in regard to additives and preservatives.
Check the label for:
Third-party certification - in Australia, the NASAA Certification or ACO Certification Limited (ACOCL) logo must be used
The list of ingredients and avoid anything with synthetic sulphates eg: preservative 220, preservative 224, SO2 or potassium metabisulphite. Sulphur is a permitted input in organic wine but only in very limited quantities, approximately 25% of conventional wines. At these levels, it’s mostly indiscernible and not an issue
The fine print - some labels are misleading. Read the label and look for the certification mark from a registered certifier, including the “bud logo” from Australian Certified Organic
Copper and Di-ammonium phosphate, not mentioned on the label, are often additions used in conventional wines and these are not allowed under the strict organic standards
Our wines and ciders are Certified Organic by NASAA. Their logo and our certification number are on our website and products.
2. Get to Know the Maker
While it’s always nice to meet the maker, you can still buy online and learn about the producer and their practices. A reputable organic winemaker is transparent about their farming and winemaking methods, and their commitment to organic practices.
Some wineries will even surpass Certified Organic requirements and adopt additional sustainable or biodynamic practices.
Tips:
Read the About page to get to know the winemaker, their story and practices
Visit the website and research detailed information about the products you’re interested in and organic farming processes
Look for organic wine reviews from reputable sources such as Google My Business and social media platforms. Online platforms, wine critics and fellow wine enthusiasts often have insights into the quality and taste of organic wines to help you make an informed decision
Check the FAQ and resources page to educate yourself about the winery, brand values and questions about organic wine
At Mountford Wines and Tangletoe Cidery, we follow strict organic wine standards and carefully consider the soil, climate, and beneficial bugs to partner with nature and create unique, superior-quality wines.
3. Navigate the Wine Aisle
One of the challenges of buying wine online is that you miss the opportunity to taste it. But there are ways to identify a quality organic wine using other people’s experiences and knowing what you already like (or don’t).
Navigate the online wine aisle by:
Reading ratings to find out which options are the most popular
Picking a bottle based on what you already like eg: love a light red? Then start with an organic Pinot Noir
Visiting local wineries and shops, especially ones that offer tastings to get a taste of what’s out there
Considering the occasion eg: there’s nothing quite like curling up on the couch with a glass of quality full-bodied red, a cosy blanket and a movie in the cooler months
Taking the time to work out what types you like
Working out what’s important to you eg: if you’re moving to health-conscious wines, start with something light and fresh. Our favourite is the preservative-free sparkling organic wine - it’s simple, light and incredibly delicious
4. Support Local and Independent Producers
If you’re after high-quality, sustainable, small-batch wines, buying local is always best. Supporting local organic wine producers is a great way to encourage sustainability and enjoy unique varieties.
When buying organic wine online consider:
Purchasing from boutique wineries that prioritise sustainable farming and winemaking practices
Exploring local wine regions to discover new organic and biodynamic options
Buying direct from the producer either in-store or online to support small businesses and ensure the authenticity of the product
If you’re unsure where to start, feel free to contact us before you shop online, and we can help you decide. Share your favourite picks in the comments below!
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