The world of wine is vast and can be very confusing to most people. It is hard enough to figure out if you're supposed to bring a red or white to your next dinner party, but when it comes to actually picking the style of grape it can get overwhelming! A newer concept in wine is that of organic grapes and regenerative farming practices. Most of us want to eat healthier, which means we might choose organic foods to feed ourselves and our families. But what about wine? Today, there are more choices when it comes to healthier wines. For a wine to be featured by the Healthy Wine Guy, it needs to meet the following criteria: 1) made with organic grapes 2) low to no residual sugar 3) less than 13.0% ABV (alcohol by volume) 4) preferably using regenerative farming practices

1) Organic Grapes

Choosing organic grape wines that follow these criteria ensure that you will avoid many of the additives that are allowed to be used in conventional wines. In fact, conventional wines can use up to 76 FDA-approved additives. I'm not a big fan of additives and try to avoid them as many of them are used to avoid spoilage and extend the shelf-life of your bottle of wine. I have a few "good" bottles that I am saving, but most of the wines that I purchase are for drinking now! I find that natural organic wines taste alive and are rich in aroma and flavor.

2) Residual Sugar

Choosing organic wines that have low to no residual sugar is a no-brainer. If your health conscious, you know that keeping your daily sugar intake low is important for your overall health.

3) ABV under 13%

Keeping the ABV (alcohol by volume) under 13% also makes sense. The average ABV of wine in the USA is 14%. Most of us enjoy a glass or 2 of wine, but we don't want to become intoxicated or end up with a hangover. Choosing lower ABV organic wines also means we are usually getting less sugars/calories per glass of wine. I find that higher alcohol content in wines seems to drown out the finer notes in the wine (sorry to geek out a bit 😂)

4) Regenerative Farming

Regenerative farming practices are good for the soil and better for the environment. This encourages nutrient-rich soils which produces better and tastier grapes and therefore healthier and more delicious wine!

My goal at HWG is to help you find wines that you can enjoy regularly, while maintaining your healthy lifestyle goals. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me at healthywineguy@gmail.com.

"wine that gladdens human hearts" (Psalm 104:15)