OK, so natural wines have been around for quite some time (re-emerging since around the 60s, to be precise), but over the past couple of years they’ve been rapidly growing in popularity – particularly among the younger generation of winemakers, especially in Manchester. Now, fast-forwarding to 2024, natty wines have become the new craft beer of sorts, gaining a huge fanbase of wine-lovers who have grown to appreciate the more personal approach applied to each and every bottle.
Taking production way back to how it all began, the natural wine method foregoes mass production, opting for low intervention and a more human approach – one which sacks off the use of pesticides or herbicides in a bid to make tasty wines with no additives. The result is a wine that’s better for you, just as delicious (sometimes, even more so!) and much more rewarding to drink with the knowledge of where it came from. That’s not, however, to say that it’s hangover-free (unfortunately), and those who do indulge can definitely expect their usual wine hangover the next day. Trust me though, it’ll be worth it. Here’s our pick of the best natural wine bars right here in Manchester.
1. Wolf at the Door
Long championing natty wines of all varieties, Wolf at the Door is the perfect place to try something new in the beverage department. Serving both by the glass and by the bottle, WATD has an ever-rotating and expanding natural wine offering, and trust us when we say, they really know how to source the good stuff. Expect wines from around the globe, reds, whites, oranges and more, and something to suit every palate. Pair ’em with a few Β£1 bao buns and you’re onto a proper winner.
π Wolf at the Door, 30-32 Thomas St, M4 1ER.
2. Another Heart to Feed
One of Manchester’s Australian-inspired cafes, Another Heart to Feed, is so much more than just another brunch spot. Serving brunch until 4pm, to huge queues of poeple, the venue transforms into a lovely little wine bar by night, specialising in a wide selection of delicious natural wines. To accompany, guests can nibble on charcuterie, cheeses and other wine-worthy snacks, while discovering their array of reds, orange, whites, rosΓ©s and sparkling wines – with both street seating and indoor seating to take advantage of.
π Another Heart To Feed, 10 Hilton St, M1 1JF.
3. Erst
A minimalistic, high-end venue tucked away in the cool neighbourhood of Ancoats, Erst puts their collection of natural wines at the centre of everything they do, combining them with delicious, seasonal small plates to enjoy while catching up with new and old friends alike. Every glass they serve is au naturelle, with upmarket dishes such as sea bass crudo, grilled pork collar and more to accompany.
π Erst, 9 Murray St, Ancoats, M4 6HS.
4. Salut
One of the city’s finest wine bars, Salut is home to an impressive 400+ bottles, with a mix of both natural and ‘normal’ wines on offer. From the introductory bottles to the vinos that fully-fledged natural wine fans will love, Salut Manchester has a little something for everyone, and their knowledgeable team can help point newbies in the right direction. Alongside their many, many bottles, guests can fill up on Mediterranean small plates – including charcuterie, cheeses, bread, hummus and more.
π Salut Wines, 11 Cooper St, M2 2FW.
5. Isca Wines
Huge advocates for all things natural and organic, Isca Wines is well-loved in Levenshulme – so much so, they held a successful pop-up in the city centre by the canal a few years ago, serving up an array of stunning natural wines for new and old fans to enjoy. Open Wednesday to Sunday, visitors can enjoy a carefully curated selection of beautiful natty wines made by small producers, with coffees and homemade organic food to accompany them.
π Isca Wines, 825 Stockport Rd, Levenshulme, M19 3PN.
6. Flawd
Flawd is the gorgeous waterside neighbourhood natural wine bar and bottle shop on New Islington Marina, perfect for spending lazy summer evenings with friends. Their seasonal dishes are meant to be shared, and the whole concept is purely about community and getting friends together β but the wine is next level.
In terms of natural wine, there’s plenty to choose from of all colours and origins right here in Manchester. The team really know what they’re doing, so don’t hesitate to ask if you’re unsure, and the specialist line-up changes often so you won’t seem strange for asking questions. Flawd is open Wednesday to Sunday, so next time it’s lovely and sunny, why not sit out on the terrace and watch the boats (and swans) go by?
π Flawd Wine, 9 Keepers Quay, M4 6GL.
7. Idle Hands
Found within the bustling Northern Quarter, Idle Hands may be, for the most part, known for their artisan coffees and tasty brunch dishes, but it’s also a chill spot to grab a bottle of natty vino, too, with all bottles priced fairly so that they don’t break the bank. The bottles are available to take home with you if you don’t fancy cracking it open there and then, and you can browse their fantastic selection while enjoying a nice, hot brew.
πIdle Hands, 35 Dale St, M1 2HF.
8. Grape to Grain
A cosy spot in lovely Prestwich, Grape to Grain offers a fab selection of wines, with a number of natural ones to try, too. Stocking hundreds of bottles for vino fans to browse and sip on, guests can enjoy vintage bottles and vegan wines, as well as a small but mighty selection of tasty natty wines. There’s a little something for all palates and price ranges, and guests are invited to drink inside and enjoy a few nibbles and sandwiches alongside their glass when visiting.
π Grape to Grain, 1 Church Ln, Prestwich, M25 1AN.
9. Reserve Wines
A friendly, passionate bunch of wine enthusiasts, Reserve Wines are on a mission to help you discover great quality wine at even better prices. Pure and simple. They’ve been finding delicious bottles from around the world for customers for 20 years, and everything on the shelf has been handpicked because it tastes amazing, has a personality and is affordable too.
Reserve stocks a lovely range of natural and orange wines, too, and you can browse in-store at their many Manchester sites. If you’re in the city centre you can swing by the Mackie Mayor bar, but Reserve also have shops in West Didsbury, Macclesfield, Altrincham Market, and even Bents Garden Centre in Warrington!
π Reserve Wines, Mackie Mayor, 1 Eagle St, M4 5BU.
10. Kerb
Tiny and beautifully curated, Kerb is a small but mighty wine bar hidden down an Ancoats side street. All about natural wine, Kerb is another Manchester neighbourhood joint, frequented by locals and wine fanatics alike, along with their furry friends (yes, it’s dog-friendly). The tiny tables and space-like interiors offer an intimate and unique experience, which is perfect for trying their incredible variety of natural wines.
With red, white, rose, sparkling, orange and other natural wines to try, there’s plenty to choose from. All of the bottles are on display in all their colourful glory, so you can sit and browse the selection to your heart’s content, and there’s no bar so you don’t have the awkward moment when you’re having a good look and someone is staring at you, expecting your order… Kerb also holds weekly wine tastings on Thursdays, 6pmβ10:30pm, so get down there if it tickles your fancy.
π Kerb, 49 Henry Street, M4 5DH.
11. Ad Hoc Wine Shop
Standing proud in canary yellow, Ad Hoc Wine Shop is tucked away on Edge Street in the Northern Quarter, parallel to the more trodden Thomas Street. Less chaotic but equally as vibey, sitting outside with a glass of natty vino when the sun’s shining outside Ad Hoc is what dreams are made of, and there’s plenty of opportunity to browse their incredible selection.
With shelves are fridges adorning the interior of Ad Hoc, visitors are encouraged to have a proper good look for themselves, and you can always ask for a taste or some help from the friendly team. With an ever-changing selection of natural wines, alongside ‘normal’ wines and craft beers, Ad Hoc is a wonderful place to sit with a glass, or equally select a bottle or two to take home.
π Ad Hoc Wine Shop, 28 Edge St, M4 1HN.