Top 14 Organic Restaurant Wines for Quality and Value
Our top organic restaurant wines taste great, are approachable and have a great value to price ratio, both for bottle and by the glass programs. The farm-to-table trend is alive and well in most metropolitan cities, but while a menu may focus on organic food, the wine list is often an afterthought. For years, organic wines had a bad rap for being unreliable, unstable and often unpalatable. But the organic wines of today are winning awards and impressing even the fussiest customers.
Millennials are Leading the Organic Restaurant Wine Movement
According to a study conducted by Bankrate.com, the average Millennial eats out 5 times per week, more so than any previous generation. And 36% of wine drinkers are Millennials. All 79 million of them are now of legal drinking age. More so than any other generation, Millennials purchase wines from around the globe. Variety is what they crave. Millennials are embracing organics, they grew up with organic food, are the group most interested in organic products, including wine. This age group is leading the natural wine movement, demanding organic and Biodynamic choices both on and off premise. Millennials seek a “fashionable” wine from faraway regions that allows them to stand apart from the crowd.
Quality, Family Produced Organic Restaurant Wines
Each of our family produced organic wines listed below are made with 100% organically grown grapes, are vegan friendly or certified vegan, and are Non-GMO Project Verified. Each contain a minimal amount of added sulfites (never to exceed more than 100ppm) to help protect and preserve the wines, which is especially critical in a solid BTG program. Our winemakers carefully craft each bottle to meet both varietal expectations and uphold the quality standards required for both fine dining and casual fare.
Top Organic Restaurant Wines By The Glass
Pizzolato Pinot Grigio – Suggested BTG $7-8
Every menu should include this perennial favorite, so why not choose organically grown? “Bright straw color. Fruity aromas and flavors of tinned pineapple, tinned pears, lemon butter, and straw with a satiny, soft, fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, breezy finish with soft, fruit tannins and no oak. A plush pinot grigio.” Tastings.com 88 points
Tarantas Tempranillo Crianza – Suggested BTG $7-8
A classic and versatile Spanish red. “Bright ruby black color. Aromas of ripe forest berries, freshly tilled earth, fine leather, and roasted nuts with a round, lively, fruity medium-full body and a seamless, complex, long bramble, tar, cured meats, and black pepper finish with well-integrated, firm tannins and moderate oak.” Tastings.com 92 points
Tarantas Sparkling Rosé – Suggested BTG $7-8
Tarantas Sparkling Rosé is made of 100% Spanish Bobal, and is the perfect spring-summer patio wine. Dried strawberry notes in the nose and red currants in the mouth. The finish is soft, not sweet, and the gentle character of the wine belies its ability to handle stronger flavors, even grilled fish and chicken.
Top Organic Restaurant Wines
By The Bottle or BTG
Pizzolato Fields Brut Prosecco Spumante -SRP $14.99
This 91-point Prosecco has a charming and colorful label and bottle, designed to appeal to a consumer seeking a fresh and lively experience. Nose of jasmine, beeswax and pear, leads to an elegant palate of green apple, lemon zest and hazelnut, along with bright acidity and persistent bubbles. It’s perfect for special celebrations or any meal calling for a bold sparkling option. Wine Enthusiast 91 points and Best Buy
Pizzolato Moscato SRP $13.99
This delicious not-to-sweet sparkling Moscato is perfect as an after-dinner drink option, aperitivo or as an alternative mimosa option-delicious with grapefruit juice. “Pure golden silver color with a vigorous rocky, mousse. Aromas of chalk, banana custard pie and nectarine with a supple, fruity medium body and a frothy spiced apple and mineral finish. Vinitaly 90 points.
Biokult Grüner Veltliner– SRP $14.99
An increasingly popular variety for the older and younger crowd alike, this Grüner Veltliner from Austria is Demeter Certified Biodynamic. “Creamy notes of pear still carry a hint of flinty smoke, but the pear notes rise with purity. The bright freshness of pure lemon lifts everything and makes for purity, ease, refreshment and blithe joy.” Wine Enthusiast 90 points and Best Buy
Les Hauts de Lagarde Bordeaux Blanc – SRP $13.99
White Bordeaux blend is the perfect addition to any menu, pairing with a variety of lighter foods and hip happy hours.”This is a delicious, ripe wine that is packed with apricot, apple and pear fruits. It is tangy and freshly fruity. The bright, rich fruit continues right through this wine.” Wine Enthusiast 90 points, Top 100 Best Buys
Granza Verdejo – SRP $11.99
Sometimes referred to as “the Sauvignon Blanc of Spain,” Verdejo has its own unique and lively character. “Fresh aromas and flavors of white flowers, cantaloupe, young peach, lime cordial, lime blossom, dried spices, and sea breeze with a round, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and an engaging, medium-long roasted nut scone, coconut quark, olive, and sage finish with soft, fruit tannins. A lovely Spanish white with great structure and delicate flavors.” Tastings.com 91 points
VERTVS Tempranillo Crianza – SRP $14.99
This delicious Tempranillo is grown in lime soils which are ideal for obtaining colorful wines. “Dusty ruby color. Aromas and flavors of rose petals, tobacco, dried figs, almond joy bar, and sesame with a velvety, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a cheery roasted almonds and saffron finish with earthy tannins and moderate oak.” Tastings.com 89 points.
En Mémoire du Malbec- SRP $13.99
Bordeaux is the birthplace of Malbec, but few 100% varietals come from the region today. This unique offering does not disappoint. “Bordeaux has always had Malbec in its vineyards although it is rare. This unusual wine shows how, in a fruity year, the grape can work well. The tannins are soft, giving a juicy black-fruited wine that is forward and delicious to drink now for its succulent fruit.” Wine Enthusiast 88 points
Pizzolato Chianti – SRP $13.99
Every list needs to have a classic Chianti. Bright ruby color, with garnet and deeply vinous. The taste is dry, fruity tending over time to the soft velvet tannins. Tastings.com 92 points.
Inkarri Winemakers Reserve Malbec – SRP $19.99
On the more traditional Malbec front, this 90+ award-winning beauty comes from the prestigious Lujon de Cuyo region of Mendoza. “Violets, blackberries and a hint of herbs make this a very expressive and fresh Malbec. Powerful with a crisp finish.” James Suckling 91 Points (Robert Parker 90).
Koyle Family Vineyards Royale Cabernet Sauvignon – SRP $24.99
Deep, velvety color, with a balanced aromatic mix of herbs, cherries, and cedar aromas. Vibrant and elegant, shows the natural environment who surrounds our grapes from the Los Lingues vineyards, who announces its terroir with authority. The mouth feeling is firm, and finish long with minerals and spices that show its unique origin. Robert Parker and Wine Enthusiast 91 Points
Koyle Family Vineyards Gran Reserva Carmenere – SRP $16.99
Considered the national grape of Chile, Carmenere is to Chile as Malbec is to Argentina. It’s a unique and versatile red. Winemaker’s notes: Deep purple color in with rich notes of white pepper to the focused flavors of native trees aromas with layers of dried raspberry and red currant. Velvety tannins emerge, with explosive notes of minerality coming from the basaltic rocks from Los Lingues vineyard. Elegant and fresh, this reflects the sense of origin. James Suckling 91 Points