Posts Tagged ‘touring wineries’

It’s true that chemicals such as pesticides, weed killers, fungicides and fertilizers used in the fields do cling to the grapes and seep into the fruit’s pulp and trace amounts can make it to your wine glass. Typically, as many 18 different chemicals are used on non-organically grown grape crops during the growing cycle. The process of fermentation however breaks down a good portion of them. Still, the use of chemicals does impact health indirectly by disrupting ecosystems and communities. The runoff can contaminate groundwater and harm people and wildlife.

Organic wine consumption has grown by double digits over the past several years, some years as high as 28% (in 2005 to $80 million) with good reason.  One reason is sulfites, which do occur naturally in wines during fermentation, but most producers add more to prolong shelf life. In the US, non-organic wines can contain up to 350ppm (parts per million) of sulfites. This can be enough for those estimated .04% of the population or about a million people that are allergic to them and even those with a low tolerance for sulfates to have adverse reactions such as redness and flushing of the face, burning sensations, hives, cramps, headaches or heartburn.   Organic wines have no sulfites added but can have a natural accruing sulfite count somewhere under 100ppm in all finished products.(I am not sure what the actual number is, I’m finding different ones) Most organic wines contain less than half of that.  There are more and more people coming into Station Plaza Wine and asking us for sulfite free wine. This does not really exist, but they swear that organic or low sulfite wine does not give them that adverse reaction. So we looked into it and expanded our organic selection and it seems to be working well.

Sustainable farming is thought to be the next best thing to organic. This is the practice of using as little outside interference as possible and does not require the added cost, filing and dealing with the buerocracy that the certified organic label inteals. Take Shafer Vineyards in Napa Valley, for example. Shafer makes some of the most highly regarded wine in America, and they use owls, songbirds, hawks and bats in place of insecticides and rodent poisons.(So does Disney fyi) They recycle their water, make their own compost and have converted to 100 percent solar power. Sustainable? Absolutely. Certified organic? Nope. Ninety percent of the wine produced in the America is made from grapes grown in California.  If you drink California wine you can check this list from the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance of wineries and vineyards who have made a commitment to sustainable winegrowing. Continue reading “Is Organic Wine healthier for you?” »

1)  Pick a designed non-drinking driver for the day or hire someone.

2)  Don’t rush your tour. A visit to 1 or 2 wineries in the morning. 1 for lunch, 2 or 3 in the afternoon is ideal.

3)  Taste responsibly — its perfectly OK to spit out a wine, even if you like it and don’t forget to snack between visits.

4)  Avoid wearing perfume, aftershave or sunscreen. It will effect the wine’s bouquet.

5)  Do not chew gum, use mints or cough drops.

6)  If you don’t know the difference between wine varieties, don’t be afraid to ask. Winemakers and tasting room staff are happy to explain.

7)  Bring a notebook to record the wines and what you liked about them.

8)  When you find a wine you like, buy several bottles. Bring a cooler especially during the Summer.

9)  Tour hours may vary from one winery to the next so call ahead. If you’re traveling in a group of 15 or more, you’ll need to schedule your tour.

10)  Remember to bring ID. Winery staff will check if you look under 21.

11)  Make the most of your visit. Check out sites like: www.LocalWineEvents.com , www.newyorkwines.org for special events that may be going on in Wine Country.