When most of us imagine wine, we think of rolling vineyards, rustic barrels, and the artistry of fermentation that’s been perfected over centuries. But what if the wine you’re drinking isn’t as natural as you think?
According to Todd White, founder of Dry Farm Wines and a leading authority on natural, organic wines, the modern wine industry has taken a turn similar to that of processed food. The result: mass-produced wines filled with additives, chemicals, and hidden ingredients that may affect not just the taste, but your health.
The Truth About Today’s Commercial Wines
There are more than 76 legal additives approved for use in winemaking by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Yet, wine companies are not required to list these additives on their labels. Among them are substances to alter color, flavor, sweetness, and texture—and even toxic agents like dimethyl dicarbonate (DMDC), used to sterilize wine in its raw form.
It’s not surprising then, that many people experience headaches, dehydration, or other unpleasant effects from drinking wine. Commercial wines often contain:
- Added sugar and chemical preservatives
- High sulfite levels
- Residual pesticides like glyphosate (Roundup)
- Artificial colorants such as Mega Purple
- Excessively high alcohol content (14–17%)
Meanwhile, industrial farming practices, including heavy irrigation and the use of synthetic chemicals, strip vineyards of biodiversity and soil vitality.
The Natural Wine Movement
White and his team at Dry Farm Wines discovered that what’s marketed as “fine wine” in the U.S. is often a manufactured product rather than a natural one. In fact, only a few hundred winemakers worldwide produce true natural wine—wines that are organically farmed, additive-free, and crafted through minimal intervention.
Natural wines are made from non-irrigated (dry-farmed) vines, grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. They are fermented using wild, native yeasts rather than lab-grown strains, allowing the unique microbiome of the vineyard to shape each wine’s character.
The results are remarkable:
- No added sugar – wines are fully fermented, meaning natural yeasts convert all sugars into alcohol.
- Lower alcohol levels – no wine exceeds 12.5% alcohol, allowing for “conscious consumption.”
- Lower sulfites – typically under 75 parts per million, compared to the U.S. legal limit of 350.
- Rich in antioxidants – particularly polyphenols and flavonoids that support health and longevity.
Why It Matters
In Europe, irrigation of vineyards is actually illegal in many regions because it dilutes the fruit’s nutrients and weakens the vines. Unirrigated vines develop root systems that stretch 40–50 feet deep, creating richer, more complex flavors and a higher concentration of antioxidants.
By contrast, irrigated vines stay shallow and depend on surface water, leading to lower-quality fruit and reduced health benefits.
White’s message is simple: If you choose to drink, drink mindfully. Seek out low alcohol, naturally produced wines that enhance your well-being rather than undermine it.
A Better Way to Enjoy Wine
Natural, additive-free wines offer more than a clean taste—they bring back the authentic joy of winemaking. As Todd White describes it:
“Any time we can increase love in our life and have joyous moments of celebration and natural euphoria, that’s the beauty and spirit of a living wine.”
The next time you pour a glass, consider what’s really in your wine—and how choosing natural, organic options supports both your health and the planet.
Sources:
- Natural Health365 Podcast, Episode NH365-114: The Wine Industry Exposed – Interview with Todd White, Dry Farm Wines
- Dry Farm Wines – Official Website
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration – List of Approved Wine Additives
- USDA Organic Certification Guidelines for Winemaking
- “Does Organic Wine Have Sulfites?” and “The Truth About Wine Additives” – Dry Farm Wines Blog
Disclaimer:
This article is intended for educational and awareness purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Every woman’s body is different; if you have concerns about breast pain, lymphatic health, or your personal cancer risk, please consult your healthcare provider.