As part of a trip to address climate change and promote environmental sustainability, the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall (i.e. Charles and Camilla) stopped in at Vinedos Emiliana, a Chilean winery that produces sustainable, organic and biodynamic wines, for a tasting and tour.

I don't know what Charles thought of the wines, but Americans like them. Emiliana's Natura line is the bestselling imported organic wine in the $12-$14 category.

They make a Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere, and if you haven't tried them, you should, because they have the coveted trifecta of wines: inexpensive, taste good and good for the environment.

When the first organic wines came out, there was something of a hippie stigma attached to them. The method of growing the grapes was more important than the finished product and, as a result, the wines really couldn't compare to the more traditionally produced vintages. But everyday consumers and connoisseurs alike are no longer turning up their noses at organic wines because there are excellent ones available now. More vineyards are making them and the wines are getting better all the time. The reason for the turn towards organic wine is that consumers' demand for organic products is growing in scope, stretching beyond produce. Their demand means that the market is bigger - the supermarket Sainsbury's reports over 400% growth in the sale of organic wine in the last year - and to fill it, more organic wine is being produced.

Of course, as Jonathan Ray (The Daily Telegraph wine expert) points out, "good wine is good wine" and some of the very best are not organic. But if organic is a criteria that is important to you, for reason, it's nice to know that there a good wine options and that the number of them is growing all the time.

Yesterday, the Chronicle food section focused on organic foods. Today, their wine section does the same, looking at organic wines and why they are so difficult to find. Many vineyards grow certified organic grapes, but the wines themselves are not organic. The reason? The USDA prohibits added sulfites in organic wines.

Wine country is starting to use sheep to tend the vineyards, as weed eaters and, well, fertilizers. I love the idea! Of course, the very next story in the Chronicle is about pairing merlot with LAMB pilaf!

Speaking of Merlot, Washington State offers a number of merlots for under $20, some even earning three out of four stars from the Chronicle. They also call up the spirit of writer Dashiell Hammett for bargain wines.

The Beer of the Month is Chipotle Ale, perfect to go with tomorrow's Cinco de Mayo flavors. Of course, you can always pick from Forbes' list of "coolest" beers, posted yesterday.

[photo: of 2004 Vida Organica Malbec Rose by Sarah]