California’s wine scene is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging each year. One of the most exciting shifts in recent years is the rise of natural wines, a movement that’s gaining significant traction in the Golden State. Defined by its minimal intervention and sustainable practices, natural wine is rapidly becoming a favorite among wine lovers who seek authentic, unaltered expressions of the land.
In 2024, the natural wine movement is no longer just a niche trend but a full-blown revolution in the California wine industry. This article explores the rise of natural wines, the wineries driving the movement, and the impact of this trend on California’s wine culture.
What is Natural Wine?
Natural wine is a term that refers to wines made with minimal intervention in both the vineyard and the winery. While there is no formal definition, natural wines typically adhere to a few key principles:
- Organic or Biodynamic Farming: Grapes are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Some natural winemakers also follow biodynamic farming practices, which take into account the lunar cycle and cosmic rhythms to determine the timing of farming activities.
- Minimal Intervention in the Winery: Natural wines are fermented with wild yeast that occurs naturally on the grape skins or in the environment, rather than using commercial yeasts. Additionally, the use of additives and preservatives is minimized, with winemakers avoiding sulfur dioxide (or using very small amounts) to preserve the wine.
- No Filtration or Fining: Natural wines are often unfiltered, meaning they may appear cloudy or have sediment. This is considered a mark of authenticity by many natural wine enthusiasts, who appreciate the raw, unpolished nature of these wines.
The goal of natural winemaking is to allow the true expression of the grape and terroir (the unique combination of soil, climate, and geography) to shine through. As a result, natural wines often have distinctive, complex flavors that differ significantly from conventional wines.
The Rise of Natural Wines in California
While natural wine has been a niche trend for many years, California is now at the forefront of this movement, with wineries across the state adopting these sustainable, low-intervention practices. California’s diverse climate and terroirs make it an ideal location for natural winemaking, with regions like Sonoma County, Santa Barbara, and Paso Robles leading the charge.
Why California?
California is known for its wine innovation and its willingness to experiment with new styles and techniques. The state’s winemakers have always pushed boundaries, and the rise of natural wine is just another chapter in that story. California’s mild climate allows grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, making it easier for winemakers to grow grapes that are ideally suited for natural fermentation.
Additionally, the state has an increasing number of young winemakers who are turning toward more sustainable practices. These individuals are often more willing to embrace organic, biodynamic, and natural farming methods, driven by a desire to reconnect with the land and produce wines that reflect the true essence of their vineyards.
Leading Natural Wine Producers in California
Several wineries in California are leading the natural wine movement, and their commitment to minimal intervention is reshaping the way wine is made and consumed in the state. These winemakers are known for their dedication to sustainability, transparency, and authenticity in their craft.
The Donkey & Goat Winery – Berkeley
One of the most influential producers of natural wine in California is Donkey & Goat Winery, located in Berkeley. Founded by Jared and Tracey Brandt, Donkey & Goat has become a pioneer in the natural wine movement, producing wines that reflect the minimal-intervention philosophy. Their wines are made from organically farmed grapes sourced from vineyards in Mendocino, El Dorado, and Sonoma.
The Brandts were inspired by the desire to create wines that express the terroir in its purest form, without relying on the heavy use of additives, commercial yeasts, or artificial sulfites. Donkey & Goat’s wines have gained a cult following, particularly for their skin-contact whites (also known as “orange wines”), which offer a unique and complex flavor profile that appeals to adventurous wine drinkers.
Their focus on sustainability is evident in both their farming and production practices. The winery is a certified B Corp, meaning they meet rigorous standards for social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Donkey & Goat’s success has helped establish California as a key player in the global natural wine movement.
Broc Cellars – Berkeley
Another well-known natural wine producer is Broc Cellars, also based in Berkeley. Founded by Chris Brockway, Broc Cellars has built a reputation for producing small-lot wines that showcase the true flavors of the grape. Brockway’s wines are made using organic grapes from vineyards in Napa Valley, Sonoma, and Mendocino, and they are fermented with wild yeast, allowing the grapes to express themselves in their most natural state.
Broc Cellars is particularly well-known for its natural red wines, such as Grenache and Carignan, which are made without the addition of sulfur or other preservatives. The winery’s commitment to sustainability and transparency has earned it a dedicated following among natural wine enthusiasts.
Brockway’s approach to winemaking is centered around simplicity and purity, allowing the grape itself to shine through with minimal interference. As natural wine continues to gain traction, Broc Cellars is likely to remain a major player in the movement, helping to shape the future of California’s wine industry.
Johan Vineyards – Santa Barbara
Johan Vineyards, located in Santa Barbara County, is another standout in the California natural wine scene. Known for its commitment to biodynamic farming, the winery produces a range of wines using minimal intervention techniques. Johan Vineyards is certified Demeter Biodynamic, meaning they adhere to strict principles of organic farming while also considering lunar cycles and other natural rhythms in their vineyard practices.
Their wines, which include Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, are made using native yeasts and are often unfiltered and unfined, which gives them a raw and authentic character. The winery’s dedication to natural wine has earned it widespread recognition and accolades, with many wine critics praising its wines for their purity and expression of terroir.
The Impact of Natural Wines on California’s Wine Culture
The rise of natural wines has had a profound impact on California’s wine culture. Historically, the state’s wine industry has been centered around technologically advanced winemaking methods that focus on consistency, mass production, and optimizing efficiency. However, the natural wine movement has challenged these norms, emphasizing individual expression, sustainability, and a return to the roots of winemaking.
For many wine lovers, natural wine offers an alternative to conventional wines that is more in line with their values. As consumers become more health-conscious and environmentally aware, the demand for natural wines continues to grow. Additionally, the growing interest in natural wines has sparked broader conversations around sustainability and climate change in the wine industry.
Moreover, natural wine bars and natural wine shops have opened across California, especially in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Berkeley, where wine lovers can taste and purchase wines that are made with minimal intervention. These establishments are helping to create a more diverse and inclusive wine culture, where consumers are encouraged to explore new and unique flavors while supporting sustainable practices.
Challenges and the Future of Natural Wine in California
Despite its growing popularity, natural wine faces several challenges. Winemaking without additives or preservatives can be risky, and the results are often unpredictable. Natural wines can sometimes be volatile, with issues such as bottle variation, oxidation, and unpleasant flavors. Many traditional winemakers remain skeptical of the natural wine movement due to the inherent unpredictability of the process.
However, as natural wine continues to gain momentum, more wineries are finding ways to mitigate these challenges while preserving the integrity of the process. Advances in winemaking technology that allow for better control over fermentation and storage are making it easier for natural wine producers to create consistent and high-quality wines.
The future of natural wine in California looks bright, as consumers continue to demand transparency, sustainability, and authenticity in the wines they consume. With the state’s natural wine movement leading the charge, California is poised to remain at the forefront of this growing trend in 2024 and beyond.
Conclusion: California’s Role in the Natural Wine Movement
California has become a global leader in the natural wine movement, with winemakers across the state embracing sustainability and minimal intervention techniques. From Donkey & Goat Winery in Berkeley to Broc Cellars and Johan Vineyards, California is home to many pioneers who are helping shape the future of natural winemaking.
The rise of natural wine is more than just a trend; it represents a shift toward more authentic, environmentally conscious, and sustainable winemaking practices. As California continues to innovate and experiment with new methods, the natural wine movement will only continue to grow, offering wine lovers new and exciting ways to explore the unique terroirs of the Golden State.
