I am sensitive to the sulfites in wine and my friend recommended that I drink organic wine. What is organic wine and are all organic wines sulfite free?

Under the USDA National Organic Program, for a wine to be labeled organic, it must be made with at least 95% organic ingredients and must not contain added sulfites. Many foods and beverages—including wine—do contain naturally occurring sulfites. According to federal law, if a wine contains 10 ppm (parts per million) or more of total sulfites (even if they are naturally occurring sulfites), the label must state “contains sulfites.” Wines that are not labeled “contains sulfites” have less than 10 ppm of total sulfites and may be a good option for those sensitive to sulfites, though even minimal amounts of sulfites may cause reactions in some.

If you are concerned about sulfites, be aware that wineries that use organic grapes but add sulfites can still be labeled “Made with organically grown grapes.”

Although I am not sensitive to sulfites, my preference is always organic wine and I am excited about the improvement in quality and the availability of these wines over the past decade.