These millennials, eh? They’re always trying to meddle with things that have been the same way for hundreds of years. But, no matter how much some people pull their faces and dig their heels in, the vines they are a-changing. To be fair, natural and biodynamic winemaking actually pre-dates the whole modern wine industry, as it was once the only way to make wine. However, low intervention wines are enjoying a renaissance on modern restaurant menus and it’s getting easier to find outstanding examples if you know where to look. Environmental considerations are crucial to our times and more and more restaurants (and customers) are bringing the focus back to all things, well, natural. So it might be time to stop wine-ing and open an eco-friendly bottle or two with your dinner, you might be pleasantly surprised.
While there are strict rules around the labelling of organic and biodynamic wines, the guidelines for natural wines are as murky as an unfiltered orange. For some, this just adds to the fun as things get really experimental – and, some might say, risky. But there’s no need to worry when the expert sommeliers at some of the best restaurants in the land have done all the graft for you. We’ve put together a list of five of our Top 100 restaurants and another five honourable mentions in Manchester (that opened since we announced our last guide) that are sure to pour you an au naturel glass you’ll love.
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Book Now PrestonThe Cartford Inn
More detailsThis historic coaching house serves adventurous British pub food in poetic configurations. Cooking is by mushroom forager and head chef, Chris Bury, whose CV includes the Fat Duck and Claridges, while award-winning suppliers include local wine merchants, D Byrne and Gornall’s dairy, near Preston. The interior, some of which dates back to the 1800s, is packed with wood panels and idiosyncratic artworks while the wider complex takes in glass-clad extensions, an al fresco terrace, and cool, eco-style cabins, integrated into the landscape. A place to get away from it all for a day, or a night – and enjoy some of the best food in the region at the same time.
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Book Now CumbriaThe Forest Side
More detailsMichelin-starred restaurant and hotel The Forest Side, owned by Lakes hotelier Andrew Wildsmith, is built on the foundations of the cooking of former L’Enclume forager, Kevin Tickle.
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Book Now South YorkshireJöro
More detailsOffering Nordic-inspired fine dining inside a shipping container, Jöro has secured accolades galore, including a clutch of AA Rosettes and Michelin Bib Gourmand.
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StockportWhere the Light Gets In
More detailsWith no menu and esoteric wines, Where the Light Gets In doesn’t adhere to the typical fine-dining formula. But it’s been a success for Stockport, thanks to chef-patron Sam Buckley’s belief in doing things his own way.
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Book Now AncoatsErst
More details“Yet more small plates in Ancoats?” we hear you cry. Well yes, but trust us, Erst is worth your attention. This is a place for serious foodies so don’t come looking for mac n cheese balls. Plenty of other places can satisfy that filthy craving for you.
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Book Now LevenshulmeIsca
More detailsIsca is a natural wine bar and shop on an unassuming street in Levenshulme, brought to you by Caroline Dubois (sommelier at Where The Light Gets In) and Isobel Jenkins (Seasons Eatings supper club).
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Book Now Northern QuarterWolf At The Door
More detailsThe team behind Wolf At The Door know a thing or two about adaptation. They launched as a highly stylised restaurant and cocktail bar serving NOMA-influenced small plates. Then changed their name (they were formerly known as Wilderness) and completely overhauled their menu. Nowadays they serve tacos and bao buns that keep the playful feel of the original offering, but with much more accessible prices.
