In 2014 7,400 hectares of vineyards were cultivated organically in Germany. This corresponds to a share of 7.5 percent of the total vineyard area. With their labels, the associations of organic and biodynamic wineries guarantee strict guidelines and regular inspections. In addition, the EU organic logo stands for organically grown grapes and, since 2012, for guaranteed ecological cellars.
The term "organic" is protected by EU law throughout Europe. It may only be used for products which are cultivated and controlled at least in accordance with the EU organic farming legislation. The same also applies to the terms "from controlled organic farming" and "eco". So if something is labelled “organic”, it must also contain “organic”. Wines produced in accordance with the guidelines of EU legislation from the 2012 vintage onwards can be marketed under the name of “organic wine”, “ecological wine” or “wine from controlled organic/ ecological farming”. .
The current version of the EU regulation of 2007 doesn't go far enough for strictly ecological and organic winegrowers. Most organic winegrowers in Germany work according to stricter rules and have therefore organized themselves into [LINK] associations of organic agriculture or viticulture. These associations assign their logo on the basis of the respective association guidelines. The compliance with these standards is regularly monitored by independent auditors. Once the guidelines have been complied with, the companies and their products are certified. While some associations are represented nationwide or even worldwide, others are of more regional importance. The organic farming associations are demanding an overall change of the company. Parallel production in a conventional and ecological sector is not permitted. In this way the associations want to guarantee perfect ecological quality.
In most wineries, which produce according to organic or biodynamic guidelines, you can taste and buy wine locally. Come and visit us, let us explain the varieties, locations and vintages and taste excellent German organic wines.
