15 Of The Best Natural Wine Bars In The US

The interesting thing about natural wine bars is that they're inherently new to the scene. While some global establishments — from wine domaines to the finest restaurants — have long treasured the creation and sharing of products made with little intervention, no chemicals, and a holistic ethos (or, a sense of ecological and social responsibility), these wines have only recently come into their own as a vibe. And it's a vibe worthy of its own space, fostered by creative proprietors, staff, and designers to reflect not a column of definition but a fluid atmosphere of multimedium fun that often includes music, art, or philosophy-driven service. From cities coast to coast (and friendly environs between), each natural wine bar is drawn from its own set of circumstances and each is unique from the next.

Here are 15 of the best places in the U.S. to discover natural wine with the people who dig it and are sharing their passion with more drinkers than ever before. Note: The wine lists at these establishments change. Bottle examples were chosen at the time this article was written to provide a taste of what may be available when guests walk through the door.

Good Funk on Upper Wacker Drive in Chicago promises a taste of the city's architecture from its location in the historic Great Lakes Building in the Loop neighborhood. With a view of the Chicago River, this is one of the city's most talked-about natural wine spots. The fermentation-based food menu is filled with pickled, smoked, and cured ingredients, but Good Funk ups the ante with its natural-wine-friendly accouterments. Housemade charcuterie and tinned Iberian seafood are just two of the temptations. With a wine list that ranges from Abruzzo's fizzy rosatos to an exciting selection of sherry, this Maison Bonhomme-owned establishment is a treat. One of the best seats in the house is at the sophisticated indoor bar, crafted by local fabricators.

The ethos of Good Funk is to present wines that are "intentionally different," to quote the website. This results in a selection of wines that are crafted in inventive ways, such as cider-bubbly bottles, plenty of skin contact whites, and attention to blends that don't come together in typical cuvées. 

From Scott and Nicole Mattson (owners of Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club) and veteran sommelier Troy Bowen, Noble Riot is one of the most interesting spots to drink natural wine in Denver. It's also one of the best places in Colorado to eat fried chicken — and word is that there's plenty of bottle sabering, too. A well-rounded place! Tasting Table named this one of the best wine bars in the country, and a call out in Conde Nast Traveler says that Noble Riot is "killing it" in a town that's known mainly for beer. The menu spans a satisfying scope, from bottles like a bubbly white blend from Baden, Germany to aged reserva rioja.

Located in the RiNo district, Noble Riot offers a compelling monthly membership known as the "Flight Club." Subscribers get a flight session and discounts on wine classes, plus they can brag that they're members of one of Denver's coolest wine joints. Fans return for the somm-guided mentality, but the selection of delicious snacks doesn't hurt!

With locations in Stowe, Vermont (which also features an outstanding bakery) and Boulder, Colorado, natural wine fans might think they've hit the motherlode after discovering Dedalus Wine. And that's before stopping by the Burlington, Vermont branch, which serves as the town's coolest wine bar — the location also features a restaurant, shop, wine garden, and educational outlet. Free tasting events give guests the opportunity to experience themes such as "under $30 rosé" or sips with a focus on the world's classic wine regions.

While this may sound like a big footprint, it is — making this one of the nation's top independent natural wine bars. Founded by University of Vermont grad Jason Zuliani, the diversity of bottles served in the Dedalus zones is formidable, from standard-bearers of natural Beaujolais to no small number of skin contact selections. Get inspired by the excellent Dedalus blog, which might inspire a mountain-filled road trip from Vermont to Boulder.

Of all the natural wine bars on this list, San Francisco's Bar Part Time is the place that celebrates music as much as — or more than? — drink. DJ and live artist appearances draw crowds with the same enthusiasm that tasting opportunities do. And that's saying quite a bit, considering the lineup of producers that line the shelves at Bar Part Time.

Founded by Dan Small, Justin Dolezal, and Jeremy Castillo, the concept started as a popup with a necessity-driven shift to online merchandise and wine sales during the pandemic. Guests can try everything from Mediterranean wines from Southern Catalunya to old vine mountain wines from Savoie. Unlike most bottle shops, wine bars, or wineries, Bar Part Time is open until 1 a.m. on the weekends, making it a great place to spend a late night with a group of friends listening to guest DJs spin. (Be sure to check their website for info ahead of time.)

A fixture since 1994 (and Chicago's only wine bar at the time), Webster's Wine Bar is firmly focused on wines produced with low intervention in the vineyard and the cellar. Founded by Janan Asfour and Tom MacDonald — former litigators influenced by the tiny watering holes in Seville, Spain — the duo has now partnered with Tonya Pyatt and her husband Nik Wells. It's no longer at the original, eponymous location on Webster Avenue, but locals still consider it one of the iconic features of the Chicago wine landscape.

Guests of this Logan Square establishment will find delights such as a biodynamic Lambrusco and naturally crafted grüner veltliner from Austria's Kamptal. These can be paired with a tasty selection of bites including fresh oysters, satisfying entrées, and shareable dishes. This is the place to talk with staff about wine travel stories — the team is known to check out producers on the list for themselves.

Ruffian managing partner and writer Moshe Schulman has centered this tasting experience around a mostly vegetarian à la carte menu that's been crafted to pair with natural wines. They feature more than 250 wines by the bottle and over 30 wines by the glass. Like skin contact wines? There are over 35 of them on offer at Ruffian at any given time. 

Guests can enjoy a seat on the outdoor patio, indoor bar, or indoor dining room. For a more immersive experience, wine education classes are offered — sessions dive into the wines of Croatia and Northern Austria, but many other varieties are featured on their ever-changing schedule. This is one of the rare natural wine establishments in the U.S. to hold a Michelin Bib Gourmand, and fans recognize this spot for consistency and fun. Intimate showcase dinners bring diners closer to some of the world's most interesting natural wines and producers from around the globe.

Sommelier, chef, and restaurateur, Bank Atcharawan had a vision for The Patio Wine Garden. And while the name suggests an outdoor vibe, it's actually a comfortable and quiet nook with all indoor seating. It has a reputation as one of the best spots in the neighborhood to share a romantic moment. But the garden theme runs throughout the space, and the menu boasts a plethora of natural wines and Thai-inspired small plates. Formerly a dessert concept spot, guests can now enjoy beer, sake, and cocktails along with the core offerings. If you're stumped, the skilled staff is always eager to suggest recommendations.

From natural wine to house-made espresso, this is a charming spot to spend a long evening — a welcome respite from the typical Las Vegas scene and a bit of an insider secret among locals. Atcharawan is also the owner of Lamaii — a modern restaurant that's also perfect for a date night.