The 12 Best Natural Wines to Drink for Every Occasion

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Take a glance at any wine list in your favorite restaurant or wine bar, and you're likely to spot at least one type of natural wine featured on the menu. In recent years, natural wine has surged in popularity, with experts and enthusiasts alike celebrating its diverse styles and distinct flavor profiles. However, it may be surprising to learn that there still isn't an official (or legal) definition for natural wine.

The fundamental concept of natural wine is that no artificial substances are added during the growing or winemaking process. Nonetheless, you might find that sommeliers or wine experts often use terms such as "biodynamic" or "low intervention," which refer to specific winemaking practices.

Guillaume Barraud, the deputy director of Gérard Bertrand Wine Estates, explains that biodynamic winemaking involves sustainable and holistic methods used to cultivate grapes and craft wines. Barraud says biodynamics "is a high level of organic practices that embraces viticulture and winemaking. It is also dedicated to restoring, promoting, and sustaining biodiversity and life in the whole sphere of winemaking, starting from the ground up."

On the other hand, Miguel Marquez, the beverage director and sommelier at Republica in Portland, Oregon, prefers the term "low-intervention wine," which he believes more accurately describes the winemaking process than "natural wine." Marquez says, "A low-intervention wine is something that the winemaker tends to do with minimal tinkering towards the grape cultivation or winemaking, allowing the sense of the place to be evoked as truthfully as possible while aiming to maintain balance, and most importantly, a sound product, free of faults."

These two terms are often associated with the natural wine category, yet there isn't a one-size-fits-all definition. Nonetheless, the increasing demand for wines labeled as natural can't be dismissed, especially since the market for organic wine is expected to grow exponentially. To guide you through this category, we reached out wine experts across the country to find the best natural wines to buy. You'll discover everything from a full-bodied cabernet francs crafted by groundbreaking female winemakers to peppery rosés that are placing Mexico firmly on the wine map.

Cos Frappato 2022

Johnny Slamon, the director of beverage and fine wine at Restaurant R’evolution, frequently suggests COS Wines from Sicily for those new to the natural wine scene. He notes the estate's "arid climate" as being perfect for producing natural wines. A notable standout, the Frappato's light body and refreshing tart cherry and strawberry notes make it delightfully easy to sip.

Reyneke Chenin Blanc

Marquez recommends seeking biodynamic or natural wines from South Africa, particularly from the Stellenbosch region, for interesting takes on classic varietals. Reyneke's Chenin Blanc stands out with its bright lemon, sweet apple, and vibrant peach flavors—but, according to Marquez, the farming techniques are what really elevate it. He explains that the winemakers at Reyneke "work with regenerative agriculture, fixing issues from older farming days, a practice that is measurable by science and that leaves things better than when they started working with the land."

Gerard Bertrand Cigalus Rouge

Gerard Bertrand's Domaine de Cigalus is one of the first and largest biodynamically cultivated estates in France. The estate's red offering blends seven distinct grape varieties to create a sip that is both velvety and lush. The bold flavors of ripe black fruit and toasted spices make this wine an ideal pairing for red meats or aged cheeses.

La Casa Vieja Rosé 2021

In recent years, Mexico has emerged as a hub for natural wine, with producers adopting minimal intervention and organic winemaking processes. La Casa Vieja, nestled in the charming village of San Antonio de las Minas, adheres to old-school techniques, aging their wines in seasoned barrels and tinajas (clay vessels). The vineyard's rosé sings with vibrant notes of guava and rose petal, while hints of white pepper add a spicy kick to the sip.

Gulp Hablo Orange 2022

We've written extensively about this refreshing orange wine—and we're still obsessed. It's the ideal introduction for those curious about skin-contact wines, offering a touch of funk while remaining approachable and familiar. Crafted in the Castilla La Mancha region of Spain, this wine blends verdejo and sauvignon blanc grapes, creating a juicy tropical jackfruit note.

Medici Ermete Phermento Pet-Nat Lambrusco di Sorbara 2021

Pet-nats, or pétillant naturel, are sparkling wines crafted using ancient methods that predate the Champagne technique. This delightfully funky offering hails from Medici Ermete, which has been producing lambrusco wines for over 130 years. It is delightfully bubbly, featuring robust raspberry and rose flavors, making it a perfect complement to lighter pastas and salads.

NV Vadin-Plateau "Renaissance" Extra Brut

For a sparkling selection, Zach Pace, the chief operating officer and resident wine director at Ten Rooms in Tampa, Florida, suggests Vadin-Plateau, a winery that has championed organic farming for over two decades.

Pace says, "The blend is typically almost all from the pinot meunier grape, which in this case imparts a brooding, copper color in the glass and deep, rich notes of warm spice, ginger, and vetiver, followed by wet rocks, jasmine, vanilla bean and honeysuckle."

Scheuermann Riesling Sur Lie

Produced by a duo of brothers in Germany's Pfalz region, this riesling is delightfully light yet surprisingly complex. David Santiago, the general manager and wine and culinary director at Whoopsie Daisy in Brooklyn, NY, points out that the wine delivers "a distinct level of minerality brought on by the unique blend of soils characteristic of the region."

Pedro Parra MILES 2021

Pedro Parra hails from the remote Itata wine region of Chile, where he celebrates the country's unique and centuries-old winemaking culture. Megan Mina, the regional restaurant director and sommelier at Easton Porter Group, is a fan of this particular wine, which is made entirely of dry-farmed cinsault from a small vineyard in Guarilihue Alto. She says, "Named in honor of Miles Davis, it possesses the spirit of an ethereal red burgundy, encapsulating the individualism of each vintage."

Olga Raffault Les Picasses 2017

Domaine Olga Raffault has reached cult status for their traditional winemaking techniques that yield some of the most brilliant expressions from France's Chinon terroir. Marquez notes that their wines, made from the cabernet franc grape, evoke notes of "green bell pepper and fresh cherries with a gamey tone," making them perfect to pair with with everything from red meat to tacos.

Domaine Sylvain Pataille Bourgogne Aligoté 2021

Sylvain Pataille is renowned in the wine world for his expertise in biodynamics and serves as a consultant for many prominent domaines in the Burgundy region. Ian Lokey, the beverage director at Sushi Note and Sushi Note Omakase in Los Angeles, notes he frequently reaches for the aligoté, which has developed a cult following among wine enthusiasts.

Lokey says, "Aligoté is a drastically underestimated grape that pairs well with a variety of foods, particularly fish dishes. Its crisp acidity works wonders, and the flavors of citrus and apples complement food throughout the year."

Pecorino 2021

Italian winemaker Francesco Cirelli continues his family's legacy by crafting wines that honor the vineyard's surrounding environment. He embraces natural processes, allowing animals to graze and fertilize the vines, which contributes to the wine's funky character. A favorite among VERANDA editors, this natural white wine pairs wonderfully with lighter dishes and pizzas, thanks to its bright citrus notes and saline finish.

What should you look for on the label?

There may not be a generally accepted legal definition or certification of natural wine in the United States yet, but there a few things you can look for on the label to help ensure your wine is biodynamic or organic.

Barraud says, "One of the most important for biodynamic viticulture comes from Demeter, an organization based in Switzerland that sets strict standards—that include yearly strict site visits—for farming according to the principles that promote a holistic, life-promoting environment in the vineyard."

For organic wines, you'll also likely find certifications issued by third-party certification bodies, such as USDA Organic, listed directly on the label.

Meet the experts.

Guillaume Barraud is the deputy director of Gérard Bertrand Wine Estates.

Ian Lokey is the beverage director at Sushi Note and Sushi Note Omakase in Los Angeles.

Miguel Marquez is the beverage director and sommelier at Republica in Portland, Oregon.

Megan Mina is the regional restaurant director and sommelier at Easton Porter Group in Charleston, SC.

Zach Pace is the chief operating officer and resident wine director at Ten Rooms in Tampa, Florida.

David Santiago is the general manager and wine and culinary director at Whoopsie Daisy in Brooklyn, NY.

Johnny Slamon is the director of beverage and fine wine at Restaurant R’evolution at The Royal Sonesta New Orleans.

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