Wine Conversations: Grappling With Authenticity (I)

What Does "Authenticity" in Wine Really Mean - And Who Gets to Decide?

When Dave Baxter approached me, asking whether I would like the honour of picking this month's topic for Wine Conversations, I was not entirely sure if I could come up with a suitable theme. After some thought, however, there is one topic which I have considered for some time that I think warrants further discussion—and one which I am curious to hear how the very talented writers contributing to this series would approach.

New to the series? Each month, a different writer from the wine world selects a theme, sparking an ongoing conversation as others respond with their own thoughtful perspectives.

We live in a world where authenticity matters more than ever. Consumers—many of whom live in wholly man-made bubbles—increasingly seek a connection with nature and wish to distance themselves from the artificial, whatever that might look like. It is, I believe, a large part of what has driven demand for natural wines to the heights seen today, and fits neatly into the increasingly climate-conscious minds…