Natural wine is a concept that’s been gaining attention, but if you ask several people what exactly it means, you’ll likely get different answers. That’s because natural wine doesn’t have an official definition or set of rules that winemakers need to follow. Instead, it is guided by a philosophy of minimal intervention, both in the vineyard and in the winery. At its core, it’s about letting nature do most of the work.

In the vineyard, the natural wine journey begins with how the grapes are grown and harvested. Unlike conventional winemaking, where machines may play a big role, natural wine emphasises hand-harvesting. This not only allows for more careful selection of grapes but also minimises the impact on the vines and the surrounding environment. Many natural wine producers also embrace organic or biodynamic farming practices, avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, allowing the land to thrive in harmony with nature.

Once the grapes reach the winery, the low-intervention approach continues. Rather than relying on commercial yeasts to control the fermentation process, winemakers use the natural yeasts already present on the grapes and in the winery. This can result in more unique and complex flavours that reflect the specific vineyard or region where the wine was made—what many refer to as “terroir.” Additionally, natural wine generally avoids the use of sulphites, which are commonly added in conventional wines to preserve freshness and stability. While some winemakers may add a minimal amount at bottling, natural wine producers often prefer to let the wine evolve naturally, without these additives.

What sets natural wine apart even further is the avoidance of other additives typically used in winemaking. Conventional wines may include substances like added sugars to boost alcohol content, acid to adjust the flavour, or colouring agents to enhance the wine’s appearance. In natural wine, these additions are left out entirely. The result is a wine that is truly a reflection of the vineyard, the grapes, and the hands that crafted it—without the extra manipulation.