Sip organic wine, enjoy charcuterie, and learn from the experts – these are just some of the perks of visiting an organic wine bar instead of opening a bottle at home

Whether it’s a sun-dappled afternoon on a patio savoring Sancerre or a cool evening tucked inside an intimate bar sharing a bottle of Merlot with a loved one, an organic wine bar can offer you a unique way to try new varietals, learn about vineyards you have not yet heard of, and socialize. 

The organic or natural wine bar trend has risen with the growing popularity of organic wine itself. If you are someone who enjoys organic, vegan, natural, and/or biodynamic wines, look for a bar that does too the next time you’re planning your Friday night. 

Uncertain where to find organic wine bars? Wondering what to expect when you arrive? We will answer those questions and more:

• What is organic wine?
• What makes for a great organic wine bar?
• A quick note on organic versus natural wine bars
• Where to find organic wine bars in the United States
• Where to find them in Europe
• What to expect when you visit 
• Organic wine from Domaine Bousquet 

What is organic wine?

Organic wine is produced without the use of chemicals or additives. This means that the grapes are grown without the use of pesticides or herbicides. The resulting wine is made without sulfites or stabilizers. 

Organic wine must be certified and will be clearly marked as such. This is a rigorous process that differs slightly from the United States to Europe (the former’s is more stringent) and requires winemakers to create and stick to a plan that honors the natural environment through specific procedures. Organic wine gets its complex flavor from the unique terroir that results in a landscape that is never tainted by chemicals. 

What makes for a great organic wine bar?

When selecting an organic wine bar, one might wonder what to look for. The first factor, of course, is that it serves or specializes in organic wine. One should also look for a place that has a deep understanding of the intricacies of where the wine comes from. Think small vineyards rather than corporate-driven operations. A great wine bar chooses its selection carefully and can tell you the story behind each bottle. 

An excellent organic wine bar is sophisticated but not pretentious – you can pair your wine with what you like and ask questions about what you are drinking. There should also be a wide price range to accommodate both those who are in the mood to splurge and those on a budget. The key is to appeal to everyone. As an added bonus, there should be a thoughtfully curated food menu.

Above all things, a great organic wine bar is backed by expertise. Everyone – not just the sommelier – should be able to guide you as you taste the wine, make suggestions, and provide information. 

A quick note on organic wine bars versus natural wine bars

Oftentimes when searching for organic wine bars, one might find natural wine bars. Is this the same thing? Unfortunately, organic wine and natural wine are not the same things. While natural wine may be made with organic grapes and might borrow some of the techniques and ethos that organic wine uses, it is not certified organic; therein lies the key difference. Be aware when visiting a natural wine bar that it is likely you can still find organic wine selections. Ask for these; don’t assume every bottle on the menu is organic. 

Where to find organic wine bars in the United States

Due to the high cost of commercial rent and taxes passed down to consumers, American wine bars often lack the affordability typically associated with European ones. For this reason, it is best to look for organic wine bars in American cities that are slightly under-the-radar and therefore more able to survive and be affordable. 

Examples include Stems & Skins in Charleston, South Carolina, which has a robust wine list that you can pair with everything from grilled cheese to octopus, The Hawthorn in Helena, Montana, a downtown bottle shop/tasting room with charcuterie, and The Antler Room in Kansas City, Missouri, where you’ll find international wines inspired by the owners’ global wanderings. 

Where to find organic wine bars in Europe

If you visit Paris, it’s easy to find an excellent caves an manger, or a wine bar that serves food. Many of these serve organic and natural wine. Outside of Paris, look for natural and organic wine bars in Copenhagen, London, Milan, and Rome. 

What to expect when you visit an organic wine bar

When visiting, ask about reservations, dress code, and policies. Also, ask about the tasting experience. Often offered at vineyards, these may be available at wine bars and may or may not incur a fee. When you try the wine, swirl it in the glass (this is called stoking) to aerate, hold it by the steam, inhale, sip, swirl it around in your mouth for a moment, swallow, repeat, and enjoy. 

Organic wine from Domaine Bousquet

Domaine Bousquet in Mendoza, Argentina is an organic winery. We also have an on-site restaurant and offer tasting experiences. Additionally, you may look for our wines in retail and restaurant and bar spaces around the world. Contact us today to learn more about our wines or book a visit to our winery.