Something I've become very aware of in recent months is the environmental devastation done by monocrops of artificially irrigated wineries in the Napa Valley. In the process of reading about this, I stumbled upon the concept of natural wines and "dry wineries." Natural wines would always be vegan since they don't include a "fining" process, and could arguably be healthier since most don't add any sulfites or any other types of chemicals or preservatives. I think the fact that they're more expensive is actually a plus - not a minus - since cheap, easy access to alcohol makes it far too easy to take it for granted or drink too much. Paying a little more for a natural wine or a wine from a dry winery might actually influence a person to drink higher quality alcohol in smaller amounts for their own health and the environment. The only "downside" I can see of this, is that it's best to drink it quickly and obtain it locally, since unlike mass produced wines with sulfites, they are prone to spoilage MUCH more quickly, and absolutely have to be stored in a cellar, wine fridge, or dark moldy corner of your bedroom closet. It's going back to the ancient way to produce wines, which is what makes it produce less product (and thus make it more expensive), since modern methods of wine making - particularly in the US - are comparable to factory farms as damaging monocrop agriculture.
Does anyone have any experience or information on this topic? I'm curious because I have always liked wine, but increasingly strive to consume more environmentally sustainable products, and take better care of my own health.
Does anyone have any experience or information on this topic? I'm curious because I have always liked wine, but increasingly strive to consume more environmentally sustainable products, and take better care of my own health.
