The global trend for ‘natural wine’ is continuing to gather momentum.
Referring to wine that is free from artificial additives and crafted using traditional winemaking techniques and minimal interference, natural wines are known for their earthy, raw, unique and endlessly exciting taste. If you haven’t tried one yet, you’re really missing out.
Organic wines are also being served by many of the nation’s best bars and restaurants. Free from additives, herbicides, pesticides and extracts, both organic and natural wines offer many benefits for your personal health, and the environment.
In fact, thanks to the world’s growing environmental and health awareness, the organic wine industry is predicted to be worth over USD 69 million by 2028.
So, if you are partial to a glass or two, why not check out our favourite places to enjoy natural, organic and sustainable wines in the UAE.
BOCA, DIFC, Dubai
Along with being Dubai’s undisputed leader in ethical fine-dining, BOCA is proud to offer one of the UAE’s most extensive selections of sustainable wines. Carefully compiled by the venue’s own inhouse ‘wine storyteller’, its diverse wine list highlights certified biodynamic, organic, and sustainable vineyards, and brands that are striving to reduce the carbon footprint of the industry.
Spanning smooth wines by Sea Change, the label that donates to ocean conservation projects, vegan, zero-sugar wines from The Pure Winery, sustainable French champagne from Bollinger and much more, all the ethical varieties are clearly highlighted on the menu for extra ease. If you’re struggling to choose, the friendly staff are happy to recommend a glass that will pair perfectly with your choice of its delicious, zero-waste recipes.
Bounty Beets Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort, Dubai
As one of the UAE’s most iconic and long-established organic hotspots, it should come as no surprise to hear that the very pink, pretty and vegan-friendly Bounty Beets offers a choice of fabulous ethical wines. Taking its meat-free salads, power bowls, burgers and other specials to the next level of deliciousness, you can now accompany your hearty lunch or dinner with a refreshing glass of shiraz or sauvignon blanc from Journey’s End.
An ethical, family-run South African vineyard based in the world-famous wine producing region of the Schapenberg Hills near Cape Town, Journey’s End is entirely committed to sustainable farming and conserving native fauna and flora. The farm is run completely on solar power, and it’s been Fairtrade certified since 2017. Home to its own foundation, it donates thousands of meals to the local community, and its sustainability efforts have been recognised with multiple awards. If you needed yet another excuse to visit Bounty Beets, you’ve just found it.
La Cava, Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Tucked away beneath one of Abu Dhabi’s most elegant hotels, La Cava is an atmospheric and sophisticated wine cellar with tonnes of character. Cosy and intimate, and lined with floor-to-ceiling cabinets containing over 1,000 different wines, it feels like entering the lounge of an exclusive Italian wine club. A proud partner of Lebanese producer Mersel Wine, it stocks a wide range of organically farmed, unfiltered and unrefined fermented wines that contain minimal or no sulfites. Crafted from indigenous Lebanese grapes sourced from local farmers, every sip of the Mersel wine collection instantly transports you to the beautiful towering mountains and lush green wadis of Lebanon.
La Petite Maison, Abu Dhabi and Dubai
With the Dubai branch resting at a lofty number eight on the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants List and its Abu Dhabi sister awarded a place in the Michelin Guide, most of you will be more than familiar with LPM. As you would expect from any sophisticated French fine-dining restaurant, the wine list is incredibly extensive and interesting. But, what really makes it stand out is the ‘La selection de vin ecologique’, aka the most amazing selection of certified organic, biodynamic and natural wines you’ve ever seen.
Featuring roughly forty champagnes, roses, whites and reds from lesser-known, artisan French vineyards, the completely natural wine Mas Foulaquier rouge – sourced from an ancient wine estate that dates back to the year 1000 – is just one of many enticing options. The expert LPM sommelier team are happy to share the special stories, techniques and tasting notes behind every blend, and they all effortlessly complement the insanely creamy burrata, fresh tomato gnocchi, and the many other exceptional, vegetarian-friendly signature specialties.
Oak Room and Alba Terrace, The Abu Dhabi Edition
Filled with cosy armchairs and plush furnishings, the Oak Room is most loved for its hearty Sunday roasts, including its delicious vegetarian BBQ celeriac. However, its incredibly vast wine cellar also offers huge appeal. Starring 20 organic and vegan varieties from as far as Italy, Argentina, France, Lebanon and beyond, the award-winning, in-house sommelier will help you find the one that exactly suits your palate.
Meanwhile, Alba Terrace, the hotel’s chic Mediterranean restaurant, offers a different selection of fabulous organic natural wines. Spanning rich and aromatic reds and light and crisp whites, each eco-conscious tipple pairs perfectly with the innovative menu of premium quality pastas, pizzas and salads, and its green and pleasant poolside setting.
Soirée Wine Bar, ME Dubai Hotel, Downtown Dubai
Combining funky, art-deco decor with cool New York vibes, Soirée Wine Bar was one of the first places in Dubai to truly embrace biodynamic, natural, and eco-friendly wines. Spanning more than 50 options to order by the glass, it brings an enjoyably laid-back and unpretentious approach to the art of wine tasting.
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Dubai, the many highlights of its natural wine menu include the fresh and delicate SP68 by organic Sicilian vineyard Arianna Occhipinti, and the Roditis Barrique 2020, crafted by Greek artisan wine producer Ktima Ligas. Made using long-forgotten ancient techniques and brimming with aromatic taste, both varieties provide a fabulous introduction to the addictive world of natural wine.
