What The Heck Is Natural Wine?
Natty wine > store nought wine. Let me explain.
Let's dive into the natty wine universe — both a trend and a tale as old as time.
I already know what you're thinking — isn't all wine "natural"? Well, yes and no.
Sure, wine comes from grapes, but not all winemakers and vineyards follow the same rules. Think of it like this: comparing mass-produced, imported pasta sauce to your Italian grandmother's homemade recipe. They might start from the same basic idea but are worlds apart in practice (and taste).
I First Heard of "Natural Wine" Years Ago
Reyce and I spent a memorable day at a ranch with our pals Kennedy and Eli a few years back. Between sharing old childhood stories and college adventures, we played cards, tossed around dominoes, and sampled some incredible natural wines curated by Eli, a savvy wine-lover and wholesale distributor. He's the guy who connects local restaurants with some of the Southwest's best winemakers.
Eli explained the nuances of organic vineyards versus mass-produced bottles from the grocery store as we sipped. That chat under the high desert stars didn't just change my perspective on wine; it changed my life.
Eli, if you're out there — thanks, man. You totally opened my eyes. Love you, dude.
So, What Is "Natural Wine?"
The phrase "natural wine" often sparks lively debates among wine lovers, from winemakers to sommeliers. While some prefer to call it "low-intervention" or "naked" wine, the term "natural wine" has stuck. Drop this term at any wine-knowledgeable spot, from bars to restaurants, and someone will know exactly what you mean.
At its heart, natural wine is simply pure, unadulterated fermented grape juice. These wines come from grapes untouched by pesticides or herbicides and are handpicked rather than machine-harvested. They naturally ferment with wild yeasts from the air, free from additives like artificial flavors or sugars familiar in conventional winemaking. This method takes things back to basics, highlighting a true expression of the vineyard's ecosystem.
Natural wine often has a distinctive "barnyard" flavor — think of it as the kind of bizarre, homemade juice your eccentric aunt might whip up. It's bold and inherently quirky, though not all are. But don't mistake its organic funkiness for being "unclean" — that would undermine its rich heritage. If one batch isn't to your taste, try the same label and vintage a year later; it could be completely different. Since natural wine is deeply influenced by Earth's organic rhythms, each year's harvest brings something unique to the table, and every bottle celebrates this natural variability.
But natural wine is more than just its minimalist production technique. It embodies decades of viticultural knowledge. As a gardener myself, this deep connection to the land totally transforms how I enjoy my wine. It's a beautiful ode to the farm-to-table movement, captured beautifully in each bottle.
Where To Shop For Natural Wines?
Honestly, they're hard to come by. Because natural wine is more of a "movement" than a steadfast rulebook, not all bottles will be labeled as such. You must know what you're looking for or live in the middle of the city next door to a reputable bottle shop.
So, if you're unfamiliar with the wine-picking process, nestled too far from your local bodega like I am, or wish to have them shipped right to your front door — you're in luck. The natural wine movement has gained tons of popularity these last few years, so signing up for an online subscription is the perfect way.
Below are some of my favorites...
MYSA Natural Wine Club (this is the one I use!)
These are easy-to-use natural wine subscriptions available through monthly, bi-monthly, or even one-off purchases. Each company is founded by like-minded wine-loving individuals who can carefully curate their selection of wines from organic vineyards and winemakers.
I use MYSA Natual Wine (a woman-owned business, so you know I had to participate), and I use their bi-monthly subscription model, where I get six bottles every two months. It's perfect for Sunday dinners, something to bring to a party, or even a nice glass while cuddling up with my family for evening TV. Each of the six bottles is picked randomly, but you can choose how many white, red, orange, or roses you get in each box. I'm a fan of surprises, and my tastebuds don't discriminate, so I love the hidden gems each time!
Now that I've had my hand at several bottles and labels over the years, here are a few of my favorites:
Pink Gold is an approachable yet funky Pet Nat. Best served chilled.
Sonotia Arizona Sunset is a local treasure to my Arizona babies!
Una Lou California Pinot Noir is a perfect deep red for dark meats.
Pipeno is a yummy, smokey red for dinner parties.
Swick Wines' "Only Zuul" is a delectable orange; I love all of this label's wines.
Orange Contact is the perfect taste test to show what people mean by "orange wine."
Hurluberlu is a super light yet spicy (with a berry undertone) red, another excellent example of a funky red.
Allè is my kind of white: super light, refreshing, and with a slight sparkle.
Toot Your Own Horn is a cider; ciders are typically included in this realm of alcohol. I love this one!
Chupacabra is a family favorite for Sunday dinner, a lively and bold red made local to the high desert of Arizona.
Long live organic grapes and clean bevies. Until next time!
