AN EASY INTRODUCTION TO NATURAL WINE

Plus 13 local spots to enjoy it 

(3 MINUTE READ)

Natural wine: Chances are you’ve heard of it, been invited to a tasting or two, or even downed a glass at your favorite restaurant without knowing it.

It’s been around since the 1970s but was truly launched into the global limelight in the fall of 2016 and has been gaining traction ever since. Whether you’re new to natural wine or already know and love it, here’s an introduction to the basic thoughts and practices that define natural wine, what you can expect when you take that first sip or pop a bottle at home, and, last but not least, the best spots to enjoy natural wine in Berlin. 

What is natural wine?

Since there are no “official” definitions to look to, many different natural wine organizations and associations have defined it for themselves in various ways, but the gist is this: Natural wine is wine made with no technical or chemical intervention in either the vineyard or the cellar. Picked by hand from organic, biodynamic, or sustainable vineyards, nothing is added or taken away from the grapes during the growing or fermentation processes—in short, everything is kept as “natural” as possible.

So natural wine is natural, that’s easy enough—but it’s really only half the story.

As with many trends, movements, and subcultures, there are other observations that can be made and characteristics that can be broadly applied when it comes to natural wine and the people who make it. The independent growers, winemakers, restaurateurs, and shop owners touting the “cult” (as it’s sometimes referred to) of natural wine are rule breakers traversing into the unknown with an experimental, creative panache. Natural winemakers are to conventional winemakers as craft beer brewers are to conventional beer brewers; they’re both forsaking and reclaiming tradition.

Add an emphasis on expressive, funky labels and an open-minded ethos aimed at gathering and teaching newbies about wines instead of snubbing them for asking questions or being unfamiliar with the vocabulary, natural wine and the culture around it is, simply put, way more fun.

What does natural wine taste like?

If you’ve ever sipped on a glass of natural wine before, you probably noted both a difference in look and taste as compared to a typical wine. As many natural wines are unfiltered, they are often cloudier in appearance with more sour, funky, fresh, and/or yeasty flavor profiles. The more natural wines you taste, the more you’ll be able to define for yourself what you like or dislike—and the best part is that you’re free to describe them pretty much any way you want. 

One of the best ways to get a handle on the culture and flavor of natural wine is by meeting natural winemakers themselves to taste and talk. There are a few different natural wine fairs you can attend in Berlin, but my favorite is Wine Rush, hosted by local shop Rocket Wine. The sixth annual Wine Rush is happening Sunday, April 14. Snag tickets here—if there are any left!—or follow the other leading natural wine fair, Raw Wine, for notifications about upcoming events.

If you’d rather sip and sup in a more laid back environment before grabbing a bottle or two to enjoy at home, here are our 13 favorite restaurants, bars, and shops for natural wine in Berlin.