Manchester has welcomed something of a natural wine boom over the last couple of years, with its emergence on menus across the city proving to be far more than a mere fleeting trend.
Generally, naturals, sometimes recognised as ‘low interventions’, rely on more simple or traditional methods of winemaking and are produced without the use of pesticides, herbicides and with few or no additives.
That means natural wine isn’t exactly a new offering—in fact, it’s more a return to the basics of the process. What is new though, is the skyrocketing demand for the style. Whether you put this trend down to people genuinely wanting to know a little more about what goes into their glass, a desire to support the smaller producers behind these bottles or simply, the pretty label that’s stuck on the front—it’s clear natural wine is firmly here to stay.
With all of that being said, below are a few great spots to grab yourself a bottle and see what all the fuss is about…
Since taking over an old gallery space, Ad Hoc has proved a wildly popular addition to the Northern Quarter. Industrial shelves cascade around the venue packed with an incredible selection of handpicked bottles to take away or drink in.
Erst’s ability to expertly match their natural wine offering with showstopping small plates has earned the venue a long list of rave reviews, with the cosy spot being recognised as one of the UK’s best on multiple occasions throughout its short life.
Monton’s Wandering Palate is a real labour of love and it shines through the minute you step in. They say their offering has been inspired by years of travelling and friendships made, and the shop—bar hybrid has proved a more-than-welcome newcomer to the rejuvenated area.
Understandably perhaps better known for their £1 tacos, the folks at Wolf at the Door also boast an impressive selection of wines that complement their wallet-friendly food menu seamlessly.
The NQ deli and wine bar combines some of the city’s best and most beloved suppliers for a simple, but damn tasty ever-changing menu. Wine comes courtesy of grape veterans It’s Alive, while the likes of Gooey, 3 Hands Deli, Northern Cure, Holy Grain and The Crafty Cheese Man provide the ideal bites to sit alongside.
Reserve was born out of combatting intimidating visits to a local wine shop—the ones where you haven’t the foggiest what you’re looking at. Since then, alongside their Didsbury store, they’ve gone on to open at Altrincham Market, Mackie Mayor, Macclesfield Picturedrome and Warrington’s Bents—so they must be doing something right.
Operating out of a shipping container in Pollard Yard, Le Social have gone on to become one of the most recognised names across the city’s natural wine scene, now supplying a whole host of the city’s best food, drink and retail spots. You can still order directly from them online too.
Salut are proper veterans when it comes to wine in Manchester and with more than 400 bottles on offer—an ever-increasing amount of which fall into the natural category—we’re fairly confident even the fussiest of drinkers will find a pour suited to them.
Isca combines natural wine with supreme deli goods, celebrating the connection with the source of their offerings and the person behind them.
Sustainability and transparency is at the forefront of everything they do—so whether you grab a bottle to takeaway, or sit in with a couple of small plates, you can do so with a clear conscience.
Another beloved Ancoats neighbourhood hangout, KERB have built their offering around the little guy, and an ability to suggest the perfect wine for any situation.
They sum it up better than we ever could though, explaining that they’re about: “The freedom of the grape, the passion of the farmers, the experience of the drinker and connection between all three.”
- Words:
- Bradley Lengden
- Published on:
- Mon 15 Aug 2022
A delightful little spot tucked alongside Ancoats Marina, Flawd is a neighbourhood natural wine bar that also serves up stellar small plates that go hand-in-hand with their bottles.