Lately, there has been a lot of talk about natural wine bars and the conversation is often heated, but the important thing is to have the conversation. The exact definition of the term, which originated in France (like many good things), remains unclear, but the principle behind these wines is unanimously agreed upon: the use of organic fruit (many of which are dynamically cultivated), fusion, fermentation with local yeasts, and reduced vinegar interference.
What was French quickly became American, and the natural wine movement is now spreading across the country. Natural wine is nothing less than a national phenomenon these days. Natural wine bars are popping up all over the country.
Want to sharpen your taste buds and understand what’s good? Here are some of the best natural wine bars in America. Stop by and learn the juice behind the place, get a better feel for the style, and get a real drink.
Stems & Skins Charleston
Based in Park Circle, North Charleston, Stems and Skins was founded in 2016 and focuses on selling natural wines, classic cocktails and beers from around the world. “Going to Stems & Skins is like going out for a night out with a good friend,” says Sarah Vail, co-founder of natural wine importer Sour Grapes. “Matt and his wife Angie always work there and are very welcoming. You know you are well managed and you really feel southern hospitality Sunday night With registration you get 15% off your final bill.
320 Market Café Philadelphia
Pennsylvania’s long-standing laws have made it impossible to make interesting types of wine in the state. But at 320 Market Cafe, which has two locations on Philadelphia’s Main Street, natural wine is king, thanks to the passion and dedication of founder Jack Cunicelli. Cuccinelli focuses on low-refractive wines with an “impulsive organic wine touch,” highlighting Robinot, Raffault, Bloomer Creek, Lucie Margaux wine shop products and, where available, Tessier bottles. Avid drinkers will be excited to sip from Brian Day and Teu Boeuf wine glasses, as well as specially selected (and rotating) flights.
Red & White Chicago
Founded in 2008, Red & White is Chicago’s premier natural wine shop, with a no-chemical wine and hassle-free cellar approach. A hybrid local retail/bar setup allows customers to shop and drink at the same time, rotating by the glass/bottle selections. Spanish whites are just a few of the many offerings at the venue, carefully selected from the bar’s bistro menu. Additionally, weekly Saturday tastings, seasonal events, and wine club memberships are just a few of the many red and white resources available for learning about natural wine.
The Ten Bells New York
Early in the natural wine game, this Lower East Side property opened ten years ago. Founded by three employees of former neighborhood bistro Le Pere Pinard, The Ten Bells’ philosophy is simple. Our focus is on ingredients and winemaking techniques to serve delicious food and great wine. The Ten Bells’ dimly lit and intimate wine list includes a range of international producers paired with tapas-style appetizers and small plates. The daily happy hour pairing $1 oysters with a $15 carafe of house wine is the best deal in town.
The Antler Room Kansas City
This urban spot is at the forefront of the natural wine movement in the heart of the country, offering an extensive international natural wine list with a changing menu of small plates. The cuisine is heavily influenced by Mediterranean, East Asian, and Midwestern flavors, showcasing a unique and complementary blend of different cultures and cuisines. Wines are available for under $5 a glass on select days, but you can choose from the restaurant’s extensive wine list, which includes more than 10 skin-to-skin wines and a wide selection of sparkling options.
The Hawthorn Helena, MT
This hybrid wine bar/shop in Montana’s capital prides itself on promoting real, natural wines. The wine bar always has at least three sulfate-free wines and a consistently organic, vibrant and sustainable menu. “It’s probably very common in larger markets, but completely unique in a small town of 36,000,” says Hawthorne owner Jill Roberts. Today, Roberts produces a variety of natural wine tasting flights, as well as handcrafted tableware, decanters and winemaker options.
PS Wine Bar Jersey City, NJ
In a town across the Hudson River, Natural Wine Bar may be old, but locally, the pub is a staple. Offering what they call ‘farm wines’, the menu has some unique offerings. From sparkling Italian Malvasia to rosé Zweigelt, the bar’s curated menu offers something for everyone and each wine is carefully selected to pair with the bar’s gourmet tapas.
Ordinaire Oakland
This cool West Coast restaurant opened in 2013 while owner Bradford Taylor was completing his PhD in nearby Berkeley. Here, Taylor not only sells, serves and stocks all natural wines, but also offers small plates and snacks along with a large selection of natural wines. Bistro Ordinary. Taylor is instrumental in organizing the annual Bloomer Natural Wine Festival in Auckland. The Ordinary organizes many events.
The Punchdown Oakland
Located less than two miles from Odinaire, The Punchdown is an equally important player in California’s natural wine movement. The bar follows strict rules for wine, including organic grape production, local yeast fermentation and minimal cellar intervention. This means you don’t need to add or remove grapes and their natural processes. “Auckland’s Ordinary and Punchdown have done a great job of introducing consumers to natural wine in a very casual setting,” says Amy Atwood, founder of the renowned natural wine importer. Additionally, The Punchdown offers a variety of meats, cheeses, salads and sandwiches for snacking.
