A few years ago, I discovered the funky world of natural wines while at an urban winery in the Pacific Northwest. I came back to New York obsessed with all things so-called “natty wine”: the obscure grapes, the centuries-old farming practices, the unique taste of the wines (which admittedly can be hit or miss).
Finding natural wines, which don’t lend themselves to mass production, however, can be a grown-up treasure hunt. One which Fort Greene’s Thirst Wine Merchants is making easier this week with NYC’s first-ever #NattyWineWeek.
From Monday, October 1—Sunday, October 7, Thirst Wine Merchants will be hosting free daily natural wine tastings with wine producers and importers on hand to answer questions and pour you a glass, while bars and restaurants across the city will be offering tastings and specials.
On Monday evening at Thirst, journalist and author Alice Feiring will sign copies of her books as Georgian wine importer Chris Terrell pours some of his favorite wines. On Wednesday, Thirst heads to South America with a natural Chilean wine tasting with David Bowler and Bravos Imports. Throughout the week, there will also be tastings of natural Australian, Italian and more wines.
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If getting to Fort Greene isn’t easy, you’ll find another event happening closer to you. Hart’s in Bed-Stuy is featuring natty wines made by women winemakers all week. In Long Island City, LIC Market is offering 20 percent off bottles all week and hosting a daily happy hour. In Cobble Hill, natural wine bar June is featuring orange wines all month long. A full list of events is available on the #NattyWineWeek website.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of natural wines or just sipping your way into the natural wine world, you’ll walk away from the week learning something new and likely discovering a few bottles to add to your collection.
