Ten Organic Wine Discoveries

All greened out by Earth day? Why not ease your eco-info hangover with some Red, White or Blush wine whose production is better for the planet.

We're talking organic wines. What are organic wines? It actually depends on the label. Wines with a certified seal "USDA Organic" are actually different from those whose bottle reads "Made with Organically Grown Grapes." The former means there are no sulfites added, which can occur naturally, but are usually added to keep wines from spoiling, while the latter allows for a small amount. And that's not all. There are wines that are labeled "Biodynamic" that use organic farming techniques. Organic is better for the environment because "it reduces the amount of toxins in the water," says Lori Wyman of the Organic Trade Association. (It is also better for farm workers and most of us because we all basically live downstream.)

But, before you go off in search of just a label, know that there are winemakers in Europe that have been growing grapes for years without chemicals and pesticides. Only the labels may not reflect this process, which is why you should talk to a wine store employee when you're searching for an earth-friendly vino to go along with your juicy takeout T-Bone from Ruth's Chris Steak House (RUTH) .

Or, use this list as a starting point for organic and biodynamic wine that MainStreet gathered by distilling the wisdom of wine professionals in New York, California, Chicago, New Jersey and Washington, D.C. So grab a healthy meal from an organic store like Whole Foods (WFMI), then take your Riedel tumbler from Williams-Sonoma (WMS) and do a toast to your health (and to that of the Earth)!