Are NYC and Montreal now the epicenters of natural wine ?
A Natural Wine take over ?
The natural wine takeover is nearly complete, with an impressive lineup of natural wines dominating the top restaurants across North America
North America is staking its claim in the world of natural wine, with several restaurants focused solely on Natural Wine earning top spots last night at the Worlds Best Restaurants North America Addition .
Pearl Morissette in Niagara, Ontario, was named No. 3 in North America at the 2025 World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards. Since opening in 2017, chefs Daniel Hadida and Eric Robertson have paired French-inspired, seasonal tasting menus with wines made from hand-harvested grapes, fermented with indigenous yeasts, and aged in neutral vessels. The kitchen complements this with produce from its gardens, orchards, and local purveyors, offering a holistic dining experience where food, wine, and land converge.
In Chicago, Smyth (3-star Michelin) ranks No. 4, emphasizing natural wines and regenerative farming, while Tanière³ in Canada has gained acclaim for its extensive selection of skin-contact wines.
At No. 10, Le Veau d’Or in Montreal showcases around 100 biodynamic and organic French wines, including a seasonal Champagne list curated by wine director Jorge Riera. Diners may also bring their own classic bottles for a corkage fee.
Meanwhile, New York’s The Four Horsemen, opened in 2015 by James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem and partners, has become one of the world’s most respected wine bars. Its natural wine program, complemented by inventive cuisine and a meticulous sound design, demonstrates how wine culture in North America embraces creativity, authenticity, and terroir-driven practices.
"Together, these venues highlight North America’s leadership in the natural wine movement. It’s remarkable to see the growth of natural wine, particularly in New York and Montreal, now emerging as the world’s new natural wine epicenter, taking over from Copenhagen."
