From funky to fine.
Natural wine has become one of the most talked-about styles in the UK, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. If you’ve seen terms like organic, biodynamic or low intervention and aren’t sure what they actually mean, this guide breaks it down simply.
What is natural wine?
Natural wine is generally made with minimal intervention in both the vineyard and the cellar.
While there’s no strict legal definition, most natural wines are:
- made from organically or biodynamically farmed grapes
- fermented with native (wild) yeasts
- produced with little or no additives
- unfiltered and unfined
At its core, natural wine is about:
nothing added, nothing taken away
Is natural wine the same as organic or biodynamic?
Not exactly.
- Organic wine → focuses on farming (no synthetic chemicals)
- Biodynamic wine → farming based on holistic, regenerative practices
- Natural wine → focuses on the entire process, including winemaking
Most natural wines are organic or biodynamic, but not all are certified.
What does “low intervention” mean?
Low intervention winemaking means:
- no cultured yeasts
- no flavour additives
- minimal sulphur
- no heavy processing
In conventional wine, additives can be used to adjust flavour, colour or stability. Natural winemakers avoid this wherever possible.
Why is natural wine popular?
Natural wine has grown quickly in the UK because:
- people want transparency in farming
- there’s more interest in sustainable agriculture
- drinkers are looking for something different from mass-produced wine
It’s also become a big part of modern wine culture, especially in independent shops and restaurants.
Does natural wine taste different?
Sometimes but not always.
Because natural wines are:
- often unfiltered
- made with wild yeast
- lower in sulphur
They can show:
- more texture
- more variation
- more “alive” character
That said, many are clean, fresh and classic in style.
Common myths about natural wine
“It’s always funky”
→ Not true. Many are clean and precise.
“It’s always cloudy”
→ Some are, especially unfiltered wines, but not all.
“It goes off quickly”
→ Good producers make stable wines — storage matters more.
How to get started with natural wine
If you’re new:
- start with lighter reds or fresh whites
- try well-known producers
- don’t overthink it
Natural wine is best approached with curiosity rather than rules.