Are you looking for wine that is “clean” and free from glyphosate residue? For many years, community members have been asking us to test the USDA organic & biodynamic wine brand Frey Vineyards. So Mamavation sent several organic & biodynamic wines from Frey Vineyards off to our independent EPA-certified lab to put them to the test. You’ve trusted Mamavation to bring you topics like safest salts without heavy metals, safest olive oils with lowest phthalates, & and safest cinnamon with lowest heavy metals and glyphosate, now join us for the results of Frey Vineyard’s organic & biodynamic wines.
Disclosure: This post was medically reviewed by Sondra Strand, RN, BSN, PHN. This post also contains affiliate links. After independently testing products by Frey Vineyards, we decided to recoup our testing by adding affiliate links to the site. Mamavation will receive a commission of any sales that come from links on this post and we will use that to pay ourselves back for the testing and fund more consumer studies of products in the future. Frey Vineyards donated the wine to test, so Mamavation did not purchase these wines. You can also give a tax-deductible donation to our consumer studies here through Environmental Health Sciences. Thank you!
Wine Can Be Problematic — Mamavation Tests Frey Vineyards for Glyphosate
Mamavation community members have been asking us to independently verify claims made by Frey Vineyards for years. So we finally decided to send their wine to our EPA-certified laboratory to look into whether they had glyphosate contamination when using standardized glyphosate testing. In other words, we put those organic claims to the test.
Good news! All of the Frey Vineyards labs came back non-detect, meaning our lab couldn’t find any trace amounts of glyphosate inside their USDA organic or biodynamic wine.
But let’s first discuss why glyphosate doesn’t belong in your wine first.
Wine and Glyphosate
Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Round-Up Weed Killer and the most popular herbicide in the world and has been found in wines sold in the United States. Glyphosate was originally patented as a chelator and an antibiotic, which means it has the ability to stop nutrient absorption and decimate delicate gut flora. These two simple facts explain why glyphosate is so damaging to the overall health of the body and has been linked to spreading antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Glyphosate has also been deemed a “probable carcinogen” by the World Health Organization and added to the Prop. 65 List of carcinogens and reproductive toxins in California.
How does glyphosate get into wine? It’s not here on purpose. Glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine] is the active ingredient in glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH) and is the most popular herbicide in the world. Environmental exposure to this broad-based herbicide has increased dramatically since the introduction of “Round-up Ready” genetically modified (GMO) crops in 1996 for soybean, maize, and cotton varieties. “Round-up Ready” genetically modified crops made it possible to utilize glyphosate as a broadcast herbicide while not killing the crops they were sprayed on. Glyphosate is also extensively used for deforestation efforts, such as killing brush in fire zones, and is also relied on heavily by landscapers to kill weeds on green belts and golf courses. Ultimately, glyphosate is used for eliminating weeds and shrubs, such as annual and perennial grasses, broadleaf weeds, and woody species.
When you find glyphosate in your wine and beer, it’s likely coming from contamination from farming practices. Glyphosate is also a problem when neighboring farms utilize the herbicide and it finds its way into neighboring farms. This is referred to as “drift.” It’s also found in wine when lots of glyphosate is used in the surrounding community because it can become part of the rain. Yes, the rain can contain glyphosate as well.
Raw Data from Mamavation’s EPA-Certified Lab — Glyphosate Results
Wine Testing Results
Mamavation sent three samples of organic and biodynamic wines from Frey Vineyards to our independent EPA-certified lab. The lab tested glyphosate, glufosinate, and AMPA at the detection limit of 10 parts per billion (ppb) and reported back to us the following:
Frey Vineyards has offered Mamavation community members a special 15% discount till the end of May to celebrate these independent results. Click here and it will be automatically added to your shopping cart.
If you are an influencer or content creator who wants to work with Frey Vineyards, they just opened up an affiliate program and you can apply here.
Glyphosate Test Details
Mamavation sent three samples of wine to our EPA Certified lab: One USDA Organic chardonnay, one USDA organic cabernet sauvignon, and one biodynamic cabernet sauvignon. Therefore, two reds and one white wine. The lab tested for glyphosate, glufosinate, and AMPA using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry detector (LC-MS/MS) at 10 parts per billion (ppb) detection limit. This is the standard test going as low as possible in a commercial lab. (University labs or experimental labs using non-standardized testing may be able to go lower.)
Sulfites in Organic Wine vs. Sulfa
Sulfites are one of the main reasons (other than pesticide use) consumers tend to opt for USDA organic wines. So we thought we would go over those differences here. Sulfites are chemicals used as preservatives in processed foods and wine. They slow the “browning” process and discoloration caused by bacterial growth in foods. When used in wine, they preserve color, create flavor, and help with the transport of the wines so they maintain that consistency. However, some people, like me, are allergic or sensitive to them and this can cause a range of medical issues such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, runny nose, hives, or headaches. Conventional winemakers typically use quite a bit of sulfites in order to process wines, so you would know if you were sensitive to these chemicals by just selecting a USDA organic wine to see if that makes any difference.
It’s also important to note that in the winemaking process, the grapes have natural sulfites within them already, so it’s impossible to completely avoid sulfites if you are drinking wine. However, there are differences in how much is added based on what types of wines you select. Here are those comparisons again including US & EU amounts:
USDA Organic wines — less than 10 ppm sulfites (Look for the USDA Organic seal. Sometimes this is confused with “made with organic grapes” and that category is completely different. If you find the USDA organic seal, there should be less than 10 ppm of sulfites inside naturally occurring from the grapes.)
“Made with Organic grapes” wines — up to 100 to 150 ppm sulfites
Conventional wines — 350 ppm sulfites
European wines — 210 ppm sulfites
Biodynamic wines — 100 ppm sulfites
European Union Organic wines — 100 parts per million for red wine, 150 parts per million for whites and rosés, 130 ppm for sweet red wines, and 180 ppm for sweet white wines. (Please note that there are some big differences between USDA (American) organic foods and European Union or Canadian Organic foods. The rules and standards are different and different things are allowable.)
Canadian Organic Wines — up to 100 ppm sulfites
If you are sensitive to the sulfites in wine, you may want to also look into where you’ll find sulfites in other types of food. As a comparison, here are some other foods with sulfites that should be avoided if you have an allergy: (this is not a complete list)
bottled lemon or lime juice — 100 ppm
dried fruits like apricots — 100 ppm
grape juices — 100 ppm
molasses — 100 ppm
pickled cocktail onions — 100 ppm
sauerkraut — 100 ppm
dried potatoes — 50-100 ppm
gravies/sauces — 50-100 ppm
wine vinegar — 50-100 ppm
guacamole — 10-50 ppm
apple cider vinegar — 10-50 ppm
mushrooms — 10-50 ppm
maple syrup — 10-50 ppm
shrimp — 10-50 ppm
Many people get sulfites confused with “sulfa” found in other products. These are not the same thing. Here’s what we mean so that you understand the differences.
Sulfites: a preservative found in wine and processed foods. Also, naturally found in grapes at very low levels.
Sulfur: an element found in nature
Sulfa drugs: a type of antibiotic medication. Some people, like me, experience sulfa allergies that can include bone pain, shortness of breath, hives, etc. This is why the doctor asks you if you are allergic to certain types of drugs.
Sulfates: these are sulfuric acid salts often found in personal hygiene products, like toothpaste, shampoo, or soap.
Wine Certifications
What are the differences in all this wine labeling you are seeing? Quite a bit. Some claims you are seeing on wine bottles don’t have any standards or definitions, while others do.
You’ll notice that USDA Organic is the strongest standard for third-party, certified testing. The good news is Frey Vineyards is the first USDA organic and first biodynamic winery in the country. They’ve been at this for a very long time and have helped set the standard we have today of USDA organic and biodynamic wine.
Here’s a breakdown of what you may be seeing on the bottle vs. what it means.
USDA Organic
The USDA Organic certification for wines is very specific and important to understand. Many problematic inputs are allowed in conventional winemaking that are not allowed in organic winemaking.
USDA Organic wine must use 95% organic inputs and the other 5% can be other inputs that are not organic, but allowable in the USDA organic standards.
Grapes are grown without synthetic fertilizers and in a manner that protects the environment and preserves the soil.
All toxic, persistent, synthetic pesticides are prohibited. Here a list of approved pesticides the USDA organic standards allow and in what circumstances. In other words, toxic glyphosate would be prohibited, however, under some circumstances, copper sulfate or Hypochlorous acid—generated from electrolyzed water would be allowable. These approved pesticides are not persistent so they easily wash off in the wind and the rain, unlike other toxic, persistent pesticides used by conventional farming. The circumstances to allow certain substances would exhaust a process first where other means were used and were not successful in saving the crop.
No biosolids (aka “sewage sludge”) will be used in the growing and production of the product.
Other agricultural ingredients that go into the wine, such as yeast, must be certified USDA organic as well.
Any additional inputs not certified USDA organic cannot exceed 5% of the total product. (Note: sulfites cannot be added to USDA Organic wine.)
Wine naturally produces sulfites in trace amounts below 10 ppm, but they cannot be added to organic wine under any circumstance. Therefore the sulfites found in USDA organic wines are there naturally.
“Made with Organic Grapes”
The claim of “made with organic grapes” is another category of wines that has become very popular. These bottles of wine are not considered USDA organic wine. The differences can confuse consumers because when this label is seen, most people believe they are drinking USDA organic wine, which is not true. Part of the winemaking process is organic, whereas, the grapes harvested to make the wine are USDA organic and are free from pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers. But that’s where it stops and the additional ingredients inside the wine do not follow the USDA organic standards. This wine may contain genetically engineered (GMO) yeasts, added sulfites, flavor enhancers, and other non-organic inputs. Typically, you’ll find added sulfites at about 100 ppm or less.
Biodynamic Certifications — Demeter Biodynamic
According to the Biodynamic Association, biodynamic farming is “a holistic, ecological, and ethical approach to farming, gardening, food, and nutrition. Biodynamics is rooted in the work of philosopher and scientist Dr. Rudolf Steiner, whose 1924 lectures to farmers opened a new way to integrate scientific understanding with a recognition of spirit in nature.” Biodynamic certification for farms and products is managed worldwide by Demeter International, in the United States by Demeter USA. Read the U.S. Demeter Biodynamic® Farm Standard(link is external) to learn more about the principles of this system and requirements for Biodynamic certification.
Principles of Biodynamic farming start with USDA organic standards and then add additional principles according to Demeter:
Regeneration – sustainability is not enough
Integrating well-being of nature and human beings – we are part of the picture
Creating a living context within which human beings, animals and plants can thrive and develop
Include animals in a way that respects their well-being, while producing nutrient dense food, nourishing the soil and protecting wildlife
Agriculture is contextual – of its ecology, landscape, and culture
Ecological responsibility – Caring for resources, including packaging and transport impacts
Social responsibility – Support community development and a cooperative approach throughout the supply chain
“Glyphosate Residue-Free” Certification from Detox Project
This bonafide certification requires vineyards to send each lot of wine to be glyphosate-tested at an EPA-certified laboratory with a detection limit of 10 ppb (which is the standardized level) and come back as a non-detect for each batch. This certification is the only one that requires proof from a laboratory to be certified. We have not noticed another certification mandating they pass chemical testing to become certified. Even USDA organic food does not require testing of glyphosate. If you require a wine that is lowest in glyphosate contamination (because honestly, glyphosate is everywhere), this would be our recommendation to ensure that happens.
Sustainable or Regenerative Vineyards
The idea behind “sustainable” vineyards is to encourage growers to keep a record of what inputs they are using and reduce them over time. Sometimes chemicals are banned, but not all the time. Integrated pest management (IPM) for sustainability encourages a reduction of agrochemical inputs, but this is not consistent from country to country. The problem here is there is a lack of certification and it’s more of a buzzword at this point. This claim on wine doesn’t have a well-defined meaning, so at this point, it means whatever the winemaker wants it to mean.
The same goes for “regenerative” vineyards. What does regenerative mean? Well, that’s a good question. What I think it means may not be what the winemakers have in mind. And that’s the rub. It’s different from vineyard to vineyard when there is no well-defined meaning. However, the basic idea is to farm in such a way that builds soil health back into the land. If you simply see the word “regenerative” on a wine bottle, it has no defined meaning.
But if you purchase a bottle with one of the certifications we list below, there’s more behind the claim.
Some (Not All) Vineyard Certifications Based on Sustainable or Regenerative Principles:
SIP Certified (Sustainability In Practice) — an official certification that addresses additional farming methods, looking at sustainable practices on every level, from farm labor to agriculture – from energy conservation to water quality. It is an additional way for consumers to know they’re buying sustainable wines that give back to the land and community. However, as a stand-alone certification and not accompanied by an organic or biodynamic certification, additional pesticides that are used on conventional vineyards can also be used. Sulfites may also be added to the bottle.
Certified Regenerative by AGW (A Greener World) –This certification is based on “regenerative” principles and doesn’t have many vineyards yet in its portfolio. Individual plans are tailored to individual farms. Audits are done annually. Standards include elements relevant to the individual farm and can be based on soil, water, air, biodiversity, animals, and workers.
Land to Market Verified –This certification is associated with the Savory Institute. It describes itself as “an outcomes-based approach assessed through their Ecological Outcome Verification (EOVTM). Requiring continuous improvement, the EOVTM combines indicators of ecosystem health, including soil health & fertility, sequestered carbon, water holding capacity and biodiversity. Growers with positive-trending data receive EOVTM certification.”
Regenerative Organic Certified — This certification has many organic vineyards already participating so this may be the most common you’ll notice. Operated by Ecocert and in association with the Rodale Institute and Patagonia, this certification has three levels of what would be considered “regenerative” consisting of Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Each level starts with USDA organic certification and builds from there. Most of the differences between levels include strong worker’s rights principles and animal husbandry requirements.
Regenerative Viticulture Alliance — This certification only certifies vineyards and nothing else. It’s also operated by Ecocert and builds off of a USDA organic certification but is open to organic growers globally. Growers start by self-certifying but after three years are audited.