What to Look For

Not long ago, connoisseurs scoffed at organic wines, after early experiments produced some less than appealing results. But concerns about the environmental and health effects of synthetic fertilizers and vineyard pesticides have led many growers to go organic or biodynamic, and, not least because of methods that enrich the soil, many of these vintages have first-rate quality and taste.

Third Party Certification

Organic: Certified Organic wines are made entirely of organic ingredients and processed without synthetic agents. Organic wine producers claim that it helps produce flavorful wines: Flourishing soil microorganisms and careful attention to the health of the vines, they claim, make a great contribution to taste. Organic wines contain no added sulfites (though some may exist in the wine naturally), which make them better for those with sulfite allergies.

Wines labeled "made with organic grapes" must be made from certified organic grapes but don't adhere to the same rigorous processing standards.

Biodynamic: Biodynamic agriculture is an approach to farming that emphasizes the relationships between soil, plants, animals and astrological elements (for instance, planting crops according to the lunar calendar). Like organic, biodynamic farming restricts the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and promotes responsible farming practices, such as implementing energy saving techniques and preserving high-value conservation areas like rain forests.

"LIVE" and "Salmon Safe": LIVE, the "Low Input Viticulture and Enology" label currently certifies vineyards in Oregon and Washington that utilize natural resources like native insects and pest-deterring plants to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides. "Salmon Safe," another certification applied to vineyards in the Northwest, ensures that farmers use agricultural practices, such as planting trees, growing cover crops and applying natural pest control methods, that don't harm salmon habitats.

Shopping Tips

• Support local wineries. Farmer's markets frequently offer local vintages that showcase the unique flavor, or terroir, of a region's soil and climate.

• On dinner outings with large groups of people, order a magnum to reduce packaging and the fossil fuels required to ship heavy wine bottles.

• Buy wine in boxes. Despite their reputation, boxed wines are lighter to ship (reducing fossil fuels), and their contents generally last longer (up to four weeks) than wine in bottles.

• Glass bottles with screw caps have a longer shelf life than those with corks.