País

Tart cranberry, strawberry, plum and violet.

Vintage:

• 2022

ABV:

• 13.5%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Classic

Style:

Food Wine

Region: Maule Valley, Chile

Laurent Wines is all about pure love for the craft. They let nature do its thing, and each year that translates into unique wines with serious personality. Think of them as a reflection of the season, bottled up and ready to share. They're all about getting these tasty creations into the hands (and glasses) of people who appreciate good wine. It's a simple idea, but oh so delicious!

Muscat, Chardonnay, Trousseau, Gamay, Chenin Blanc

Grapefruit, orange, honeysuckle, pear and quince.

Vintage:

• 2021

ABV:

• 11.5%

Funky Scale:

Middle of the Road

Style:

Region: Auvergne, France

This French winemaker is all about natural wines! They're converting their vineyard to organic farming, using special preparations and minimal tilling to keep the soil healthy and teeming with life. It's not just about avoiding chemicals, they even use a horse named Praline for some tasks instead of machines! This dedication to nature extends to their winemaking, contributing to what they call "living and natural wines." Basically, these folks are passionate about creating delicious wines in a way that respects the environment and lets the grapes truly shine.

Merlot, Sankt Laurent, Portugieser, Blaufrankisch, Spatburgunder

Black cherry, plum, red currant and black pepper.

Vintage:

• 2021

ABV:

• 12%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Funky

Style:

Glou Glou

Region: Rheinhessen, Germany

Bianka and Daniel are rockstar winemakers carrying on the family tradition at Weingut Schmitt! They're all about natural vibes in their vineyards, using special methods to keep the soil healthy and happy. This translates to super strong vines and ultimately, delicious wines! They even age their wines in cool clay amphorae alongside classic oak barrels. Their passion goes beyond the bottle too – they're all about supporting biodiversity and creating a haven for local wildlife.

Mencía, Brancellao, Caiño, Marenzao

Blackberry, plum, raspberry, and white pepper.

Vintage:

• 2022

ABV:

• 13%

Funky Scale:

Style:

Region: ,

Pedro Rodríguez of Adegas Guímaro is a passionate winemaker carrying on a family tradition in the dramatic Ribeira Sacra region. They farm their steep, terraced vineyards using traditional methods, like his parents before him, and even raise their own animals and vegetables. Their rebellious spirit ("Guímaro" means rebel in Gallego) shows in their focus on almost-forgotten local grapes like Caiño and Brancellao. This isn't just about history, it's about adapting to a changing climate and making wines that are both delicious and reflect the unique character of Ribeira Sacra. In the cellar, they keep things old-school with wild yeasts, foot treading, and minimal intervention. The result? Distinctive, age-worthy wines that truly capture the spirit of this special place.

Grenache

Blackberries, cherries, plums, prunes and cinnamon.

Vintage:

• 2021

ABV:

• 13%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Classic

Style:

Region: Rhône Valley, France

"Located northeast of Vaison-La-Romaine in the southern Côtes du Rhône, Antoine and Laurence Joly work 18 hectares of organic vineyards making some of our favorite wines in the region. They maintain a freshness and lightness in their wines by dedicating themselves to very intense vineyard work that allows them to harvest earlier than several other producers in their area, resulting in less concentrated and lower alcohol wines." - Zev Rovine

Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Red plum, raspberry, blackberry, violet, and bell pepper.

Vintage:

• 2022

ABV:

• 12.9%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Classic

Style:

Region: Moslavina, Croatia

All farming on the estate is strictly organic, but not certified, as Tomislav has his own issues with the certification process. He believes the benefits of organic farming are far more valuable for the health of the vineyards and the grapes, rather than the label. All fermentations are done with native yeasts, oftentimes early in the morning under cold temperatures so as to maintain the amazing aromatics that Škrlet inherently delivers. - Vinum USA

Semillón

 Juicy pear, peach, apricot, honey, and white pepper.

Vintage:

• 2022

ABV:

• 13%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Funky

Style:

Region: ,

Nacho, or Ignacio Pino Román, isn't your average winemaker. Forget fancy equipment and chemical shortcuts! This guy is all about reviving the old ways in Chile's Itata Valley. He travels around Coelemu, working with small growers who farm their ancient vines naturally, without harsh chemicals. In the cellar, it's all about keeping things simple - stainless steel, clay, and neutral wood. No unnecessary additives, just a focus on letting the unique character of the Itata Valley and its grapes shine through in every bottle of his "natural wine." Sounds like a recipe for something truly special, right?

Riesling

Green apple, peach, lime, jasmine and honey.

Vintage:

• 2021

ABV:

• 12%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Funky

Style:

Nerdy

Region: Rheinhessen, Germany

If Rheinhessen is at the epicenter of a new wave in German winemaking—one full of young energy that emphasizes high-quality, natural methods—then husband and wife Daniel and Bianka Schmitt are at the epicenter of Rheinhessen. Rheinhessen is the largest wine growing region in Germany, and has been largely associated with bulk production. However, in recent years, the region’s reputation has begun to shift as a new generation of younger, more innovative growers are reducing yields and honing in on the largely undervalued terroir of this region. Bianka and Daniel epitomize this new wave of German winemakers, working hard to produce wines of the highest quality with as little intervention as possible.

Muscat Ottonel, Viognier, and Ugni Blanc

Peach, apricot, pear, green melon and honey.

Vintage:

• 2023

ABV:

• 9.5%

Funky Scale:

Middle of the Road

Style:

Region: Canelones, Uruguay

Proyecto Nakkal was founded in 2020 by two passionate friends, Nicolás Monforte and Santiago Degasperi, it's a project built on a love for natural wines and minimal intervention. Unlike many wineries, they don't rely on a barrage of additives or oak aging. Instead, they source organic grapes, letting the unique characteristics of the fruit shine through. Their philosophy aligns with the ancient legend of the Nakkal, who were believed to be guardians of balance and wisdom – a fitting namesake for winemakers who prioritize natural expression.

What truly sets Proyecto Nakkal apart is their commitment to showcasing Uruguay's potential for exceptional natural wines. Their vineyards bask in the cool climate of Canelones, known for its fresh wines. Here, they cultivate an exciting range of grape varietals, crafting everything from petnats, a sparkling wine made with minimal intervention, to amphora-aged wines brimming with character. They even produce "natcool" styles, lower-alcohol wines perfect for warm days. With every bottle, Proyecto Nakkal offers a taste of Uruguay's terroir, expressed with a dedication to natural methods and a touch of innovation.