Organic conversion

As a rule, conversion starts once the grower notifies the authorities of the switch to organic and places the estate under an approved certification body. Wine from grapes harvested less than twelve months into that period can carry neither the organic term nor “in conversion.” After that point, it may be labeled “in conversion” until the period ends.

What is a wine in organic conversion?

A wine in organic conversion is produced by an estate committed to transitioning to organic farming, but whose official certification has not yet been obtained. The conversion lasts at least 3 years: during this period, the winemaker already applies all organic practices, elimination of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, soil work, respect for biodiversity, without being able to display the AB label on their bottles. In France, nearly 20% of the vineyard is now in organic farming or in conversion, a deep movement that our winemakers embody every day. These wines offer the same guarantees as a certified organic wine, often at a more accessible price.

Why choose a wine in organic conversion?

Choosing a wine in organic conversion means concretely supporting winemakers who take the risk of a demanding transition. During these 3 years of conversion, they give up synthetic products, invest in new practices and accept sometimes more variable production. By purchasing their cuvées, you directly contribute to the growth of a sustainable and responsible viticulture in France. On Avenue des Vins, each bottle in organic conversion is shipped directly from the winemaker’s cellar, full traceability, fair pricing without intermediaries.

Organic conversion, organic wine, natural wine: what are the differences?

Wine in organic conversion. The estate applies organic practices but has not yet obtained official Organic Agriculture certification. The conversion lasts at least 3 years. No synthetic chemical inputs are used during this period.

Certified organic wine. The estate has obtained Organic Agriculture certification after 3 years of controlled conversion. The AB logo appears on the label. Discover our full selection of certified organic wines.

Natural wine. No official framework, the winemaker works without chemical inputs and vinifies with little or no added sulfur. Not certified but often from organic or biodynamic estates. Discover our natural wines.

Biodynamic wine. Goes further than organic: lunar calendar, natural preparations, global vision of the vineyard ecosystem. Certified Demeter or Biodyvin. Explore our biodynamic wines.

French regions committed to organic conversion

Organic conversion is progressing across all major French wine regions. Some pioneering territories:

• Alsace: one of the most advanced regions in organic and biodynamic viticulture, with many estates in conversion
• Provence: favorable climate, natural sunshine, strong growth in estates in conversion
• Burgundy: winemakers increasingly committed to organic transition, especially in village appellations
• Rhône Valley: terroirs suitable for sustainable viticulture, many estates in conversion phase

Food and wine pairings with organic conversion wines

Organic conversion wines pair like any quality wine, it is their aromatic profile that guides the pairing, not their cultivation method:

• Whites in organic conversion: grilled fish, seafood, goat cheeses, roasted vegetables
• Reds in organic conversion: slow-cooked meats, charcuterie, Mediterranean dishes, aged cheeses
• Rosés in organic conversion: aperitif, summer barbecues, mixed salads, light cuisine

FAQ: Your questions about wines in organic conversion

What is a wine in organic conversion?

A wine in organic conversion is produced by an estate that already applies all organic farming practices, without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, but whose official Organic Agriculture certification has not yet been obtained. The conversion period lasts at least 3 years, monitored by an approved certification body.

What is the difference between an organic wine and a wine in organic conversion?

A certified organic wine carries the Organic Agriculture label and has completed 3 years of controlled conversion. A wine in organic conversion applies the same practices but has not yet obtained certification. In terms of quality and commitment, they are equivalent, with conversion wines often being more affordable.

How long does organic conversion last?

Organic conversion lasts at least 3 years, under the supervision of an approved certification body. During this period, the winemaker already applies all organic practices. The AB label is only displayed at the end of this period.

Are wines in organic conversion of good quality?

Yes. Winemakers in conversion apply exactly the same practices as a certified organic estate. The absence of a label does not reflect a lack of quality but simply an administrative certification delay. These cuvées are often more affordable and just as authentic.

Why buy a wine in organic conversion?

Buying a wine in organic conversion means concretely supporting winemakers who take the risk of a demanding transition. It also gives access to quality cuvées, produced without chemical inputs, often at more accessible prices than certified organic wines. A strong commitment to sustainable viticulture.

Can you trust a wine "in conversion" without an official label?

Yes. The mention "in conversion to organic farming" is regulated by European legislation. It can only be used by estates registered with an approved certification body and engaged in a controlled conversion process.

Why buy your wines in organic conversion on Avenue des Vins?

On Avenue des Vins, each wine in organic conversion is shipped directly from the winemaker’s cellar: full traceability, preserved vintage freshness, and fair pricing without intermediaries. You buy directly from the producer, not a distributor.

What does the label of a wine in organic conversion show?

The label of a wine in organic conversion pairs the words “in conversion” with an organic term. It also shows the code of the certification body, which starts with FR-BIO in France. The EU organic logo, a leaf made of stars, is not allowed: it is reserved for certified organic products.

Can one estate sell both organic wines and wines in organic conversion?

One estate can sell both organic wines and wines in organic conversion, as long as the plots for each are clearly kept apart. Wine from the plots in conversion cannot be sold as organic, even if the estate has other certified plots.

See also: Organic red wines - Organic white wines - Organic Sparkling