Natural wine is no longer just a niche obsession among sommeliers in gentrified neighborhoods and funk-loving nerds; it’s a major category that has evolved into a highly giftable, drinkable universe. There are the artistically labeled pét-nats for festive toasts, elegant skin-contact bottles that look good on any tablescape, and endlessly sippable, chillable reds that feel tailor-made for long December nights. And if this year’s Shop Natural Day in New York proved anything, it’s that natural wine is no longer just a subculture — it’s a full-fledged holiday staple: celebratory and increasingly accessible, whether you’re shopping for a collector, a casual drinker, or someone who simply likes saying the words “orange wine.”
Over the weekend, Eater joined The Cut and A Diamond is Forever for Shop Natural Day NYC, a cozy afternoon built around two things New Yorkers reliably show up for: good wine and equally enticing snacks. The tasting centered on a pair of natural pours that captured where the category is headed — less dogma, more deliciousness.
First up was Mann Vignobles des 3 Terres Meli Melo MV from Alsace, an aromatic blend of gewurztraminer, muscat, sylvaner, and pinot gris. With just eight hours of skin contact, it drinks like an orange wine, but without the orange color: unique, textural, and just grippy enough to keep things interesting.
Next came Markogianni Vorias & Helios Orange Assyrtiko 2023 from Greece, a true tangerine-hued stunner that’s clean, structured, and decidedly orange — the kind of bottle that converts skeptics and delights anyone already deep in their skin-contact era.
As natural wine continues to evolve past the “funky for funk’s sake” stereotype and into a space that’s refined, festive, and welcoming, there’s never been a better time to show up to the party with a bottle — or three. Better yet, there are now many places online where you can shop ahead and have pêt nats, orange wines, and more delivered straight to your door. Here are a few bottles of excellent natural wine that make great gifts (and additions to any holiday gathering).
Easy-going, affordable, and accessible, Meinklang is a great starter pick for those looking to get into natural wine (or for a host gift that’s basically guaranteed to be popped and consumed within an hour of your arrival).
Wonderwerk always offers a sense of whimsy in its wines, and Chismosa (which means “gossip” in Spanish) is no exception. It’s a cheeky sparkling rose that feels especially giftable with its airbrush-art label design and crisp, floral flavor.
Aromatic, zesty, and effusive, this upbeat skin-contact blend is another fun choice at a slightly higher price point. As Ruth Lewandowski describes it, “A veritable wine based Dole Whip … it IS sunshine.” It’s also excellent with Italian food and cheese.
Vini Rabasco Bianco Damigiana
Made with biodynamic farming and hand-harvested grapes, this medium-bodied Italian orange has notes of honeyed fruit, citrus peel, and fresh herbs. Pair it with seafood or risotto, or simply enjoy it on a patio at sunset.
Domaine Glinavos Paleokerisio
This Greek semi-sparkling orange is a semi-dry crowd-pleaser with notes of apple and apricot. Plus, it comes in a demure 500-milliliter size, great for lighter drinkers or for sharing one-on-one when you’re not in the mood for a whole bottle.
Union Sacre Sangiovese Carbonic
In search of a chillable red? Look no further than this juicy, fruity California sangiovese that is made with carbonic fermentation, begs to be chilled, and pairs well with pizza and grilled meats.
