Travel & Living

6 Must-Try Natural Wine Bars in NYC

 Here’s where to drink the next “it” beverage. 

Natural wine bars in NYC.
Photo via Getty Images.

These days, many of us are becoming more health conscious. With seemingly everyone sipping on matcha instead of coffee and swapping dairy milk for oat, the push toward natural wine shouldn’t be all that surprising. What was once a relatively niche interest has struck a chord among New York City creatives, vino aficionados, and wellness gurus alike—spurring the creation of many a Lower East Side bar serving the alcoholic beverage

Why natural wine? For starters, we often don’t know what we’re drinking. With over 60 additives legally allowed in conventional vino, natural wine is produced without herbicides, pesticides, or preservatives. In the absence of sulfur dioxide (a hangover-inducing additive found in most wines), you are free to enjoy natural wine, sans the dreaded headache. The beverage also ties into sustainable agriculture, championing small producers with transparent business practices.

Often unfiltered, natural wine is as close to the original grapes as can be. For this reason, your pours may appear a little cloudy—it's part of the charm. Some might call the drink unusual, offbeat, or perhaps, “crunchy.” Not everyone gets it, but for those who do, or are at least curious, there are a plethora of wonderful spots to try in the city

Pour yourself a glass of Cab, relax, and continue along for the best natural wine bars the city has to offer. 

The Ten Bells

Natural wine bars in NYC includes The Ten Bells.
Photo via Instagram/ @thetenbells.

The Ten Bells is a mainstay in the natural wine sector. The Spanish-style bar opened its Lower East Side doors in 2008, long before natural wine was considered cool. The intimate, dimly lit space carries an unusual selection of grapes made from a curated assortment of small producers. The bar’s thoughtfully crafted food, served tapas style, is intended to complement each of its specialty pours. Stop by during happy hour to share a carafe with a friend over the bar's famous $1 oysters. For those living across the river, you’re in luck—there’s another location in Brooklyn

Moonflower

Natural wine bars in NYC includes Moonflower.
Photo via Instagram/ @moonflower_nyc.

Described as Lisa Frank meets Henri Matisse, Moonflower is an artist’s dream. The anything-but-stuffy space features pastel murals, painted tables, and a mirror resembling a disco ball. Expect indie wines from small family producers, shareable plates, and cheerful service in this West Village favorite spot.

Le Dive 

Natural wine bars in NYC includes Le Dive.
Photo via Instagram/ @ledivenyc.

This list wouldn’t be complete without Le Dive. The tabac-inspired bar feels authentically Parisian with its round table sidewalk seating and Paris flea market decor. The relatively new bar is already quite the buzz thanks to ​​Jon Neidich, the restaurateur behind NYC hotspots like Acme. According to Neidich, Le Dive’s Dimes Square location is akin to the 11th arrondissement in Paris, both lively areas populated with creatives. Warm and inviting, this is the kind of place you want to sit outside and people-watch with a glass of Sauv Blanc.

Gem Wine

Natural wine bars in NYC includes Gem Wine.
Photo via Instagram/ @gem.wine.

Nearby Le Dive is Gem Wine, an intimate 380-square-foot space filled with communal cherry wood tables. Since the bar’s selection is based on the changing availability of small producers, there is no wine list. Instead, customers are welcome to choose from bottles displayed on the walls. With few varieties over $100, this is the perfect low-key neighborhood spot to discover something new.

Buceo 95

Natural wine bars in NYC includes Buceo 95.
Photo via Instagram/ @sarasolamae.

While it's true that the city’s natural wine bars are concentrated Downtown, Buceo 95 gives the Lower East Side a run for its money. Known as “Barcelona off Broadway,” the Spanish-inspired gem is tucked away in a charming section of the Upper West Side. Complete with a library ladder and high-top tables, the spot feels warm and casual. Although the wine is, of course, the main event, the food is not to miss. Unique tapas, like the pan-seared baby octopus and chorizo-goat cheese stuffed dates, make this spot ideal to enjoy a quick bite or full meal.

Ruffian

Natural wine bars in NYC includes Ruffian.
Photo via Instagram/ @ruffian_nyc.

Carrying over 250 natural wines, Ruffian has among the city’s most extensive lists. Merging its East Village roots with Eastern European sensibilities, Ruffian’s ever-evolving menu spotlights lesser-known winemakers from all over the world. Be sure to visit this grunge chic spot for gourmet bites and a cozy ambiance on your next date night.

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