The rise of natural wine in Glasgow

Debunking the myths

No one can deny just how popular natural wines have become over the last five years, with some claiming that they are in fact healthier, ‘cleaner’, and ultimately more virtuous versions of more conventional tipples. Sadly, this isn’t quite true. Even winemakers who endeavour to be as hands off as possible would only ever end up with vinegar without some sort of intervention.

Moreover, not all ‘natural’ wines are made equal. Because there exists no uniform definition of what constitutes natural wine, the label itself won’t give you all the information – there could still be additives, chemicals used in the winemaking process, and there’s no telling whether the winery uses sustainable farming practices or not. Often, it works both ways. Plenty of wines may be ‘natural’ and use biodynamic practices but do not possess the certification to confirm so, owing in part to just how expensive these certifications are. If you want to know more about the wine you’re drinking — vineyard practices, how it was made, and so on – your best bet is to talk to small, local retailers and have conversations with experts who work in independent wine bars.

Brett Wine Bar

While ‘natural’ wines might not be better for us (unfortunately claims that they reduce hangovers are not backed by any science!), there’s no doubt about it – they’re delicious. Wines that have had no yeast, water or chemical compounds added to them often present more complex flavours, a wider range of aromas, and plenty of depth.

Glasgow has seen a huge growth in the number of knock-out natural wine wholesalers, bars, and restaurants, whose knowledge on all things low-intervention wine is second-to-none. One place that really knows its stuff is Brett, a popular wine bar and eatery.

The team here works solely with product-focused wine makers and suppliers to create an eclectic selection of natural, low-intervention wines that they offer both in their restaurant and wine shop. Their wines are all handpicked and highlight specialist wines from small producers that aren’t readily available anywhere else in the city. Better yet, Brett only sells wines from producers who farm grapes using regenerative working practices. The highly knowledgeable staff are more than happy to discuss the details of the natural wines on offer and give recommendations.

The food here also lives up to the quality of the wine. The menu is made up of small sharing plates (like sea bream sashimi with grapefruit, grilled squid with smoked chilli, and Wye Valley asparagus cooked over hay), as well as larger dishes, including an aged 700-gram beef rib. There’s no doubt about it, the natural wine selection here is amongst the finest in the city, and with such stylish surroundings, tasty food, and friendly staff, we can’t think of a reason not to book a table!

Other superb Glaswegian natural wine bars

No discussion of natural wine is complete without reference to Sylvan. A light-filled haven of stellar veggie food and with over 80 low-intervention wines on offer, this newcomer is fast becoming one of the hottest places to drink (and eat) in Glasgow. The atmosphere is relaxed but sophisticated, and the staff are some of the kindest you’ll find in the city. They’re hugely knowledgeable too; if you want the low-down on what it is exactly that you’re drinking, just ask. Real highlights include the 2020 Verdejo “Lirondo” – a fresh and peachy natural wine produced in the heart of the Rueda appellation – and the smooth, silky 2020 “Dark Pinot”, which is one of only 2,400 bottles produced by winegrower Yannick Meckert.

It’s well worth treating yourself to a plate (or plates) of mouthwatering food too. Celeriac schnitzel, smoked tomatoes with yoghurt and chilli butter, and roast pears with fried bread and stilton custard are just a few of the unique delicacies available.

For natural wines with an Italian flare, head to Southside’s Bar Vini, where you’ll find sumptuous pasta, delectable drinks, and kitsch chequered tablecloths aplenty. Lots of the wines here come from an organic and biodynamic family-run winery that is based in Tuscany. The wines produced by Fattoria La Vialla are earthy, unique and scarily drinkable.

Equally great is Vino Valentino – a tiny Italian-owned and run wine bar located off the beaten track in Partick. This place offers a huge array of low-intervention Italian wines, with great charcuterie and friendly staff to boot. Get there early and bag yourself a window seat and indulge in some serious people watching.

It’s not only Glasgow newcomers who are celebrating all things natural wine. The much-adored Café Gandolfi in Merchant City – opened over 40 years ago – stocks some of the best in the city. Alongside its refined plates of old-school Scottish foodie favourites (we’re looking at you, Cullen Skink!) sit an array of weird and wonderful wines. From orange wine from Alsace to funky blends of Sangiovese, Merlot, Trebbiano and Malvasia, there’s something here to suit all tastebuds.

Glasgow is brimming with fantastic spots to sample low-intervention, natural wines. Their funky flavours and alternative, progressive methods of production seem to reflect the hip, forward-looking vibe of Glasgow exquisitely. We say that you should push yourself out of your wine comfort zone and try something new, you might be pleasantly surprised.