Organic Chocolate and Wine Gift

An organic chocolate and wine gift is a thoughtful present to give to anyone you know who is interested in organics or passionate about good food and drink. It's also a very versatile gift and works well for traditional occasions, like birthdays and anniversaries, as well as more casual dinner parties and impromptu gatherings.

Your selection of organic chocolate and wine gifts may be somewhat limited because most companies do not manufacture and distribute their products according to certified organic standards. The United States Department of Agriculture mandates that for a product to be certified organic, it must follow certain standards and be grown, produced, and manufactured without the use of chemical or artificial pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, hormones, or other chemical additives. Organic products are grown as naturally as possible, and many organic companies also demonstrate a profound commitment to the environment.

The more stringent standards for organic products means that they cost more to produce, so they are often more expensive than conventional products. Many consumers believe that it's worthwhile to pay a bit more for organic products and gifts because they are produced sustainably and may be healthier than conventional products. By buying organic chocolate and wine, you'll also be demonstrating your support for these sustainable organic practices.

Before making a trip to your local supermarket, you may want to call to check that they carry organic items and have them in stock. If they do not, you could check local health-food markets, liquor stores, or specialty-foods stores.

Several vineyards have begun producing wine and other alcohols according to organic standards.

• The Organic Wine Company produces and ships a variety of wines from California and France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, New Zealand, Argentina, and Chile. Started by a brother-sister team, the company originally imported only organic French wines to the U.S. and has since expanded.
• Frey Vineyards produces organic wine with no added sulfites. The company's vineyards are based in Mendocino, California. Frey has a longstanding commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility and strives to grow grapes biodynamically and eventually become completely carbon-neutral.
• Organic Vintners uses a search tool to connect consumers with the organic wines they're seeking. Customers can search for port, red, sparkling, or white wines and choose the country of origin they'd like for their product. Their Web site also allows buyers to browse the selection of all available wines and indicates which products are vegan.
• The Organic Wine Press is based in Oregon and offers organic beers, organic sampler packs, gift baskets, and full bottles of red and white wines. The company is only allowed to ship wine to certain U.S. states, so if you're considering placing an order, make sure to confirm on their Web site that your state is one of their approved destinations.

Many varieties of organic chocolate are also fair trade, which means that producers and employees in the chocolate's country of origin were paid fair wages for their products in an effort to make their businesses sustainable.

• Sweet Earth Chocolates offers gift assortments, truffles, individually wrapped chocolate candies, bulk products, and seasonal items. They also fill custom orders. The company's products are all organic and fair-trade certified, and they work in conjunction with a charitable organization that works to support African cocoa farmers, called Project Hope and Fairness.
• Dagoba produces upscale organic chocolates with exotic flavors including lavender and chai. In addition to offering bar chocolates, Dagoba sells cocoa mixes and baking chocolates. Their bars include flavors of goji berries, acai berries, chili peppers, cranberries, crystallized ginger, hemp seeds, sea salt, and mint oil.
• Endangered Species Chocolate partners with several charitable and environmental organizations to make their chocolate products sustainable and their impact on the environment minimal. They donate 10% of their net profits to these organizations. They offer both fair-trade and organic chocolate bars and gifts in several flavors.
• Green and Black's organic chocolates are rich, deep, and flavorful. The company began in 1991 when a husband-and-wife team began manufacturing organic chocolate after tasting an organic dark-chocolate bar. Their products are fair-trade certified and available in many large supermarkets and smaller health-food stores.
• Terra Nostra sells gourmet organic and fair-trade chocolates. They also offer some products for consumers with special dietary needs, such as a dairy-free rice-milk bar and a gluten-free specialty chocolate. Consumers can shop on their Web site or use their store locater to search for stores in their area.

• Organic Herbs to Purchase and Grow
• Organic Diabetic Cookbook
• Pictures of Organically Grown Food
• What is Organic Farming
• What is Organic

• How to Make Organic Hair Products
• Organic Bamboo Fabric
• How to Make Organic House Cleaning Products
• Best Organic Shampoos
• 100% Organic Vitamins and Supplements

• Organic Dairy Free Chocolate Candy
• Main Page
• Organic Lover Gift Basket
• Category:Natural and Organic Food
• All Natural Organic Food Gift Baskets