Natural wine has gained a surge in popularity in Ireland lately, and we are here for it. The philosophy behind natural wine is simple: nothing additional should be added - except naturally occurring sulphites - and nothing should be removed, which is why you often end up with grainy sediment at the base of your last glass. Whether you see yourself as a connoisseur of biodynamics or have simply dabbled with an Austrian orange, then, oh boy, do we have the places for you.
Note, Dublin 2
Note has barely reached its toddler phase, and bookings are already being snapped up at the speed of light. This gorgeous new space comes complete with a buzzing atmosphere and wines by the glass, the bottle, and our personal favourite: the magnum. Order the Ageno by La Stoppa and all the snacks and thank us later. The full restaurant menu is due to start in December.
Table Wine, Dublin 8
Kevin Powell and Brian O’Keefe signaled the departure of famed brunch spot Meet Me In The Morning, much to public outcry, but have mitigated it somewhat with the arrival of brand new wine bar Table Wine. Open from Wednesday through ‘til Saturday, their new setup will combine a mix of local produce with some of the best natural wines on the market. They're not currently taking bookings but we're hoping that changes soon.
Fish Shop, Dublin 7
We have been singing the good word of Fish Shop from day one, but natural wine lovers need to get in on their Monday Wine Club, where they pick a selection of bottles to serve by the glass at half their usual price. Their latest rendition consisted of a Jura takeover, and we heard through the grapevine that attendees enjoyed a taste of some EXTRA special and much sought after wines, limited to 50ml per person as quantities were so limited. Keep an eye on their Instagram feed for what's coming up each week.
Margadh, Howth and Dublin 2
Margadh has branched out from its roots in Howth to overseeing the restaurant space at the RHA gallery, so city folk can finally get a taste of the goods. Their Croque Monsieur is a thing of beauty oozing with bechamel, ham and mustard, and the Arndorfer Grüner Veltliner is the perfect bottle for sharing. If you're feeling spendy pick up a bottle of Laherte Frères grower Champagne. It's worth the price tag.
Hen's Teeth, Dublin 8
Killian Walsh and the Hen’s Teeth crew have been churning out some of the most aesthetic and appetising dishes that we’ve clocked our eyes on recently. Equally as eye-popping is their extensive selection of natural wines with some of the big hitters in the industry, including Frantz Saumon and DB Schmitt. Order a glass from the menu, or head to the shelves and check out the bottles for yourself.
The Fumbally, Dublin 8
The Fumbally has transitioned from being the best coffee and brunch spot in Dublin 8 to becoming a neighbourhood grocery kitted out with McNally’s veg, Sheridans’ cheese and lots of tasty condiments and treats. We've missed their dinners, but they should be making a comeback in early 2022. In the meantime you can drink wine by the glass until 17:00.
Loose Canon, Dublin 2
Wine shop/bar Loose Canon on Drury Street is a one-stop shop for all of your natural wine needs, with juice by the likes of Claus Preisinger, Gabrio Bini, Milan Nestarec and loads more. We highly recommend picking up the Triple Rose by Ballylisk while you’re there, and you can't leave without a toastie.
Frank's, Dublin 2
Frank’s originally started as an intimate neighbourhood restaurant serving small plates but has since evolved into a bottle shop and natural wine bar selling everything from Aroa’s Le Naturel (a good entry point into natural wine) to Meinklang’s delicious Prosa. The team certainly know their stuff, so don’t be afraid to ask for a recommendation, and if you’re based beyond The Pale, Frank’s also deliver nationwide.
Piglet, Dublin 2
Hidden away on Cow’s Lane in Temple Bar, Piglet has garnered a reputation as the place the hospitality industry (and the rest) go to drink good wine. Tables are only available outdoors (due to the pandemic), but it is worth layering up and grabbing a table under the heaters to experience the list. Try a glass of the Garganega Riva Arsiglia by Menti Giovanni, and before you know it, you might end up ordering the whole bottle.
64 Wine, Glasthule
Based at 64 Glasthule Road, 64 Wine is an award-winning wine bar and deli specialising in artisan wines from a wide variety of small winemakers, and all of the natural big hitters are here (and have been for years). Currently they have four tables outside on the terrace (Monday - Saturday) and have limited tables indoors from 17:00 on Friday and Saturday nights, when you can drink anything off the shelves for €15 corkage. From Monday - Thursday it's a more casual affair with sandwiches and pastries, and no - that's right, no - corkage charge if you want to drink a bottle outside. Reservations for indoor seating are essential and can be booked here.
The Wine Pair, Dublin 8
Despite launching only three months before the pandemic erupted in Ireland, Canice and Mags McKee survived the storm and continued serving and selling wines to locals in Dublin 8. Though The Wine Pair's wine list is extensive, the menu is minimal, but perfect for accompanying a bottle between friends. You can drink any wine off the shelf for €10 but get there on a Sunday to avail of free corkage.
Amy Austin, Dublin 2
A relative newcomer on the block, Amy Austin had a stop-start opening last December before having to close their doors once again due to the restrictions put in place by the Irish Government. We firmly believe it was worth the wait. Led by the team behind Dillinger’s, 777 and The Butcher’s Grill, Amy Austin pairs contemporary cuisine with an eclectic mix of wines on tap and by the bottle.
Fallon & Byrne, Dublin 2
The Exchequer Street Cellar beneath Fallon & Byrne has served as a fantastic resource for wine lovers since its inception in 2006. Today, over 300 wines grace their shelves from all corners of the globe. Dublin might be quiet from Sunday - Tuesday, but the cellar transforms into a hive of activity when thrifty drinkers flock there to take advantage of their €1 corkage.
More Options For Takeaway
If you’re looking for takeout rather than drink in, you can also check out Pete’s Provisions in Raheny, Lennox Street Grocer in Portobello, Neighbourhood Wine on Leeson Street and in Dun Laoghaire, Brindle Coffee & Wine (will be doing drink in soon), and our longtime favourite Green Man Wines, who will reopen their brilliant instore wine bar in early 2022. Chin chin.
