Why Earth Day Is the Perfect Excuse to Drink Better Wine

Welcome wine lovers, wine likers, and wine not-so-sure-ers! Every year on 22 April, Earth Day gives us a brilliant excuse to pause and think about how we travel, what we eat, and—most importantly for us—what we're putting in our glasses.

At Humble Grape, we think wine should be fun. We are all about banishing the boring, ditching the dull, shipping out the stuffy, and drinking wine with a whole lot more character. But we also firmly believe that drinking fantastic wine and being kind to the planet go hand in hand. The most exciting bottles in our cellars are almost always the ones made by independent winemakers who truly care for their land.

So, this Earth Day, we want to break down what sustainable wine actually means (with all the fun and none of the judgement), and introduce you to an absolute stunner of a bottle. Let us be your humble guide!

The Difference Between Organic, Biodynamic, and Natural Wine

Let's clear up the confusion. You’ve probably heard these words thrown around interchangeably, but what do they actually mean when you’re browsing a wine shop or looking at our menu?

Organic Wine: Happy Soil, Happy Vines

This all starts in the dirt. Certified organic winemakers skip the synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers. Instead, they use natural alternatives to keep their vines and soil healthy. When you see organic certification on a bottle in the UK and EU, it means the producer has gone through a strict, audited process. The result? Buzzing biodiversity and grapes that honestly reflect where they were grown. For our winemakers, going organic isn't a marketing gimmick; it’s a total, long-term commitment to Mother Nature.

Biodynamic Winemaking: Next-Level Farming

Think of this as organic farming taking it to the next level. Rooted in the agricultural ideas of Rudolf Steiner, biodynamic farming treats the vineyard as one big, self-sustaining ecosystem. Winemakers work in harmony with lunar cycles and the seasons, using natural soil preparations. To get the official 'Demeter' stamp of approval, they must meet some seriously rigorous standards. Some might think the practices sound a bit eccentric, but the results speak for themselves. Biodynamic wines are consistently some of the most vibrant, expressive bottles you’ll ever taste.

Natural Wine: Nothing Added, Nothing Taken Away

"Natural" is a broader term with fewer official rules, but the vibe is simple: minimal intervention. Natural winemakers usually farm organically or biodynamically, then let the grape juice ferment naturally with wild, native yeasts—no weird additives or heavy-handed tinkering in the cellar. At its best, natural wine feels alive, totally unique, and tied directly to the earth. It’s the kind of wine that makes you sit up and pay attention.

Seasonal Sourcing: Drinking With the Planet

When it comes to the wine, there are some things we always care about. Where it’s from is massively important, as are the suppliers, the sustainability, and the quality. Sustainable wine isn’t just about what happens in the vineyard; it’s also about how that bottle gets to your table. We proudly work directly with small, independent winemakers from around the world who pay their teams fairly and treat their land with respect.

We also love drinking with the seasons. As spring finally arrives, we lean towards lighter, fresher styles, saving the big, gripping reds for the winter months. It keeps our wine list dynamic and ensures you're always drinking something perfectly suited to the moment.

For Earth Day, we wanted to spotlight a wine that ticks every single box: certified organic, biodynamic, made with serious thought, and—most importantly—utterly delicious.

Meet the Maker: Domaine Jourdan Les 3 Quartiers, Chinon 2021

The Producer

Nestled in the Loire Valley in a small village called Cravant-les-Coteaux, you’ll find Domaine Jourdan. Founded back in 1983, they gained their organic certification in 2008 (way before it was the trendy thing to do) and hit biodynamic Demeter status in 2016. Today, the day-to-day magic is led by Cédric Monory alongside Laurent Dumas. They farm 18 hectares of vines, including a rare little plot of Chenin Blanc. This is a family with deep roots and genuine passion—exactly the kind of independent heroes we love to champion.

The Wine

Domaine Jourdan Les 3 Quartiers, Chinon 2021

Say hello to Les Trois Quartiers. Made from 100% old-vine Cabernet Franc, this is a wine built for sitting around a table with great food and even better friends. The 2021 vintage was a bit cool and wet, which gave this wine a classic Loire Valley personality: precise, incredibly elegant, and wonderfully restrained. The winemaking is beautifully unhurried, with a 20-day maceration followed by 18 months of ageing split between concrete tanks and used oak barrels. Nothing rushed, nothing forced.

In the Glass

Forget the old "stick your nose in a glass and say 'mmm, red berries'" routine—what you really need to know is that this Cabernet Franc is an absolute joy to drink. It’s got a savoury depth, a smooth, supple texture, and a generous character that will have you reaching for a second glass before you know it. At 13.5% ABV, it sits comfortably and is perfectly balanced. If you ever thought Cabernet Franc was just a blending grape, prepare to have your mind blown.

The Details

• Region: Chinon, Loire Valley, France

• Grape: 100% Cabernet Franc (old vines)

• Method: Certified organic and Demeter biodynamic

• Ageing: 18 months, concrete and used oak barriques

• ABV: 13.5% | Closure: Cork

• Price: £36.65 per bottle

Drink Well, Tread Lightly

Earth Day is a gentle reminder that our everyday choices matter. Choosing to drink sustainable wine doesn't mean compromising on fun or flavour. It just takes a little curiosity, a willingness to explore comfortably, and a desire to let what's in the glass tell you a story about where it came from.

If you're in London, pop into one of our neighbourhood wine bars this April to explore our organic selection in person. Or, grab a bottle of the Domaine Jourdan Les 3 Quartiers online—it's the perfect proof that drinking well and drinking responsibly belong in the exact same glass.

Explore our organic and sustainable wine selection — or book a table and let us pour something exceptional for you.