Natty By Nature: Flesh out the Best Spots to Explore Nature Wines in SF

Natural wines are no longer thought of as the funky stepsister of wine conglomerates and French wine houses. Today, wine made without any intervention or additives is considered a viable (and delicious) alternative to trusted, yet manipulated, everyday faves. It has taken a while for the US to get up to speed on natural wines; but thanks to both pioneers in the wine import world and domestic winemakers looking for a new challenge, natural wines are becoming mainstream. With no additives or stablizers like yeast and sulphites, these bottles of fresh, often unaged wines are as unique as their labels. Often, no two bottles are the same, which makes shopping and enjoying them as unpredictable as our San Francisco weather.

This cozy Potrero Hill retail shop and wine bar offers a global selection with plenty of French and California offerings. Depending on who is behind the counter, you might hear some music to accompany your chill shopping experience. There’s a sweet parklet outside; and if you want to enjoy a bottle you just purchased, the folks at Ruby Wine will gladly open it for a $10 corkage fee. All wines by the glass served outside are $12. No food but there are restaurants on the block

Terroir Natural Wine Bar has been around for more than a dozen years, so they know their way around the natural wine scene. (Ask them to enlighten you about glou glou, the OG of natural wine.) The split-level SOMA space has an air of Brooklyn before Brooklyn lost its original identity. There’s a small menu of cheese and snacks; so feel free to linger and imagine you’re somewhere else, drinking delicious wine and enjoying the company of others.

The Outer Sunset continues to surprise those that live outside its foggy enclave. Palm City’s bright and airy new neighborhoody wine shop offers some small tables inside to enjoy wine (by the glass or by the bottle) and epic hoagies, salads or small plates of nibbles. The wines on rotation are approachable with some recognizable varietals like pinot noir and syrah, which is great for natural wine novices. There are also tables outside, perfect for when the sun comes out and makes you think, “why don’t I venture here more often?”

What was Fig & Thistle Market is now Millay, both monikers that pay tribute to poet Edna St. Vincent Millay. This sweet, jewel-box wine shop and bar with pink neon signature sign has a great selection of up-and-coming Cali natural winemakers. No food but a parklet outside means you can pick up snacks and enjoy them with your wine.

This NOPA wine bar, housed in the garage of a Victorian, has an “underground” feel. But, don’t let the moody vibe of Fool’s Errand fool you; this place is bustling and people often spill out onto the sidewalk or parklet. They have a great selection of natural wines and natural reislings, in addition to a great rotating selection of beer and ciders.

It’s been 15 years since Yield Wine Bar opened in the Dogpatch. Run by a husband-and-wife team, this sweet, dog-friendly spot has stolen the hearts of the neighborhood. Besides a solid selection of natural and organic wines (check out their pet nats), there’s also food for those interested in hanging out longer in the dark, wood-accented and couch-filled cozy space.

Tofino Wines nicely fills the Laurel Heights and Inner Richmond’s wine bar void with local and old world offerings, many in the natural wine sphere. With a stately exterior and a lofty interior, Tofino might appear to cater to a more refined crowd. But, don’t let that dissuade you from enjoying a glass or two here; the owners are wine veterans and eager to educate you on the nuances of natural wine. Small bites available, currently only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.