As we navigate the evolving trends within the hospitality industry, a striking rise in the demand for organic and biodynamic wines has become clear. Our sales purchasing teams report a rise in requests for and sales of sustainably sourced offerings across the country. In this article, we highlight the merits of working with organic wines and recommend integrating more sustainable offerings into your menu to meet the needs of a growing market.

What is Organic Wine?

Organic wine is produced from grapes grown without the use of chemical intervention. Organic methods prohibit synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides, favouring natural deterrents against pests and diseases such as natural manure, cover crops, hedges and increasing biodiversity. This strategy leads to healthier soil, better water conservation and a thriving ecosystem within and around the vineyard.

What is Biodynamic Wine?

Biodynamic farming builds on the principles of organic farming. This holistic approach views the vineyard as a self-sustaining ecosystem, in sync with the planets and stars. Biodynamic farmers, with a focus on promoting soil fertility and biodiversity, align vineyard activities with the lunar and cosmic cycles and utilise natural remedies such as composts and herbal infusions.

Advantages of Organic and Biodynamic Wines

There is a health and an environmental benefit that comes with the switch to environmentally friendly wines. Ultimately, they provide a healthier alternative for your customers, with reduced traces of chemical residues, reducing any associated health risk.

From an environmental perspective, the adoption of organic and biodynamic practices champions soil health and biodiversity, fostering a balanced ecosystem and protecting the land for future generations. Purchasing organic is especially prevalent among younger generations, especially Millennials and Generation Z, who have shown a heightened awareness of health, environmental issues and sustainable practices.

Considerations

Despite the impressive benefits, there are a number of factors to bear in mind once you decide to integrate organic and biodynamic wines into your menu.

There is limited choice available compared to conventional wines, especially from regions where these practices are rare e.g. Champagne and Germany. However, each year, production of organic wine is increasing as technology develops and learning is gained.

It is also worth mentioning that producers operating on a small scale, may lack the time or resources required to navigate the certification process. Producers in our portfolio like Alexandre Burgaud (Beaujolais), Bodega Valdesil (Valdeorras), work using organic methods and may decide to explore certification in the future. A lack of certification on these labels by no means makes them less low intervention in their creation or philosophy.

Lastly, educating staff on the merits of organic and biodynamic wines will help drive sales for your business. To support this, we offer bespoke wine training to equip your team with the unique features, production methods and environmental benefits of these wines. This empowers them to effectively convey the value of these unique wine selections to your guests.

Our Diverse Portfolio

The rise of organic and biodynamic wines isn’t showing any signs of slowing and we always aim to support our customers in the face of change. Our diverse portfolio is ready to meet the rising demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly wines. Recognising the importance of these wines and their unique benefits allows you to curate thoughtful selections, providing your guests with innovative and environmentally conscious options. Embracing this green trend not only aligns your business with the values of eco-aware consumers but also bolsters your reputation as a responsible and forward-thinking player in the hospitality industry.

Check out our range of organic and biodynamic wines here.

Contact details

Martin Fagan

 086 810 0082
 martin-fagan@classicdrinks.com
Web www.classicdrinks.com