For years, the Tel Aviv wine bar scene has left a lot to be desired. But last year alone it has dramatically transformed with a handful of emerging, many focusing on natural local and international selections. So what’s the deal with natural wine? There’s no uniform definition, but it typically means the winemaking process is accomplished without pesticides and with few or no additives.
Translation (at least for me) – no hangovers. The blossoming has resulted in more than a handful of options to grab a crisp glass of vino after work, over brunch on the weekend, or at a niche evening event. With the surge in natural wine bars, here are five of my current favorites that may tempt you to swap your usual white wine or pint for a glass of natural orange sooner than expected.
According to its owners, the concept of Coop Natur came out of their love and passion for natural wine, gastronomy, good music, and a slower pace of life. The funky, charming wine bar and shop provides a selection of unique, international natural wines - from the well-known to the new, up-and-coming, to those that are rarely available in Israel. Traveling extensively to taste all of the above, owners Mitya Grebenshikov, Roman Bergart, and Evgenii Petrushanskii regularly host samplings with friends and customers amid a backdrop of spun tunes and smells from the kitchen that will have you coming back time again.
Make sure to order their onion-jam grilled cheese, sardines, tiramisu, and basque cheesecake. S.
