Where to Find Natural Wine in Sarasota
Get ready to embark on a journey into the world of unfiltered, low-intervention elixirs that capture the essence of grapes and terroir. If you're new to the realm of natural wine, prepare yourself for the authenticity that natural wine brings to the table. With each sip, you'll uncover the character of the vineyard and the masterful craftsmanship of the winemaker, with no space for unnatural chemicals or additives.
We've carefully searched the city to bring you the crème de la crème of natural wine destinations, ranging from cozy wine bars radiating friendly vibes to trendy bottle shops that will make your hipster heart flutter. So grab a glass and join us as we uncover the hidden gems of Sarasota's natural wine landscape.
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Artisan Cheese Company
550 Central Ave, Sarasota (941) 951-7860, artisancheesecompany.com
This charming establishment goes above and beyond with its impressive selection of artisanal cheeses, tinned fish and fresh sourdough bread. But that's not all—prepare to be captivated by the shop's thoughtfully curated collection of natural and biodynamic wines. As you browse shelves adorned with unique bottles from renowned organic and biodynamic vineyards, you'll uncover gems like the Christina Gruner Veltliner ($23). Hailing from the cooler regions of lower Austria, this natural, unfiltered wine delights the palate with notes of apple, stone fruit and pepper spice. Also try the Friend and Farmer Tempranillo ($20), with its notes of red fruit, like plums and cherries. With a knowledgeable staff dedicated to providing quality food and drink, Artisan offers a memorable and educational experience for wine enthusiasts and foodies alike.
Sarasota Wine Co.
64 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, (941) 806-7929, srqwinecompany.com
Located on Palm Avenue, amid the vibrant buzz of downtown, you'll find Sarasota Wine Co.—a haven for natural and biodynamic wine enthusiasts. The passionate owners, Joe and Brooke Levine, have dedicated an entire wall to showcasing their selection of natural and biodynamic wines. Here's a pro tip: Share your wine preferences with Joe and let him know your thoughts on each bottle you try. He'll be ready with personalized recommendations whenever you swing by. Currently, Joe is particularly enthusiastic about the Stéphane Cyran Mogwai ($46) and the 2021 Beaujolais Bojo d'Eon ($30). Don't miss out on the shop's exciting and interactive wine-tasting events, which are announced on social media. These events often involve collaborations with local small businesses, offering wine and provisions that you can feel good about supporting.
Palma Coffee
7362 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 923-9923, palmacoffee.com
This secret treasure of a café is not your ordinary coffee spot—it also boasts a selection of natural wines that will leave you in awe. From robust and bold reds to crisp and fizzy whites, the ever-changing wine menu showcases the best of organic and biodynamic winemaking. Take your time to explore the thoughtful list, whether you're craving a glass of their recently available 2020 Pomalo Debit Pet-Nat ($8 per glass) or a creamy and velvety cortado.
Magnum Wine and Tastings
2300 Bee Ridge Road, #101, Sarasota, (941) 929-9463, magnumwinesrq.com
At this shop, you'll not only discover an incredible selection of wines but also enjoy delightful conversations with the friendly and exceptionally knowledgeable owner, Heath Cordes. Magnum caters to every wine lover, with neatly organized shelves categorized by region. When it comes to finding the perfect natural wine for your taste, Cordes' expertise shines as he asks the right questions to guide you in the right direction. The best part? He can spin captivating backstories for almost every wine in his shop, providing anecdotes to share with your guests. Ask about the Santa Julia natural malbec from Argentina ($20) for a fresh and fruit-forward experience.
Seagrape Wine Company
4333 S. Tamiami Trail, Unit F, Sarasota, (941) 260-9717, sgwineco.com
Thomas Morgan is the passionate owner of this delightful wine shop and bar. To him, wine is more than just a beverage—it's a form of nourishment, or as he calls it, "wine as food." Morgan is dedicated to showcasing bottles crafted by environmentally conscious farmers who produce exceptional, clean wines. While he's cautious about the "natural wine" label, you can always find a selection of natural and biodynamic bottles on his shelves. "We're all about information," he says. So don't hesitate to ask him about the latest additions and the stories behind them. Be sure to indulge in the tantalizing 2021 Field Recordings Pét Nat rosé ($20) or go all-in with a whole liter of the 2021 Ampeleia Unlitro ($17).
Lucile Pizza & Wine Bar
1660 Main St., Sarasota, (941) 330-0101, lucilesrq.com
Pizza and wine make an unbeatable duo. If that sounds heavenly to you, then Lucile Pizza & Wine Bar is the place to be. Picture this: mouthwatering, creative, plant-based pizzas that will blow your mind. As a personal recommendation, don't miss out on the fiery delight of the "spicy peppers" pizza. But here's the kicker: You can pair the delectable pizzas with the ever-changing selection of biodynamic and natural wines (prices ranging from $50 to $100). Just keep in mind that you'll have to go for the whole bottle, because the natural wines aren't available by the glass.