How to Properly Taste Natural Wine: A Beginner's Guide
By Alcohol Delivery Los Angeles | Sipsy: LA's Best Alcohol Service | Published: 2026-09-07
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to taste natural wine like a pro with simple steps, common mistakes, and what to expect from these unique bottles.
Quick Answer
To taste natural wine properly, slow down and expect the unexpected. Use your senses in order—sight, smell, taste—and pay attention to texture and finish. Don't judge it against conventional wines; instead, appreciate its unique, living character.
Natural wine is a growing trend, especially in Los Angeles, where drinkers seek authentic, low-intervention bottles. But if you're used to conventional wines, the first sip of a natural wine can be surprising. It might taste funkier, cloudier, or more alive than what you're used to. That's the point.
This guide walks you through the proper way to taste natural wine, step by step. You'll learn what to look for, common mistakes to avoid, and how to get the most enjoyment from these expressive bottles.
What Makes Natural Wine Different?
Natural wine is made with minimal intervention: organic or biodynamic grapes, native yeasts, and little to no added sulfites. This approach lets the terroir—the soil, climate, and vineyard—shine through. The result? Wines that can be cloudy, slightly fizzy, or have funky aromas. These aren't flaws; they're signs of a living wine.
When tasting, remember that natural wines vary widely. Some are clean and fruity, while others are earthy and complex. The key is to approach each bottle with curiosity, not expectation.
- Don't compare natural wines to conventional ones—they're a different category.
- Look for a wine's story: where it's from, how it's made, and who made it.
Setting Up Your Tasting
Before you pour, make sure your glass is clean and free of soap residue, which can kill the wine's aromatics. Use a standard wine glass or a universal tasting glass. Serve natural wines slightly cool—around 55-60°F (13-15°C) for reds, and even cooler for whites and rosés.
Have some water and neutral crackers on hand to cleanse your palate between sips. And if you're tasting multiple wines, start with lighter styles (like a natural white) and move to heavier ones (like a red).
- Avoid strong-smelling foods or perfumes before tasting—they can overwhelm your senses.
- Natural wines are often bottled unfiltered, so sediment is normal. Pour gently or decant if needed.
Step-by-Step Natural Wine Tasting Process
- Look: Hold your glass against a white background. Observe the color and clarity. Natural wines are often cloudy or have sediment—this is a sign of minimal filtering. Note the intensity: a pale color might indicate a lighter style. Checkpoint: Don't mistake cloudiness for a flaw. It's a hallmark of natural winemaking.
- Swirl and Smell: Swirl the wine gently to release aromas, then stick your nose in the glass. Take a few short sniffs. Expect a range of scents: fresh fruit, but also barnyard, earth, or even a slight fizz on the nose. These come from native yeasts and minimal sulfites. Checkpoint: If a smell seems odd, give it time. Natural wines often 'open up' with air.
- Sip and Savor: Take a small sip and let it coat your entire mouth. Notice the texture—natural wines can feel silkier or more textured due to less fining. Pay attention to acidity, tannins, and any bubbles. Swallow or spit, then focus on the finish, which can be long and complex. Checkpoint: Don't rush. Let the wine linger and evolve on your palate.
Natural Wines to Try
- Les Enfants Sauvages Natural Wine - 750ml: Les Enfants Sauvages, meaning 'wild children' in French, is a winery in the Côtes Catalanes region of France (Roussillon) known for its natural, organic, and biodynamic winemaking practices, producing wines that reflect their terroir and a dedication to authenticity. This bottle is a perfect example of a natural wine that expresses its southern French terroir. Its organic and biodynamic practices mean you're tasting the place, not additives.
- Monte Bernardi Tzingarella Toscana IGT - 750ml: Monte Bernardi Tzingarella — Italian for 'gypsy girl,' a playful diminutive of the estate's prestige Tzingana cuvée — is produced at the Monte Bernardi estate in Panzano in Chianti, situated in the southernmost reaches of the Chianti Classico zone at 350 meters above sea level on south-facing slopes surrounded by dense woodland. This Tuscan red offers a taste of Chianti's high-elevation, woodland-fringed vineyards. Its unique character makes it a great choice for exploring how terroir influences natural wine.
Tasting natural wine is about embracing authenticity and letting go of preconceptions. By following these steps, you'll develop a deeper appreciation for these unique bottles. Ready to explore? Try a natural wine from our selection and practice your new skills.
