Raw Wine NYC

We arrived at Penn Station, the heart of midtown, jet-lagged as usual, tired, and surrounded by the dust of the subway. Emerging onto street level, the once-familiar scent of brined hot dogs and broiled onions has now been replaced by the pervasive aroma of ganja. Midtown Manhattan has transformed into something utterly chaotic—a lunatic asylum, with weed shops lining the streets, people wandering like zombies, and the air filled with the bizarre.

The scene is surreal—a microcosm of the U.S. A mix of Trump's armored cars guarded by agents, the chaos of UFC in the Garden, and a girl dressed as a condor dancing on the Mayan temple-shaped steps at Times Square. The pervasive sound of "Empire State of Mind" blaring from spinning selfie stalls fills the air. If you liked that song when you arrived, you likely won't by the time you leave.

Amidst the madness, Central American fruit sellers attempt to make a living. Their carts, identical to each other, are equipped with fruit, knives, chopping boards, sauces, and seasonings—all seemingly from the same place. It feels like there must be a warehouse renting these setups out for the day. The contrast is stark, with blood-colored watermelon flesh smashed into the pavement, resembling a contemporary Apocalypto.

My first trip to a Raw event took me to Brooklyn, just a few stops on the L-train from Union Square to Jefferson Street. This area proved to be an arty, post-industrial part of town with large-windowed, low-rise blocks of former factories now repurposed into vintage shops, eateries, breweries, and event spaces.

The atmosphere was unique, with pop-up weed vans reminiscent of Southeast Asian hawker carts scattered around like part of the landscape, primarily targeting tourists. In this post-industrial haven, the vibe was artistic and vibrant.

Midtown NYC, on the other hand, is not the ideal place for wandering around after indulging in a 200mg edible. Pop-up weed vendors were plentiful, especially in areas frequented by tourists. Walking aimlessly through Central Park in such a state could lead to unintended destinations like East Harlem—a less than ideal mix.

The Raw event itself proved to be a semi-natural wine experience, featuring both larger and smaller producers. Notably, 40% of the wines showcased were unsulphated and unfiltered, adding an extra layer of uniqueness to the tasting. The event served as a testament to the diverse and dynamic nature of Brooklyn's evolving urban landscape.

weed cart brooklyn

A pop up Ganja Cart …has now replaced the Hot Dog Stands , there a time and a place for weed, and walking around sketchy areas of Brooklyn blasted ain’t it..

NYC graffiti kobra
The ten bells - lower east side

The Ten Bells on Broome Street in the Lower East Side is a fantastic natural wine bar with reasonably priced tapas that are of excellent quality. The place exudes a familial feel, boasting super-friendly and casual vibes. Despite being in Manhattan, known for its expensive dining scene, The Ten Bells offers a reasonably priced experience for both food and drinks.

This sentiment about the high costs of living and enjoying oneself in NYC seemed to be a common thread among the winemakers you spoke to. The phrase "very expensive" was often the first thing mentioned when they shared their experiences in the city. Your agreement with this observation highlights the contrast between the vibrant cultural and culinary scene in New York and the economic reality that accompanies it.Pop in if your in NY https://tenbellsnyc.com

RAW 99 scott street

99 Scott Street

I In the compound, around 11:30 on Sunday, it's still a bit quiet and not too busy until later in the afternoon. This time proves to be the best if you're planning to chat with the winemakers—first in, first out. It offers a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere before the hustle and bustle of the day fully kicks in.

The event itself is the last of the larger events of the year to take place in the US East Coast a week, after the other larger international fairs, RAW is the most recognisable ,certainly internationally ,well organised and well funded and most expensive of the natural wine events

Isabelle Legeron, running the show, is undoubtedly the best business person in the world of natural wine. She is not just a charming and likable woman, but also has a strong and personal relationship with all the winemakers and the public alike. Isabelle's expertise extends across importation, distribution, and hosting the event itself, showcasing her comprehensive involvement in the natural wine world.

The overall quality of the wines on display is exceptional, a testament to Isabelle's meticulous approach. She goes the extra mile by personally visiting each exhibitor to taste their wines, tour the winery, and explore the vineyards before approving their participation in the event. This hands-on approach ensures that the wines featured meet a high standard and are representative of the best in the natural wine movement.

Empire State Building

Empire State

For the Winemakers

Cost for Winemakers to have a stall .. Not Cheap ..but worth it.

$800 per event , there is a discount if you attend all 3 events , the Following Wednesday was in Toronto and weekend after in Montreal… this is very convent and practical , i’m a fan of this.. it cuts the cost for Winemakers and producers coming in from Europe or other continents.


Georgian wine at RAW NYC

Winemakers


Kartli

Tedzami Wines

Gotsa Wines

Balaton - Oliver Weingartner

Mátra - Páger Winery

Csongrád - Rp Winery (Arpi Winery)

Kolfok

Lichtenberger Gonzalez

Kamptal- Hager Matthias + Weingut -Feldtheorie

Weinviertel -Leopold Uibel

Muchada Leclapart

Muchada Leclapart - Andalusia - Spain

David Léclapart and Alejandro Muchad started working together in 2011 , based in the south of Spain Andalusia , an extremely hot and arid part of the county , plots are facing the Atlantic Ocean and facing west, which brings moisture and coolness.

David Léclapart being a renowned biodynamic champagne producer , brought his knowledge of french winemaking process along with his Bio dynamic processes.

Palomino is the Main grape grown.

Hit ..Muchada-Léclapart Elixir 2021 - 60% Palomino, 40% Moscatel i like muscatel , not sweet and very aromatic

https://muchada-leclapart.com

Muchada Le Clapart wine selection

GEORGIA

Guria

Silovani

Ilmereti

Baia's Wine

Kakheti

Akhmeta Wine House

Anapea

Jos Wines

Andria's Gvino

Doctor's Bio-cellar

Kolagis

Levani's Marani

Zurab Kviriashvili Vineyards

Nikalas Marani

Manavi Wines

SWEDEN

Djuce Wines

GREECE

Samos - Philia

CROATIA

Dalmatia

Domaine Bibich

ITALY

Piedmont

Tenuta Foresto

Case Corini

Vigna del Noce

Veneto

Camerani

Sassara Vini

Tenuta l'Armonia

Caccianemici Bioautoctona

Villa Papiano

Ouarticello

Tuscany

Sequerciani

Toscani

Casale

La Ginestra

Umbria

Agri Segretum

Cantina Marco Merli

Abruzzo

Stefania Pepe

Podere San Biagio

Vini Mormaj by Tocco d'Italy

Tenuta Terraviva

Sicily

Al Fëu 1915

Cantina Marilina

Cantine Barbera

Flavia Rebellious Wines

Porta del Vento

Podere San Biagio

Vini Mormaj by Tocco d'Italy

Tenuta Terraviva

FRANCE

Alsace

Vignoble des 3 Terres - Domaine MANN

Achillée + Pépin

LoireAchillée + Pépin

Loire

Clos des Quarterons - Amirault

Les Têtes et Domaine des Hauts Baigneux

Château de la Roche en Loire

Domaine Les Grandes Vignes

Burgundy

Clos du Moulin aux Moines

Auvergne

VivanterreBordeaux,

Château de la Vieille Chapelle

Château Guadet

South West

Les Vins de l'Arpette

Domaine Gayrard

Languedoc

Les Equilibristes

Domaine de Gabelas

Domaine Grand Guilhem

Domaine Mamaruta

Cuale Mamaruta

Provence

Clos des B

SPAIN

Catalonia

Anima Mundi

Vega Aixalà

Asturias

Bodega Dominio del Urogallo

Castilla y León

Bodega La Senda

Bodega Lar de Maía

Bodega Negón

Bodegas Bigardo

Bodegas Coruña del Conde

Bodegas Garcia Serrano

Cámbrico

Demencia Wine

Milénico

Madrid

Andalusia

Muchada-Léclapart

Murcia

Garcia Perez viñedos y bodegas familia

AUSTRALIA

Riverland

Delinquente Wine Company

Aristotelis Ke Anthoula

NEW ZEALAND

Martinborough

Cambridge Road

CHILE

Bio Bio Valley

Viña Umpel

Itata Valley

ZarandaValle de Pisco

Bodega Murga

UNITED STATES

New York

Barbichette

Vermont

Ellison Estate Vineyard

La Garagista Farm & Winery

La Montañuela

Oregon

Hiyu Wine farm

Pray Tell

Troon Vineyard

California

Miles Garrett Wines

Powicana Farm

Cormorant Cellars

Marioni Wine

Catch & Release Wines

Fres.Co

Margins Wine

Mal Sillo

Seabold Cellars / BOLD Wine Co.

OTHER DRINKS

No & Low Alcohol

Three Spirit, United Kingdom

Cider

Son Of Man, Oregon, United States Maison Hérout, Normandy, France Agricola Sin Patrones, Bio Bio, Chile

Vermouth

4 Ever Wine, France


Esposito pork Shop circa 2014
Umpel

I had the chance to taste these guys wines the Father and Son team from Viña Umpel from the South of Chile in the Ten Bells after the Salon had finished , luckily enough they were there to meet an Importer , and i had a taste of there wines , there Agrocoloqico was very nice. We had a great night , you can find these guys here en.umpel.cl

4 ever wine

4 ever wine -

Loire - France

Jean-Luc Josse ,Based in Loire Valley in France near Angers.

Making natural vermouths , un sugared and totally natural.

Hits - the Chardonnay Vermouth

99 Scott Street
Pager wines at RAW NYC

Pager Winery - Hungary

From Matra in Hungary , and only 7000-8000 bottles produced yearly.

All biodynamicly farmed with minimum intervention.

.

Seabold California

Seabold wines , Monterey Bay - Cali

The Olson family has been the owners and caretakers of this unique property since 1882. The vineyard dramatically towers over Highway 101, planted on a steep, sandy hill. One of the coldest vineyards in California , cool air coming in Monterey bay. limestone soil . rested on lees.

Pinot noir 50% whole cluster.fermented.

1600 feet in elevation , BROSSEAU vineyard , 100% fermented ,11 months on lees ,  4 weeks skin contact , limestone with varying amounts of decomposed granite and weathered volcanic rock. all unsulphated.

Red trusseuou , 100 fermentation, whole cluster , 2021 ,

Pinot noir , 50% whole cluster , single vineyard , 2019 , swell , foggy area , 1600 feet , cold in the mornings , volcanic , super nice..6000 bottles per year.one of the best wines there ..my

Hit of the day.

Chardonnay is stunning , one of the best i’ve tried in quite some time.


Petite Syrah at Raw Wines NYC

Powicana Farm -Mendocino- Northern California farmed French Expats Remi and Zoubeida Zajac . The lovely French couple only grow Petit Syrah near Mendocino lake. fruit is dry-farmed and the vineyard is not tilled.

More Stunning Wines from California , Totally recommend these wines , Again one of the hits of the Day.

https://www.powicanafarm.com

Hits of the Salon

Seabold wines - Chardonnay and Pinot

All of Philia Wines - Samos - Greece

Powicana Farm .. Sparkiling Rose - Mendocino

Chenin Blanc - Margins Wines - Santa Cruz

Muchada-Léclapart - Elixir 2021

Miles Garret Wines Humboldt County - California - Sav Blanc.

w41st NYC
Raw at 99 scott street bars wine

Isabelle Legeron with Baias wine girl.

First stall inside the Door ..Great placement and a lovely face to welcome everyone.

Baias Winery is situated in Georgia , the birth place of wine.

All wine are biodynamic and without sulpahtes.

Mile Garret

Miles Garret Wines -Willow Creek

Humboldt County - California

Naturally Dry Farmed Vineyard , . a small community in the Trinity River Valley,

We tasted 2021 Sauvignon Blanc , which was the stand out wine , one of the best In show , Miles tells me this is his best sellar.

The Dragon Vineyard is one of the oldest vineyards in the area and is farmed buy Miles and volunteers during the season.

Troon wine

Troon Vineyard - Nate Winters -Applegate Valley -Oregon.

Demeter Certified , Only the fourth farm in the world to achieve Gold Certification. Troon Vineyard is dedicated to regenerative agriculture, and we practice Biodynamics.

Son of Man at RAW NYC

Son of Man -Columbia River - Oregon

Presented by another lovely west coast lady .

Lovely basque style ciders from Son of Man based in Oregon on the border with Washington State , producing , unsweeted Wild-fermented and without added sulfites,

mostly quite that , and a little tannic , which is to be expected from natural cider , not too tannic though.

Txiki Columbian white cider , Fermented spontaneously, then aged for 6 months exclusively in stainless steel. No added sulfites.

Beti - 30% Gravenstein, 15% Karmijn de Sonnaville, 15% Newtown Pippin, 20% Domaines, 10% Muscadet de Dieppe, and 10% Muscadet de Lense

Cambridge road wine

Cambridge Wines - Martintown North Island - New Zealand

I had the pure luck of speaking with the fantastic Lance from Cambridge before the event opened ,, i no nonsense kiwi based in Martintown form the very south of the North Island .The area has a couple of Biodynamic growers that are all neighbours ..aging wines in a salvage 80 year old fougres. made with indigenous New Zealand Wood.

Biodynamic since 2006. No sulphates Zero - Zero

weathered river borne sandstone and windblown dust was formed approximately 20,000 years ago at the confluence of the Huangarua and Ruamahanga rivers

Stand out wines for me

Rosso - 1 00% Syrah - very nice and fruity , picked early so quite low in alcohol at only 11%.

Cloudwalker - 65% Pinot Gris, 28% Riesling, 7% Pinot Noir

Cloudwalker Nero 2022 - 60% Syrah, 40% Pinot Noir - natural oak , whole bunch fermentation

Lance , Cambridge Road Wine , New Zealand
Brezza - Pray tell wines

Hit - Brezza - Pray Tell Wines.

Brezza blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 35% Syrah.

Sourced from a combination of Walla Walla AVA, Rocks District AVA and Eola-Amity Hills AVA vineyards.

100% Organically farmed grapes
Neutral Oak + Terra Cotta Amphora Aging 

Tom Caruso , Pray Tell wines

Tom Caruso & Co

Pray Tell Wines

Oregon -Willamette Valley Pray Tell Rocks District AVA Syrah , making a rhone style Syrah , grown on the Washington state Rocks District border area , stoney soil without top soil , the stones and rocks absorb the heat from the sun during the day .cooler fermentation temperatures, gentle pressing, and aging in a combination of new/neutral oak and terracotta amphora.

All farmed organically

Aristolelis ke anthoula

Aristotelis Ke Anthoula - NSW - Australia

Lovely drinkable totally natural wines from NSW , Zero Zero Wines

Greek immigrants moving to austalaie , sydney in the late 80’s , making garage wine , now the kids have a moved to south Australia s river valley , having spent most of there winters in europe to learn about tectonics in france and italy.

All the wines are very , fruity , juicy and great to drink sonny boy was the hit.

Bodeag Murga

Bodega Murga - Valle de Pisco - Peru

Surprise of the day , I really wanted to check there guys out , as i’ve never tasted wine from Peru , there culinary scene has been at the forefront of the gastronomic world for the last decade , Central in Lima just got voted the best restaurant in the world , and i’m sure the demand for natural wine in Lima from national growers is astronomical .

Hits - Sophia l’Orange

Pet nat that was stunning , a lovely orange 100% Creole grapes and without added ingredients.very fun and Very Drinkable.Most grape varieties in Peru were brought over by the Spanish.

This is not a small winemaker however , they must produce a shed load of wine .. but nice all the same.

Jen Abbott - Wine Importer

Jen Abbott - pouring for Gotsa wine - Importer Miami & NYC

Jen was pouring for Gotsa wines , Based outside Tiblisi started in 1860 and Demeter certified. kvevri's: large buried earthenware amphorae. They are free from any additives.

Delinquente Wines

Delinquente Wine Company -

South Australia

Organically grown, Southern Italian grape varieties from the Riverland, fermented with wild yeast and minimal intervention in the winery.

Hits

Tuff Nutt' Bianco Pet Nat

Weeping Juan' Pink Pet Nat

This is a great , funky wine .. one of the nicest there , a fun , funky , beach party wine.

Margins wine

Megan Bell - Margin Wines - Santa Cruz - California

Great wines 5*

The lovely and Charming Megan Bell from Margin Wines , Based in mountains above the Santa Cruz , California , already im likening the sound of this ..I love the Lost Boys …A proper grafter , finding small vineyards all over the region and helping some farmers transition to biodynamic agriculture or utilising already established oragnic farms .A pretty serious and well trained wine maker , Graduating from UC Davies moved to the santa Cruz area to grow lesser known grape varieties and produce very well made and enjoyable natural wines , working with various , organic growers in the region.

Hits - Grenache and Chenin

Tasting - Chenin Blanc from the Carmel Valley , 1200-1500 feet in elevation ,

Organic for 60 years Whole cluster pressed to stainless steel tank for fermentation.Aged in 50% stainless steel and 50% neutral oak for ten months.

Pinot Noir from the Santa Cruz Mountains - 100% destemmed. Fermented on skins for two days. Aged in neutral oak for 10 months. Plantation certified Organic.

Grenache - Paicines Ranch Vineyard is located in San Benito County ,holistic planned grazing of cattle and sheep, organic minimum-till farming.


empire state of mind
Fres.co

Fres.co - Sonoma Valley - Cali

Negoce wines made at Magnolia Wine Services, a collective of low-intervention winemakers in Sonoma, California. wines are made without cultured yeast or bacteria, and they aren’t fined, filtered, or rendered sterile. Often, a small amount of sulfur is added just prior to bottling.

Barbichette

Barbichette - New York

New comers on the scene .. Barbichette’s César Vega and Louisiane Remy work exclusively with locally-grown fruit fermented naturally. Their focus is celebrating the potential of that which is around them. 

Grapes are bought from organically sourced growers in Northern New York State , Finger lakes area , 30 kms south od Lake Ontatrio , just to give you an idea of how far north these vineyards are.

making wine by hand using simple, manual methods without the use of added sulfites, yeasts, chemical additives or fining and filtering. Simply put – nothing added, nothing removed. 

Nuit Blanche

Whole-cluster pick is macerated in open top fermenters for seven days, with twice daily punchdowns thereafter for two additional days. 

Variety - Riesling

  • Appelation - Seneca Lake

103 street sub way station
Djuice wines

Djuce — Sweden

Natural wine in Cans …it’s a thing , and not too bad they are to.

Quite a large brand , wines are selected by Michelin starred sommeliers. and are very decent..Marketed as less CO2 usage in the recycling of cans , and less to ship due to Weight . Purest won’t like it , however , their model is good , if you’re going to mass produce then might as well be as organic and as environmentally aware as possible.

I’d recommend these…

https://djuce.com/about

Philia wines at RAW NYC

Zero - Zero wines from Philia wines .Absolute belters of wines , all of them really good , made in the greek island of Milos , not a bad place to work. If you can grab some of these wines do so as they are stunning.

Some of the best in Show ..Hit

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