When you're browsing the wine aisle or ordering organic wine online, you'll often spot certification logos on the bottle—logos like ACO, NASAA, or OFC. But what do these acronyms actually mean? Why are there multiple certification bodies in Australia? And does it matter which certification your wine carries?

Understanding organic wine certifications is crucial for consumers who want to know exactly what they're buying, and equally important for winemakers committed to sustainable practices. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down Australia's main organic wine certification bodies, explain their standards, and help you make informed choices when you buy organic wine online in Australia.

What is Organic Wine Certification?

Before diving into specific certifiers, it's important to understand why certification exists in the first place.

The Purpose of Certification

Organic wine certification is a rigorous third-party verification system that guarantees a wine has been produced according to strict organic standards. Unlike simply slapping "organic" on a label, certification requires:

• Annual independent audits and inspections

• Detailed record-keeping and traceability

• Soil and water testing

• Compliance with national and international standards

• Ongoing verification of sustainable farming practices

The certification process typically takes a minimum of three years for a vineyard to transition from conventional to fully organic production. During this "conversion period," vineyards must cease using synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers while proving their commitment to organic principles.

Why Multiple Certifiers?

Australia has several government-accredited organic certifying bodies, each accredited by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). This system exists because DAFF doesn't have the resources to certify every organic operator directly, so they've accredited independent organisations to perform audits and certifications on their behalf.

The main certifiers for wine are ACO, OFC, and historically NASAA. All certifiers verify compliance with Australia's National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce, ensuring that wines certified by any of them meet baseline requirements.

ACO: Australian Certified Organic

Australian Certified Organic (ACO) is Australia's largest and most recognised organic certifier. Operating under the parent organisation Australian Organic Limited (AOL), ACO certifies over 2,000 organic operators across a wide range of commodities, including wine.

The ACO logo—a stylised green bud—is perhaps the most familiar organic symbol in Australian supermarkets and wine shops. When you see this logo, you're looking at a product certified under Australia's highest-profile organic certification program.

Key Characteristics

Recognition & Accreditation:

• Largest certifier in Australia with 2,000+ certified operators

• Accredited by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) for NOP (National Organic Program) certification (accreditation renewed October 2024)

• Recognised under EU equivalence arrangements for wine exports (direct EU recognition for certifying organic wine)

• First Australian certification body to achieve JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standard) accreditation

• Accredited for Korean organic standards (first international body to achieve Korean accreditation)

• Accredited for Taiwan organic certification

• Accredited with IOAS to ISO/IEC 17065 international standards

Standards & Requirements:

• Adheres to the National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce

• Prohibits all synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers

• Requires free-range livestock practices

• Strict control of allowed additives and processing aids

• Mandatory conversion period of three years for most vineyards

Audit & Verification:

• Annual on-site audits mandatory

• Soil testing required

• Spray diary reviews

• Record-keeping verification

• Random sampling and testing

Wine-Specific Standards (ACO):
When certified organic, wines must:

• Use only certified organic grapes

• Limit sulphite additions (lower than conventional wine)

• Avoid sorbic acid and desulphurisation

• Meet specific sulphur dioxide limits based on wine type (e.g., 100mg/L for red wine with <2g/L residual sugar)

Market Position

ACO is often considered the "gold standard" of organic certification in Australia. Wine retailers and consumers frequently prioritise ACO certification due to:

• Brand recognition and consumer trust

• Stringent international standards

• Comprehensive verification processes

• Strong market presence

• Direct EU recognition for wine exports

Certification Fees

ACO charges certification and annual renewal fees, with costs varying based on business size and complexity. For wine producers, costs typically range from several hundred to several thousand dollars annually, depending on vineyard size and production volume.

OFC: Organic Food Chain

Organic Food Chain (OFC) is an independent certifier established in 1996, making it one of Australia's longest-running organic certification providers. Founded by Keith Morris, an organic farming pioneer with 40+ years of farming knowledge, OFC brings a hands-on approach to organic certification with deep agricultural expertise.

Key Characteristics

Recognition & Accreditation:

• Approved certifying body under DAFF (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry)

• Accredited to ISO/IEC 17065: 2013 (Conformity assessment – Requirements for bodies certifying products, processes and services) with JAS-ANZ

• Registered with the European Union as an Organic Certifying Body complying with Regulation EC 2018/848

• Recognised for export of organic products to multiple international markets

International Market Access:
OFC-certified organic products have access to:

• European Union: Australian grown plant and plant products (with product scope restrictions including wine and yeast), unprocessed plants, vegetative propagating material, and seeds for cultivation

• Great Britain: Similar scope to EU (with product restrictions)

• Japan: Products of plant origin, livestock products (excluding beekeeping), processed foods

• Taiwan: Organic products (crops, livestock, aquatic plants, processed foods, excluding beekeeping and in-conversion products)

• Many other international markets (excluding USA—separate NOP certification required)

Standards & Requirements:

• Certifies to the National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce

• Same baseline standards as ACO (no synthetic chemicals, three-year conversion, etc.)

• Offers two certification levels:

  • Small Operator: For businesses with turnover under AUD $100,000 per annum

  • General: For businesses exceeding this threshold

• Focuses on fast, friendly service while maintaining rigorous compliance

Audit & Verification:

• Annual inspections mandatory

• Soil testing and sampling

• Detailed organic management plans required

• Regular compliance verification

• Personal, family-owned approach to certification relationships

Family Ownership & Expertise:
OFC differentiates itself through:

• Founder Keith Morris (40+ years farming knowledge, 35 years practising organic farming)

• Keith retired in 2023; daughter Kari Martin (Chartered Accountant) now serves as Director and General Manager

• Deep agricultural expertise incorporated into OFC standards

• Keith was involved in writing the original OFC organic standard, which was later incorporated into Australia's National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce

• Keith honoured with Organic Industry Hall of Fame award at Organic Industry Awards 2025

Market Position

OFC represents a more boutique alternative to ACO's large-scale operation. It's often chosen by:

• Smaller wineries seeking personalised service

• Producers wanting direct relationships with their certifier

• Biodynamic producers

• Operators prioritising service quality over brand recognition

Certification Fees

OFC's fees are generally competitive, particularly for small operators. The two-tier certification system means small producers can access organic certification at lower cost initially, with fees increasing as their business grows beyond AUD $100,000 turnover.

NASAA: National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia (Ceased Operations)

Important Update: NASAA Ceased Operations (June 2025)

CRITICAL INFORMATION: NASAA Certified Organic (NCO) ceased operations on 26 June 2025 and entered voluntary administration on 8 July 2025. This development significantly affects the organic certification landscape in Australia.

What Happened?

NCO (the certifying division of NASAA) faced significant accreditation challenges:

• Lost recognition from IOAS (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements) in 2024

• Lost EU equivalence recognition for wine exports in 2024—a critical blow for wine producers

• Unable to meet ongoing international standards compliance requirements

• Suspended operations due to inability to sustain accreditation standards

What This Means for Consumers & Producers

For Existing NASAA-Certified Wine:

• Any wine bottles carrying NASAA certification were produced before September 26, 2025

• These wines represented legitimate certified organic products at time of production

• No retroactive invalidation of historically certified wine

For Producers Who Were NASAA-Certified:

• Mandatory transition to alternative certifiers by September 26, 2025

• Most former NASAA operators have transferred to ACO or OFC

• This transition required new audit and certification processes

• Records and certifications were transferred to new certifying bodies

Why Did NASAA Cease Operations?

The collapse occurred due to:

• International accreditation suspension (IOAS)

• Loss of direct EU recognition for wine certification

• Inability to maintain compliance with international certification standards

• Market consolidation around larger certifiers

Historical Significance

While NASAA is no longer operating, it was historically significant:

• One of Australia's earliest organic certifiers

• Particularly valued by small-scale and biodynamic producers

• Had strong regional support in some areas

• Provided important competition and choice in the certification market

---

Head-to-Head Comparison

---

What These Certifications Mean for Consumers

When you purchase a wine certified by ACO or OFC, you can be confident that:

Quality Assurance

• The vineyard and winery have undergone independent, rigorous audits

• All grapes are certified organic (no synthetic pesticides or herbicides used)

• The winemaking process complies with strict organic standards

• Sulphite levels are significantly lower than conventional wines (though some sulphites are permitted)

Environmental Impact

• Soil health prioritised through organic management practices

• Water conservation and quality practices implemented

• Biodiversity promoted in vineyard ecosystems

• No synthetic chemical runoff into waterways

Traceability

• All certified wines are traceable back to their production source

• Certification numbers on the label allow consumers to verify authenticity on the certifier's website (particularly ACO)

• Full production records available for inspection

Sustainability Commitment

• Three-year minimum commitment to organic conversion before certification

• Ongoing annual verification ensures continued compliance

• Producer demonstrates long-term sustainable farming commitment

How to Verify a Wine's Certification

Check the Label

Authentic certified organic wines display one of these logos:

• ACO Bud Logo: Green stylised bud with certification number

• OFC Logo: Distinctive OFC seal with certification number

• NASAA Logo: Only on older bottles (pre-2025), no longer valid for new certification

Online Verification (ACO)

If you've purchased an ACO-certified wine:

1. Visit www.aco.net.au

2. Use their search function to enter the certification number from the label

3. Verify the producer's current certification status

4. Confirm the specific products certified

Ask Your Wine Retailer

Reputable organic wine retailers (like Drink Fab) can provide:

• Detailed information about each wine's certifier

• Confirmation of current certification status

• Producer background and farming practices

• Details about why specific certifications were chosen

Key Standards All Australian Organic Wine Must Meet

Regardless of which certifier issued the certification, all Australian organic wines must comply with the National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce. This means:

Vineyard Requirements

• No synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides

• No synthetic fertilisers

• No GMO vines

• Minimum three-year conversion period before "certified organic" label permitted

• Sustainable soil management practices

• Limited water usage and quality protection

Winemaking Requirements

• Only certified organic grapes may be used

• Only organic or naturally occurring yeast (with limited exceptions)

• No sorbic acid or desulphurisation allowed

• Restricted sulphite additions (max limits vary by wine type)

• Limited approved additives only

• No synthetic preservatives or colourings

Record-Keeping Requirements

• Detailed spray diaries

• Pest control records

• Production input documentation

• Annual certification and renewal

The Organic Wine Difference: What to Expect

Taste Profile

Many consumers report that organic wines have:

• Cleaner, more expressive flavours

• Reduced chemical residues

• Greater expression of terroir (place-specific characteristics)

• Complexity from natural fermentation processes

Potential Differences

• Lower sulphite content may result in wines that are slightly less stable in hot conditions

• Some organic wines may age differently than conventional wines

• Natural variation between vintages may be more pronounced

• Price points typically 10-30% higher than conventional equivalents (reflecting conversion costs and lower yields)

Storage & Consumption

Organic wines benefit from:

• Consistent, cool storage conditions (12-15°C ideal)

• Darkness (away from light)

• Proper cork handling and bottle position (horizontal for cork bottles)

• Protection from strong odours

• Avoiding dramatic temperature fluctuations

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Q: Do all Australian organic wines have to be certified?

A: No, technically producers can label wine as "organic" without certification. However, this is uncommon in the professional wine industry. Certified wines come with third-party verification and credibility. When you're making an organic claim in the marketplace—whether on the label or in advertising—you should have certification to substantiate that claim under Australian Consumer Law.

Q: Is one certification better than another?

A: Not inherently. ACO and OFC both certify to the same National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce. The key differences are:

• Brand recognition: ACO is most widely recognised

• Market reach: ACO has stronger international export networks (direct EU recognition for wine)

• Service model: OFC offers more personalised service for small producers

• Availability: ACO offers more certified producers to choose from

Choose based on what matters to you: brand recognition, international standards, producer relationships, or cost efficiency.

Q: What about wines that say "made with organic grapes" instead of "certified organic"?

A: These wines are transitioning to organic or have organic grapes but didn't complete the three-year full conversion process. They're less strictly regulated but still represent a move toward organic practices. Look for specific certification logos for fully certified organic wines.

Certification Questions

Q: Why did NASAA stop certifying?

A: NASAA Certified Organic (NCO) faced accreditation challenges with international bodies (IOAS) and lost recognition for EU wine exports in 2024. After suspension attempts, NCO entered voluntary administration in July 2025 and ceased operations.

Q: Can I still buy NASAA-certified wine?

A: Only older bottles produced before September 2025 may carry NASAA certification. Any new wines from former NASAA producers will now be certified under ACO or OFC. Check the label date and ask your retailer about the producer's current certification status.

Q: How does certification affect wine price?

A: Certified organic wines typically cost 10-30% more than conventional equivalents because:

• Three-year conversion period with reduced yields

• Annual certification and audit fees

• Smaller-scale production in many cases

• Stricter compliance and record-keeping requirements

• Premium positioning and marketing investments

Q: Do certified organic wines have health benefits over conventional wine?

A: Certified organic wines contain no synthetic pesticide residues and lower sulphite levels than conventional wines. If you're sensitive to sulphites, organic wine may be easier to drink. However, "organic" doesn't necessarily mean "healthier"—health benefits of wine consumption are debated, and portion size matters more than organic status. Organic certification is primarily about production methods and environmental impact rather than nutritional superiority.

Purchasing Questions

Q: How do I find reliable organic wine retailers in Australia?

A: Look for:

• Retailers specialising in organic wines (like Drink Fab)

• Clear certification information on product listings

• Verifiable certifier logos on bottles

• Transparent producer information

• Staff knowledge about organic farming practices

• Easy access to certification details

Q: Should I always choose ACO over OFC?

A: Not necessarily. While ACO has stronger brand recognition, OFC offers equally rigorous certification with more personalised service. Consider:

• Whether you prioritise brand recognition or personal producer relationships

• The specific wine's producer background and philosophy

• Your preference for larger-scale vs. smaller-scale producers

• Availability of wines you want to purchase

Q: Can I trust organic wine labels?

A: Yes, when they display valid certification logos (ACO or OFC for currently certified wines). Never trust organic claims without visible certification. If unsure, verify through the certifier's website or ask your retailer. Drink Fab verifies all our suppliers' certifications and displays only wines with current, valid organic certification.

Flavour & Taste Questions

Q: Do organic wines taste better?

A: This is subjective. Many wine enthusiasts prefer organic wines for their:

• Cleaner flavour profiles

• Expression of terroir

• Natural fermentation character

Others find differences minimal. The best approach is to try several organic wines and develop your own preferences. Quality varies within organic wines just as it does in conventional wine.

Q: Why do some organic wines have different flavours or "faults" like carbonation or cloudiness?

A: Organic winemaking prioritises natural processes. Some naturally occurring variations that might be filtered out in conventional winemaking are preserved. This reflects the wine's natural state rather than problems with certification or quality. Some producers embrace these characteristics as part of authentic winemaking.

Q: Are natural wines and organic wines the same?

A: No. Organic wines are certified to rigorous standards with some winemaking interventions allowed. Natural wines take minimal intervention further—using wild yeasts, no fining or filtering, and often producing wines that conventional winemakers would consider "faulty." Natural wine has no government standard or certification body. All natural wines are typically made with organic grapes, but not all organic wines are natural wines.

Storage & Serving Questions

Q: How long can I store organic wine?

A: This depends on the specific wine, not its organic status. Premium organic wines may age 10-30+ years. Everyday organic wines are best consumed within 5-7 years. Check the producer's recommendations. Lower sulphite levels in organic wine don't necessarily mean shorter shelf life—many age beautifully.

Q: Are organic wines more prone to spoilage?

A: Not inherently. The lower sulphite content (natural preservative) in organic wine requires:

• Proper storage conditions (consistent temperature, darkness)

• Correct handling (cork-down storage, protection from light)

• Timely consumption (drink within recommended window)

This isn't spoilage risk—it's simply respecting the wine's natural characteristics.

Q: Do organic wines need to be stored differently?

A: Store organic wine the same way as conventional wine:

• Cool, consistent temperature (12-15°C ideal)

• Dark storage (away from light)

• Horizontal position (for cork bottles)

• Away from strong odours

• Avoid dramatic temperature fluctuations

Where to Buy Certified Organic Wine in Australia

When shopping for certified organic wine online or in-store, look for retailers who:

1. Display clear certification information with each wine listing

2. Stock multiple certifiers (ACO and OFC currently for new certifications)

3. Verify producer certifications regularly

4. Provide producer background and farming practice details

5. Offer knowledgeable staff or customer service

6. Source directly from producers when possible

At Drink Fab, we specialise in premium certified organic wines. We verify every producer's current certification status and proudly stock wines from ACO and OFC-certified vineyards across Australia. Our curated selection includes:

• Premium organic reds from McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, and Adelaide Hills

• Crisp organic whites and rosés from cool-climate regions

• Organic sparkling and natural wines

• Biodynamic selections

• Limited-release producer-direct selections

Summary: Understanding Australian Organic Wine Certification

Understanding Australian organic wine certification helps you make informed purchasing decisions:

Current Status (2025):

• ACO: Australia's largest certifier with direct EU wine export recognition, strongest international accreditation (USDA, JAS, Korea, Taiwan), highest brand recognition

• OFC: Independent certifier with rigorous standards and personalised service, particularly strong for small to medium producers, EU registered for select product scopes

• NASAA: Ceased operations June 26, 2025—historical significance only

What Certification Means:

• Rigorous third-party verification

• Compliance with the National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce

• Annual audits and ongoing compliance verification

• Environmental and sustainability commitment

• Lower synthetic pesticide and chemical residues

• Full traceability and record-keeping

How to Choose:

1. Look for valid ACO or OFC certification logos

2. Check certification numbers on retailer websites

3. Ask about the producer's farming philosophy

4. Consider whether you prioritise brand recognition or producer relationship

5. Trust retailers like Drink Fab that verify all certifications

6. Taste wines and develop your own preferences

Ready to explore Australia's finest certified organic wines? Browse Drink Fab's complete organic wine collection curated from ACO and OFC-certified producers across Australia. We deliver Australia-wide.