Is Wine Good for Your Health? A Comparison of Organic and Conventional Wines

France has been experiencing a slight but steady decline in wine consumption in recent years. This decline is potentially attributed to public health messaging about alcohol consumption, which is necessary for many aspects of health. In response, some scientists remind us that wine, when consumed in moderation, offers numerous health benefits.

It’s important to remember that wine contains tannins (similar to tea) and is produced through a fermentation process. In this context, organic wine is gaining undeniable popularity and attracting an increasingly broad audience seeking healthier options for both personal health and the environment. But is organic wine truly better for your health compared to conventional wine?

Fundamental Differences Between Organic and Conventional Wine

This growing interest in organic wine  (or champagne)is due to the promise of the organic label. So, what does this label really signify? An organic wine is simply a wine produced using viticulture and winemaking practices that adhere to organic certification standards. The key difference between this label and conventional wine is the restriction to only organic pesticides and inputs.

Conventional wines may be produced from grapes treated with chemical pesticides or adjusted during winemaking with chemical additives. Have you ever experienced a significant headache after drinking only a few glasses? The culprit is often not the grape itself but inappropriate use of additives, particularly sulfites. Indeed, high-yield wines (those made from large quantities of average-quality grapes) are more likely to require chemical adjustments to be marketable. However, not all conventional wines are necessarily packed with chemicals. Choosing organic wine ensures that you avoid such additives.

Does Organic Wine Avoid Fertilizers, Pesticides, and Sulfites?

The short answer is no. Organic wine should not be confused with more "radical" wines such as biodynamic, natural, or S.A.I.N.S (without any additives or added sulfites) wines. Organic wine still uses fertilizers, pesticides, and sulfites. The difference is that the fertilizers and pesticides used are organic rather than chemical. Additionally, the organic label limits the amount of sulfites allowed, although wines free from sulfites are quite rare. Only S.A.I.N.S wines are completely free of these additives.

Moderate Wine Consumption and Health Benefits

Given the list of authorized phytosanitary products in conventional agriculture, the conclusion may seem clear. Conventional wine, produced with chemical pesticides, might appear to be a less healthy option. However, this is not entirely straightforward. Studies on the health effects of dietary components are complex due to the many influencing factors. Moreover, a long list of authorized products does not necessarily mean that all are used in conventional wines.

Preliminary studies suggest that organic wine might be less carcinogenic and cause fewer adverse effects (such as migraines, digestive issues, sinusitis, rhinitis, asthma, fatigue, and skin irritations). It may be worth exploring organic options, especially for your daily wine choices. In small quantities, wine offers vasodilator, anti-aggregant, and antioxidant benefits that can be good for the heart and overall health.