Orange wine and natural wine often share a shelf, but they describe different things. Orange wine tells you how a wine is made; natural wine describes an approach to growing grapes and making wine. A bottle can be both.
What is orange wine?
Orange wine is made from white grapes fermented with their skins. That contact brings colour and texture into the wine, sometimes adding a gentle tannic grip. You may also see it called amber wine or skin-contact white wine.
There is plenty of variety within the category. Some bottles are fresh and lightly textured; others are fuller and more structured. The grape, the length of skin contact and the choices made in the cellar all influence the result. Orange wine is not wine made from oranges.
Explore our orange wine selection.
What is natural wine?
Natural wine generally describes wines made with a focus on organically or biodynamically grown grapes and minimal intervention in the cellar. Native-yeast fermentation, limited additions and little or no added sulphur are common practices, though there is no single worldwide standard that every bottle follows.
Natural wine can be red, white, rosé, orange or sparkling. It is an approach rather than one flavour profile, so the term alone will not tell you whether a bottle is light, rich, crisp or savoury.
Is every orange wine natural?
No. Skin contact does not tell you how the grapes were farmed or which additions were used. Equally, a natural white wine can be made without fermenting on its skins. We recommend looking at the individual wine and its grower rather than treating the two terms as interchangeable.
How should I choose my first bottle?
Tell us what you already enjoy and how adventurous you want to be. If you are curious about orange wine, ask us for a lighter introduction or a more textured bottle. If you are exploring natural wine, start with a grape or style you know and work outward.
Our team can help you compare the options and find something that suits your taste and budget.
Shop orange and natural wine in Calgary and Edmonton
Select Calgary or Edmonton on our website to browse the stock available from your store. Visit us for advice, or check our shipping and delivery information when ordering online. Shipping eligibility and delivery options depend on your destination.
Ready to explore? Start with Orange Wine or Natural Wine, or contact the Vine Arts team for help choosing.
