It takes a lot of work to be certified organic but Domaine Bousquet wouldn’t have it any other way

When one looks at the process of becoming a certified organic vineyard – the complete overhaul of farming practices, the detailed plans that must be provided, the inspections – it seems like a lot of work and money. Many winemakers – and farmers in general – ultimately decide that it is too much effort and that it is easier to simply go about business as usual.

For Domaine Bousquet, business as usual is organic. 

Yes, the process of going and maintaining organic certifications is rigorous, but a commitment to the earth, the local community, and the people who buy our wine makes it all worth it. Organic wine is growing in popularity, but Domaine Bousquet has believed in and practiced the ethos behind organic winemaking long before organic wine became widely available. 

There are many reasons to be an organic vineyard. At Domaine Bousquet, our reasons are as numerous as the trees in the nearby mountains surrounding our vineyard in Argentina. In this article, we’ll discuss a few of those reasons:

• Organic vineyards are better for the earth
• They are better for local communities
• They are better for wine drinkers
• Organic vineyards produce better-tasting wine
• They are better for workers
• Organic vineyards are the future of the wine industry
• For Domaine Bousquet, it’s always been organic

We have been committed to organic winemaking from the beginning and we’re not stopping now. 

Organic vineyards are better for the earth

Organic vineyards like Domaine Bousquet do not use pesticides, herbicides, additives, or chemicals of any kind in the winemaking process. Non-organic vineyards that use chemicals risk harming the surrounding environment; chemicals get into the soil, water, and the air, which damages local wildlife. Chemical and pesticide usage also results in a lack of biodiversity which creates habitat loss for animals, as plants that would be used as homes or as food are no longer present. 

At Domaine Bousquet’s organic vineyard, the soil is nutrient-rich and the native wildlife is able to flourish. The soil at an organic vineyard has a healthy level of microbial activity. 

Organic vineyards are better for local communities

Not only do animal populations suffer in the presence of a farm that uses chemicals but so do local human populations. This is one of the reasons why Domaine Bousquet does not use chemicals. Part of being an organic vineyard means living in harmony with the nearby communities. By prohibiting chemical usage, the community’s water supply remains pure. Domaine Bousquet also believes in hiring local as a part of our commitment to our surrounding community. 

Organic vineyards are better for the health of the wine drinker

Organic vineyards produce healthier wine – this benefits the consumer with every glass. Organic wine is rich in antioxidants which can reduce inflammation and even alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is also lower in sugar and carbohydrates than non-organic wine. Organic wine can even fit into special diets such as paleo or vegan (Domaine Bousquet is vegan, but not all organic vineyards produce vegan wine). 

Due to the presence of resveratrol, organic wine can play a role in preventing diseases, improving immunity, helping metabolism, lowering blood pressure, and boosting metabolic function. 

Organic vineyards produce better tasting wine

All of the health benefits of organic wine are wonderful but what if it didn’t taste good? Fortunately, it tastes excellent. According to blind taste tests, it tastes even better than non-organic wine. This might be linked to the grapes themselves. As previously mentioned, organic vineyards have soil with a high level of microbial activity. This results in healthier, more robust grapes with vibrant flavor. Non-organic vineyards that use chemicals may be depleting the quality and taste of grapes over time. At an organic vineyard, it is just the opposite. 

Organic vineyards are better for workers

The organic philosophy is all about treating the earth and the creatures that inhabit it well. This applies not only to the people who buy organic wine but also to the people who work in organic vineyards. For too long, this important population has been overlooked and subjected to constant chemical exposure on non-organic farms. Exposure to chemicals results in health problems and even death. At an organic vineyard, there is no exposure to chemicals. Vineyard workers are treated with the respect they deserve and they work in satisfying conditions. 

Organic vineyards are the future of the wine industry

According to market research, organic wine sales are on the rise, especially in Europe. Growth has been observed in retail spaces and food and beverage outlets. The global market value for organic wine was USD 11 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 30 billion by 2030. 

For Domaine Bousquet, it’s always been organic

Domaine Bousquet has maintained its deeply-held beliefs about organic winemaking since the beginning. To some, organic wine may seem like a trend rising on the wave of consumer demand for eco-friendly products. However, to us, it is a way of life. Domaine Bousquet produces 4 million liters of wine a year and is recognized as an industry leader in pioneering organic wine. 

We believe in treating the land with respect, hiring locally, and keeping the fruit and soil free from chemicals. This allows the grapes to absorb minerals that give Domaine Bousquet’s wine its unforgettable taste. Our wines are a true representation of the unique beauty of the Mendoza area and a testament to the organic approach.