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 Emerging onto street level, the once-familiar scent of brined hot dogs and broiled onions has now been replaced by the pervasive aroma of ganja.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.
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..
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
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
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.
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 - 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
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
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
Pager Winery - Hungary
From Matra in Hungary , and only 7000-8000 bottles produced yearly.
All biodynamicly farmed with minimum intervention.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 -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 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
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 & 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
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.
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.
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.
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 - 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
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
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