Sour grapes over clean wine

Hannah Fuellenkemper takes a look at the somewhat murky world of clean wine, and why it's caused such a stir in natural wine circles

Cameron Diaz wants to convince people to drink better wine. How exciting is that? And better yet, she launched a ‘clean’ wine brand named Avaline back in 2020 - and it's been a runaway success. But Cameron couldn’t be suspected of anything as crass as cynical capitalism could she? This is clearly a passion project for her, and for normal people like you and me. Because I’m assuming you also dislike hangovers.

I’ll get back to that.

Thank goodness that there is a plentiful supply of “clean crafted wine” to go around for anyone who can afford it. And if Avaline’s rosy rosé picnique-chique isn’t your colour scheme, you might prefer to spend your money with the Wonderful Wine Company. Here the vibe is less linen tablecloth, more the spunky eco-warrior fretting over the ethics of eating quinoa. For those of you brave enough to admit that you sometimes eat a burger, but still identify with living an “exceptionally healthy life” there is Good Clean Wine. Otherwise there’s Scout & Cellar, who s…