Grilled bell pepper tacos with cilantro and lime, tomato & basil bruschetta, and crispy tofu with soy and ginger

Ripe red berries lead alongside notes of small flowers, fresh herbs, and crushed black pepper. Mouthwateringly vibrant, refreshing, and light!

Varietal:

grolleau, gamay, cabernet franc

Vintage:

• 2023

ABV:

• 12%

Funky Scale:

Middle of the Road

Region: Loire Valley, France

Winemakers Jennifer Bariou and Thibaut Bodet bring a wealth of experience from working in wineries across the globe before settling in Azay-le-Rideau, a dynamic appellation in the central Loire Valley. Their passion for natural winemaking and deep respect for the land have driven them to cultivate 9 hectares of organic vineyards, expanding from their initial 2.5 hectares in 2015.

Their vineyards, spread across diverse terroirs with clay, flint, and quartz soils, are farmed using biodynamic principles. They embrace biodiversity, grazing sheep among the vines and planting fruit trees—peaches, pears, almonds, and cherries—throughout the estate. In the cellar, they work with native yeasts and minimal intervention, allowing their wines to authentically express the land.

Gourmet onion ring burgers, carne asada fries, and rich barbecue sauces

Bright plum, dried sage, and rose petals. Firm tannins provide an overall structure to ripe fruit and intriguing herb flavors

Varietal:

grenache, syrah, carignan

Vintage:

• 2021

ABV:

• 13.5%

Funky Scale:

Middle of the Road

Region: Rhône, France

Mas Mellet is a vibrant, soulful winery bringing the sun-soaked spirit of the south of France straight to your glass. Nestled in the heart of the Costières de Nîmes, this domaine is all about wild, untamed energy—organic vineyards, old-vine magic, and a winemaking approach that lets nature lead the way.

Winemaker Laurence Manya Krief pours passion into every bottle, crafting wines that are fresh, juicy, and packed with personality. Think: Mediterranean breezes, gnarled vines, and a whole lot of love. These wines aren’t just about terroir—they’re about feeling. They're wines for friends, for moments, for kicking back and enjoying life.

Organic, biodynamic, and unapologetically expressive—Mas Mellet is where French winemaking meets a laid-back, free-spirited attitude.

Roast chicken, grilled vegetables, charcuterie

Fresh red berries, a hint of spice, and earthiness. Soft tannins with a smooth finish.

Varietal:

Cinsault, Grenache

Vintage:

• 2022

ABV:

• 13.5%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Classic

Region: Southern Rhône, France

Estézargues was established in 1965 and, as early as the 1980s, shifted towards natural winemaking thanks to the arrival of Jean-François Nicq, a talented winemaker influenced by the ideas of natural wine legends like Marcel Lapierre. Nicq (now making wine in his own boutique Domaine des Foulards Rouges in Roussillon) put the cave firmly on track towards respectful farming and practically no additives in the cellar. No commercial yeast, no enzymes, no gum arabic, no acidifiers, and also almost no sulfur. “We use a minimal amount of SO2 at bottling if needed, to make sure the wines are safe even when exported overseas, but that’s it,” says Armelle Rouault, Estézargues’ congenial current CEO and winemaker as we chat on Google Meet, the tasting room of Covid-19 times. - Jenny & Francois

Creamy, wild mushroom pastas, barbecued ribs, meatballs with tomato sauce and cured meats and cheeses on crackers

A core of juicy blackberries and dark cherries, complemented by hints of earth, cracked black pepper, and a touch of cocoa. Rich, silky tannins give this wine strength and a medium body keeps it fresh

Varietal:

Zweigelt and SanktLaurent

Vintage:

• 2023

ABV:

• 12%

Funky Scale:

Middle of the Road

Region: Burgenland, Austria

Judith Beck doesn’t just make wine—she lets nature do its thing and guides it along with a gentle hand. Nestled in Burgenland, Austria, her vineyards are wild, alive, and thriving under biodynamic farming. No chemicals, no shortcuts—just pure, soulful wines that reflect the land and the love poured into them. She works with Austria’s coolest native grapes—Blaufränkisch, St. Laurent, Zweigelt—letting them shine in their own way. The result? Wines that are fresh, vibrant, and full of personality, just like Judith herself. Every bottle feels like a warm invitation to slow down, sip, and savor the moment.

BBQ short ribs, Manchego, grilled vegetables

Blackberries, cherries, fig, dark chocolate, and spice. Velvety texture with a smooth finish.

Varietal:

Merlot

Vintage:

• 2019

ABV:

• 13.5%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Classic

Region: Bordeaux, France

Born from a love of winemaking and a deep respect for the land, Charivari Wines is the creative project of Nea Berglund, a talented winemaker making waves in Bordeaux, France. With a fresh, rebellious spirit, Charivari challenges traditional Bordeaux expectations, crafting wines that are vibrant, soulful, and full of life.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux, Charivari focuses on minimal intervention, allowing each wine to tell its own story. L'Aventure Nocturne, a 100% Merlot, is a perfect example—hand-harvested, gently fermented, and aged in old oak barrels to bring out its deep, velvety character. Unfined, unfiltered, and bursting with personality, it’s a wine that speaks to both heart and palate.

Grilled lamb, roasted vegetables, hearty stews

Blackberries, herbs, and pepper, with subtle earthy undertones. Silky tannins and balanced acidity.

Varietal:

Syrah, Grenache, Pinot Noir

Vintage:

• 2022

ABV:

• 12.5%

Funky Scale:

Classic

Region: Occitanie, France

In 2008, Florence, the fifth generation of winemakers, assumed control of Chateau Coujan from her father. Under her stewardship, the winery underwent a transformation to embrace organic practices, evolving into a sanctuary of biodiversity. Alongside her boyfriend, who serves as the chef de cave, and her daughter, Florence leads the management of the estate, supported by a dedicated team.

Fresh seafood, goat cheese, light salads

Citrus, green apple, and slight mineral notes. Refreshing with crisp acidity and clean finish.

Varietal:

Arinto de Bucelas, Azal Branco

Vintage:

• 2021

ABV:

• 12.9%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Classic

Region: Vinho Verde, Portugal

Some wines are good. Some wines are great. And some? They’re Sem Igual—literally “without equal.” This isn’t just another Vinho Verde producer. It’s a love story, a passion project, and a bold reimagining of what Portuguese wine can be.

It all started with João Camizão, an ex-telecom engineer who ditched the corporate grind to revive his family’s winemaking roots (which date back to 1780, no big deal). After a life-changing stint in India, João came back home with one mission: to make wines that truly matter—wines that tell a story, break a few rules, and bring people together.

Ratatouille, Grilled Prawns, Austrian Bergkäse

Delicate floral notes of rose petals, wild strawberries, and red currants, complemented by hints of citrus zest and fresh herbs.

Varietal:

Blaufränkisch

Vintage:

• 2023

ABV:

• 12.5%

Funky Scale:

Middle of the Road

Region: Burgenland, Austria

Gernot and Heike Heinrich are known for their dedication to biodynamic viticulture, a minimalist approach to winemaking, and producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of Burgenland. They focus on natural processes with minimal intervention, aiming to create wines full of character. Their winery is located in Gols, near the northeastern end of the Neusiedlersee lake, and produces a range of wines from local grape varieties​.

Margherita pizza, roasted vegetable & pesto pasta, and pulled pork sandwiches

Refreshingly medium-bodied with ripe raspberries, blackberries, and a touch of spice

Varietal:

Syrah

Vintage:

• 2023

ABV:

• 11.5%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Funky

Region: Roussillon, France

Domaine Josette et Michel is a natural wine producer founded in 2022 by Jeanne and Philippe “Fifi” Essome. Located in Mont-Roc, a village in the Tarn region of southern France, the domaine sits at an elevation of 600 meters in the Montagne Noire, near the Monts de Lacaune and the Haut Languedoc Natural Park. This high-altitude terroir contributes to the freshness and elegance of their wines.

Jeanne, with roots in Burgundy, has a deep connection to winemaking, while Fifi gained experience in the U.S. as a pioneer in the natural wine movement, co-founding "The Ten Bells" in New York. Initially working with purchased organic grapes, they began planting their own vineyard in 2023, with future estate wines expected in the coming years. Their winemaking approach emphasizes minimal intervention,