Natural wines have been all the rage in recent years, and there’s a good reason why! As it turns out, the best wines are created naturally, without additives or preservatives to alter their flavour. But, learning what makes a wine natural can be difficult, especially if you don’t know what to look for on the label or what questions to ask at the store. This guide has everything you need to know about finding natural wines and enjoying them once you do!

What is Natural Wine?

The world of wine has changed significantly over time, with new trends and styles popping up all over. While vino used to be something that people would drink occasionally but not necessarily consider an important part of their day-to-day lives, today it's become much more than that. There are many different types of wines out there that cater to different lifestyles, food pairings, and personal tastes. The natural wine movement may not be one you're familiar with just yet, but if you're looking for an option that's gluten-free or higher in antioxidants than other wines on the market, it's definitely one worth exploring. Understanding what exactly natural means when it comes to wine can help you better understand why so many people are drawn to these bottles.

How is a natural wine made?

Technically, natural wine isn’t a distinct category of wine. It’s anti-style: unprocessed or minimally processed and unadulterated by additives and preservatives, according to Wine Spectator. In practice, however, you can expect natural wines—which range from rosé made without sulfur dioxide (SO2) to biodynamic white blends fermented with native yeasts—to be lower in sugar and higher in acidity than most non-natural wines. For instance, winemakers might intentionally leave grapes on their stems or seeds in their musts. And unlike traditional wines that might include a cocktail of chemicals including sulfites as a preservative, natural wines will likely come with only one label: organic.

How are natural wines different?

The fact is, natural wines aren’t better than conventional wines. They are different. The purpose of drinking wine is enjoyment; enjoying your glass of wine does not hinge on if it’s natural or not. But if you do want to learn more about what makes a natural wine, read on! Here are some questions to ask yourself when you're tasting a new bottle: How did they make it? What did they use? And how did that translate into your glass? Next time you order at a restaurant or pick up a bottle for dinner, try one of these tips next time you go out! Now all you need is an excuse to drink more...

What are the benefits of drinking natural wine?

If you’re looking for a fun twist on your usual glass of Cabernet, natural wines might be what you’re looking for. As compared to traditional wine, natural wines generally tend to have less residual sugar and lower levels of alcohol. They also don’t contain any added sulfites or nitrates. While it may seem like just another marketing ploy, there are plenty of benefits that come along with choosing natural wine over traditional wine: • A healthier alternative: Reducing your alcohol intake and overall sugar consumption can reduce your risk of certain cancers and other health issues such as obesity and diabetes. • An easier buzz: Drinking natural wine will help you avoid experiencing a hangover or developing an addiction.