Nantes
What to Expect
Nantes, the gateway to the Loire Valley, is experiencing a natural wine renaissance. From Bib Gourmand wine bars beneath plane trees to urban wineries and blind-tasting mystery menus, the city celebrates its indigenous grapes: Melon de Bourgogne (Muscadet), Folle Blanche (Gros Plant), and Gamay. The scene blends Breton conviviality with Loire Valley elegance, featuring over 60 venues serving natural, organic, and biodynamic wines.
Centre Ville (Bouffay & Cours des 50 Otages)
The Michelin-recognized "cave à manger" beneath the plane trees. Obbo (contraction of "cave à vin" and "salle à manger") is the brainchild of chef Antoine Gaudin (former pastry chef at Alexandre Couillon's La Marine) and sommelier Guillaume Claireau (Gault & Millau Grand Ouest Sommelier Trophy 2020). This wine bar/restaurant hybrid occupies a discreet spot on the Cours des 50 Otages, offering a relaxed haven with an open kitchen view. The concept: sharing small plates or opting for the tasting menu, paired with 200+ wine references focusing on organic and biodynamic producers. Guillaume's cellar emphasizes natural wines from small vignerons he meets personally. The food is innovative yet accessible—expect sweet-savory crossings and seasonal ingredients. Awarded Bib Gourmand in 2025 and named among the 109 establishments representing the "new blood" of French cuisine.
The celestial wine bar reborn under Aurélien Massé. After 14 years leading the Frenchie group's wine program in Paris, Aurélien Massé took over this cult address in September 2025, rebranding it with a "celestial twist." Located in the Graslin district near the Passage Pommeraye, this wine bar's understated elegance contrasts beautifully with the area's grand classical architecture. Expect classic French bar snacks, a rotating selection of wines by the glass, and a sharp, expert list focusing on French producers with a strong representation from the Loire Valley. The wine list balances natural and traditional producers, offering depth and discovery for both novices and experts. The atmosphere is convivial and unpretentious—perfect for an after-work glass or a late-night bite.
The mystery menu UFO of the Nantes wine scene. Run by sommelier Véronique François and chef Christophe François, this unique establishment operates by different rules. Guests are invited to order from the "mystery menu"—the team decides what you'll eat and drink based on your preferences and what's fresh at the market. The cuisine is market-driven, deeply seasonal, and local. In your glass, wines are poured blind (though 90% of the time it will be something delicious and special from the Loire Valley). Véronique is one of the city's most knowledgeable sommeliers regarding natural wines. Around since 2010, this is where adventurous diners come for surprise and delight. The experience is intimate and conversation-focused, perfect for those who trust the experts and want to discover new wines without preconceptions.
Talensac (Market District)
The best wine shop in France that transforms into a wine lover's haven. Located directly opposite the Talensac Market hall—the source of much of its produce—Les Bouteilles draws a loyal crowd of bons vivants alongside wine enthusiasts who travel from across the region. With over 20 years in the game, Michaël Ravier enjoys privileged allocations from star domaines; vintages and cuvées long sold out elsewhere are still patiently resting here. The 500+ reference list includes a large selection of natural wines. But it's at lunch and dinner that this place truly shines—Michaël is also a trained cook, serving bistro-style cuisine influenced by the excellent fromagers, charcutiers, and producers from the neighboring market. The atmosphere is convivial and passionate. Arrive early or book ahead; it's always packed with locals who know their wine.
The lively neighborhood wine bar linking market to river. Founded by three friends (Maxime Delalande and Julien among them) who once worked together at a local institution, Le Mirza quickly built a loyal following from this off-piste spot on Rue Châteaubriand, connecting the Talensac Market to the Erdre riverbanks and Île de Versailles. As you step in and face the zinc bar top and open kitchen, you instantly know you're in the right place. The mid-century broken tile mosaic floor, bistro furniture, and indie music create a festive yet laid-back vibe. The wine list features natural and organic selections, with a focus on small producers. The food is "cuisine de comptoir"—sharing plates designed for grazing while drinking. It's the perfect spot for an after-work drink that turns into dinner, or a late-night glass. No reservations; just drop in and join the party.
Graslin & Saint-Étienne
The Muscadet temple with 100+ references. Owner Jimi Dufief is arguably the most passionate advocate for Muscadet in Nantes. His modern, meat-focused bistro boasts what is quite possibly the largest selection of Muscadet and Gros Plant wines of any restaurant in the city. Every style is represented, from crisp, young Melon de Bourgogne to aged, complex Cru Communal bottles. The wine list doesn't stop there—other regions are generously featured with a clear bias toward organic and biodynamic producers. The food is hearty and bistro-style: think aged meats (up to 30 days), fresh fish from the criées (never Rungis), seasonal vegetables, and comfort dishes like velouté de champignons. The atmosphere is warm and generous—a true "cave de quartier" (neighborhood wine cellar) where Jimi shares his discoveries with enthusiasm. Closed Sunday and for summer holidays.
The brothers' wine shop on one of Nantes' liveliest streets. Founded by two brothers who grew up in the neighborhood, Sain has become a fixture on Rue Maréchal Joffre—a street that mixes Gothic cathedral, Renaissance museum, post-war buildings, and Roman walls. The area's architectural diversity is matched by its food scene, and Sain fits right in. This wine shop focuses on natural, organic, and biodynamic wines from small producers, particularly those from the Loire Valley. The brothers are passionate about their selection and offer tastings and events regularly. It's a neighborhood spot where locals drop in for a bottle and a chat, but the quality is serious—expect to discover small-domaine Muscadet and rare cuvées from up-and-coming vignerons. The atmosphere is welcoming and unpretentious.
The British chef's tribute to the bowler hat and Muscadet grape. Named after both the English classic bowler hat ("chapeau melon") and the local grape variety behind Muscadet (Melon de Bourgogne), this bistro is the creation of Pierre, who spent over 10 years working alongside some of the UK's most renowned chefs. The pun is fully intended and runs through the food and drinks menu. While Muscadet and Melon take pride of place on the shelves, other key French regions are also represented. The list thoughtfully highlights cuvées from lesser-known family domaines alongside established natural wine producers. The food is bistro-style with British influences—expect carefully sourced ingredients and refined execution. The atmosphere is cozy and cosmopolitan, attracting a mix of expats and locals.
Île de Nantes
The urban winery on the Prairie-au-Duc. This "chai urbain" (urban cellar) is an installation producing its own wines while also serving as a bar and restaurant. They make their own wines on-site—generous, honest, clean wines without sulfur—and also pour selections from their "potes" (friends/buddy winemakers). The space is industrial and convivial, reflecting the creative, post-industrial vibe of the Île de Nantes. It's the perfect spot to understand the "vin vivant" movement from production to glass. The food menu features seasonal, local ingredients designed to pair with their house wines and guest selections. They offer tastings and winemaking workshops. It's a hub for the natural wine community, where winemakers and drinkers mingle. Check their schedule for bottling days and special events.
The Île de Nantes neighborhood hangout. Located on the Boulevard de la Prairie-au-Duc in the heart of the island's developing district, Chez B.B. is a wine bar and restaurant with a focus on natural wines and seasonal cuisine. The atmosphere is relaxed and neighborhood-oriented, serving the growing population of the Île de Nantes. They feature a rotating selection of natural wines by the glass and bottle, alongside a menu that changes with the seasons. The space is contemporary and welcoming, with a terrace for sunny days. It's less touristy than the center but offers serious wine credentials. Perfect for exploring the Machines de l'Île area while drinking well.
Erdre & Saint-Clément
The neighborhood bar with a sheltered terrace and natural wines galore. Located in the Saint-Clément/Erdre neighborhood, Le Brocéliande operates as a restaurant during lunch and transforms into a neighborhood bar in the evening. The sheltered terrace is a gem for outdoor drinking in any weather. Owner Véronique has curated a selection of natural wines for over 5 years, featuring producers like Le Raisin à Plume (Jacques et Julie Fevrier), Complemen'Terre (Manuel Landron & Marion Pescheux), and Antonin Azzoi from the Rhône. They also serve craft beers from Les Bières de Charlotte and Brasserie du Bouffay, plus juices from Côteaux Nantais. The cuisine uses local products from responsible agriculture. It's the perfect example of a "bar de quartier" that takes its wine seriously—unpretentious, convivial, and authentic.
The Brittany-Asian fusion with natural wine tornado. The name comes from a Japanese seaweed that also grows on the coast of Brittany—home to the three founders. The promise is local cuisine with an Asian twist and umami kick, perfectly fulfilled through bold, surprising, razor-sharp flavors. The whirlwind of natural wine glasses and small plates swirling through the room and onto the terrace captures the spirit of Nantes' new dining scene. The organic wine selection is thrilling, matching the intensity of the food. Think fresh seafood with miso, locally grown vegetables with yuzu, and creative small plates designed for sharing. The energy is high, the flavors are explosive, and the natural wine list is impeccable. A true representation of contemporary Nantes dining.
The wine bar with a flowered courtyard. Julien Blanc opened this second location (the original is on Rue Léon Blum) to bring his wine bar concept to the Chantier Naval/Mellinet/Canclaux area. The concept remains the same: a beautiful selection of wines with at least 20 by the glass, plus boards and tapas. This location has the added benefit of a pretty, flowered interior courtyard—perfect for summer evenings. While they don't exclusively serve natural wines, they maintain a strong selection of organic and biodynamic bottles alongside conventional choices. The food is simple but well-executed: charcuterie, cheese, and small plates designed for pairing. It's an accessible entry point to natural wine for those still exploring, with knowledgeable staff happy to guide you.
The organic, biodynamic, and natural wine shop from the crémerie team. Known for their excellent cheese shop (crémerie), Les Carmélites expanded with this cave offering around 100 wines—all organic, biodynamic, or natural. Located on the lively Rue Maréchal Joffre, they particularly highlight regional wines from the Loire Valley and surrounding areas. They organize regular tastings and meet-the-winemaker events, making this an educational hub for natural wine enthusiasts. The combination of excellent cheese and carefully selected natural wines makes it a dangerous spot for your wallet—but heaven for your palate. The staff is passionate and knowledgeable, happy to help you find the perfect bottle to pair with their cheeses.
