How to Start Your Natural Wine Journey

Getting into natural wine can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially with so many unique styles and flavors to explore. Whether you’re just curious or looking to dive deep into the world of organic, biodynamic, and low-intervention wines, this guide will help you get started.

1. Understand What Natural Wine Is

Natural wine is made with minimal intervention, using organic or biodynamically grown grapes, wild yeast fermentation, and little to no added sulfites. Unlike conventional wine, it’s unfiltered, unfined, and often has a raw, vibrant character.

Key Characteristics of Natural Wine:

No synthetic pesticides or herbicides used in grape growing.
Fermented with wild yeasts instead of commercial strains.
Minimal or no added sulfites, preserving its natural state.
Often unfiltered, leading to a cloudy appearance in some cases.
Expresses a true sense of terroir with unique and sometimes funky flavors.

2. Choose Your First Natural Wine

If you’re new to natural wine, start with styles that are approachable and widely loved:

🍷 For White Wine Lovers: Try a crisp, mineral-driven Muscadet, an unfiltered Chenin Blanc, or a textured, skin-contact orange wine like Ribolla Gialla.

🍷 For Red Wine Drinkers: Begin with a light, juicy Gamay, a Loire Valley Cabernet Franc, or an earthy Pinot Noir from Oregon.

🍷 For Sparkling Wine Enthusiasts: Look for pét-nat (pétillant naturel), a naturally sparkling wine made with the ancestral method, offering bright fruit flavors and a lively, refreshing fizz.

3. Where to Buy Natural Wine

Specialty Wine Shops – Many boutique wine stores now carry curated selections of natural wines.
Online Retailers – Websites like RAW Wine, Vivino, and natural wine subscription services can deliver wines directly to your home.
Local Wine Bars & Restaurants – Ask for natural wine recommendations at your favorite spots.

4. How to Taste & Enjoy Natural Wine

Drinking natural wine is all about embracing the unexpected. Here are some tips to get the best experience:

✔ Serve at the right temperature – Chill whites and pét-nats slightly (8-12°C), and even light reds can benefit from a slight chill.

✔ Decant if needed – Some natural wines are cloudy or have sediment; decanting can help them open up.

✔ Don’t be afraid of funk – Some natural wines have earthy, barnyard, or cider-like flavors that can be an acquired taste.

✔ Pair with food – Natural wines are incredibly food-friendly; try pairing with local cheeses, seafood, or rustic dishes.

5. Explore Wine Regions & Winemakers

The best way to appreciate natural wine is by exploring different regions and producers. Some top regions to start with:

Loire Valley (France) – Known for its expressive Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc.
Jura (France) – Home to oxidative Savagnin and fresh, vibrant Trousseau.
Sicily (Italy) – Offers volcanic, mineral-rich wines from Mount Etna.
Catalonia (Spain) – A hotbed for innovative pét-nats and skin-contact whites.

6. Join the Natural Wine Community

One of the best ways to learn about natural wine is to engage with the community:

Follow natural wine accounts on Instagram and TikTok for recommendations.
Attend wine tastings at natural wine shops or bars.
Join online forums or clubs to discuss and share favorite bottles.

Natural wine is a journey—one filled with discovery, bold flavors, and unexpected surprises. Whether you’re sipping a fresh pét-nat or savoring a funky, skin-contact orange wine, every bottle tells a unique story. Enjoy the process, experiment with different styles, and most importantly, have fun!

Ready to go deeper? Check out our Best Wine & Food Pairings or plan a trip with our Wine Travel Guide.