Brides- and grooms-to-be, as well as event planners, professional wedding coordinators and venues are becoming increasingly aware of the value of organic products. The dangers of pesticides and hormones together with the exploitation of workers are some of the issues that have influenced this global trend towards safer, healthier foods and beverages. In Australia, organic [...]

Brides- and grooms-to-be, as well as event planners, professional wedding coordinators and venues are becoming increasingly aware of the value of organic products. The dangers of pesticides and hormones together with the exploitation of workers are some of the issues that have influenced this global trend towards safer, healthier foods and beverages. In Australia, organic wines may not be as easy to source as less environmentally-aware ones, but they are certainly available, and just as delicious as any other.

Interestingly, grapes are considered to be one of the most chemically treated fruits on the market today. But, farmers are now moving towards a determination to produce superior, quality wines without compromising on the health and safety of the consumer. Buying these wines, whether at the wine farm, in store or on line, means enjoying some of the world’s finest flavours and qualities.

Organic farming promotes the natural growth of fruit and vegetables with as little processing as possible. The raw material is left practically untouched and unprocessed to maintain the natural integrity of the plant. Organic farming also means that the highest levels of sanitation and hygiene are upheld at all stages of the winemaking process so that pesticides are not necessary. Instead of keeping the plants absolutely free of any insects, though, organic wine farmers support the trend towards allowing certain organisms to clean their growing vines of other viruses, bacteria and organisms that may be harmful to them. Organic vines are grown in less structured formations and are home to a variety of insects, which help to create healthy ecosystems on and around the vine, thereby balancing the population and, ultimately, ensuring a healthy plant. While these do not look as pristinely perfect as non-organic vineyards, they exude a natural beauty of their own.

Organic vines grow thick and strong, yielding a superior quality grape in comparison to their non-organic counterparts. This means a better flavour that has more integrity.

Instead of simply leaving the vines to grow unkempt and unaided, they are fertilised with compost and manure. Farmers also make use of cover crops, such as legumes. The organic vine then hosts the other plants and the organisms that they introduce. These protect the vine from harmful organisms. This symbiotic relationship is the secret to the success of organic farming.

Any wine farm that claims to be organic has to undergo various processes, fulfilling specific criteria before they qualify as an organic farm. Their soil, plants, ingredients, transport, packaging and even the receiving and dispatching of equipment and products will be evaluated carefully.

As demand for this healthy alternative increases, wine farmers and key players in the Australian wine industry will be obliged to pursue organic measures. Engaged couples, event planners and caterers wanting to opt for organic wines should look for the following Australian wine labels:

• Avonmore Estate
• Battle of Bosworth
• Botobolar
• Cape Jaffa
• Captains Creek
• Happs
• Hochkirch
• Kalleske
• Krinklewood
• LedaSwan
• Macquariedale
• Organic Vignerons
• Random Valley Organic
• Rees Miller
• Robinvale
• Rosnay
• Settlers Ridge
• Tamburlaine
• Temple Bruer
• Thistle Hill
• Western Range
• Wild Fox Wines

Photo Credit: Life123