Trend or True Love?

Natural wine has become a buzzword in the wine world—but what does it really mean? Is it just a trend, or a return to winemaking’s purest roots?

Let’s break it down.

🍇 What Is Natural Wine?

The simplest definition?
Wine with nothing added and nothing taken away.

To be more specific, natural wine is made using:

• Organically or biodynamically farmed grapes
• Hand-harvesting, without machines
• Spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts
• No added commercial yeasts or lab-derived additives
• Unfiltered and unfined
• No added sulfites—or very low levels only

Sounds simple, right? But that’s just the beginning.

🌱 It All Starts in the Vineyard

Natural wine isn't just made in the cellar—it begins in the soil.

A true natural wine comes from grapes that are farmed with respect for nature and minimal human intervention:

• Organic or biodynamic agriculture
• No synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers
• A focus on biodiversity and soil health
• In biodynamics: working in rhythm with lunar cycles and using specific herbal preparations to support the vineyard’s natural balance
• Some growers also practice permaculture, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem

🏺 What Does Natural Wine Taste Like?

Every bottle tells a story. Natural wines are often:

•      Honest
•      Alive and expressive
•      Complex and layered
•      Wild, quirky—and completely unique

💥 The Sulfite Question

Let’s clear up a big myth:
Sulfites are not the enemy.

Here’s the truth:

• Sulfites (SO₂) occur naturally during fermentation
• Many natural winemakers add small amounts, just for stability—up to 30 mg/L is generally accepted in the natural wine world
• Most headaches are caused by dehydration, histamines, or tannins, not sulfites
• People with severe asthma or a rare enzyme deficiency may be sensitive, but that applies to other foods too—like dried fruit or tomato paste

So when you see “Contains sulfites” on a label, don’t panic—it doesn’t mean the wine isn’t natural.

🍷 Our Honest Advice?

·         Stay curious

·         Don’t just chase the label

·         Get to know the people behind the bottle

·         Follow the stories, the vines, and the hands that craft them

Because whether it’s certified, self-declared, or simply made with love and care, natural wine is more than a trend—it’s a mindset.

Discover Our Handpicked Natural & Unique Wines - Explore the Flavors of Europe!

At Holy Grail Wines, we celebrate authenticity and terroir with a curated selection of natural, biodynamic, and expressive wines. Dive into these exceptional bottles that bring character, tradition, and innovation to your glass.

Aiora Malagousia Amphora 2022 - Moschopolis Winery - Greece

Experience the floral elegance and earthy depth of Malagousia with this vibrant skin-contact white aged in traditional Cretan amphorae. Perfect for lovers of unique, natural whites that tell a story of ancient winemaking.
Explore Aiora Malagousia now →

Autochton 2020 - Bencze Birtok - Hungary

From the volcanic soils of Balaton in Hungary comes this compelling natural white. A blend of native varieties, it captivates with minerality, finesse, and a raw, expressive character. A must-try for natural wine enthusiasts.
Discover Bencze Birtok Autochton here →

Phelloe 2022  – Tetramythos Winery - Greece

Taste a rare native blend from the slopes of the Peloponnese, where tradition meets purity. This wine reflects the unique terroir and craftsmanship of one of Greece’s most exciting producers.
Order your bottle of Phelloe today →

Goumenissa 2017 – Tatsis Winery - Greece

Bold and structured, this ruby-red blend of Xinomavro and Negoska offers aromas of plum, sour cherry, sun-dried tomato, and warm spices. Silky tannins and a long savory finish make it a true expression of Macedonian terroir.
Shop Tatsis Winery Goumenissa now →

Waz-K PET-NAT - Clos Troteligotte – France

Celebrate life with this lively, sulfite-free Pet-Nat blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon, and Viognier. Crisp acidity, fresh fruit, and a carefree holiday vibe make it ideal for festive moments.
Try Clos Troteligotte Waz-K today →

Il Frappato – Occhipinti – Italy

Enjoy the vibrant, fresh cherry and floral notes of this Sicilian red. With lively acidity and pure expression, Il Frappato showcases the charm of the native Frappato grape.
Grab your bottle of Il Frappato here →

Ready to explore these exceptional wines? Visit our shop and bring the authentic taste of natural and artisanal wines into your home!