Natural wines have garnered quite the following in Singapore over the years (here’s looking at you, Wine Rvlt), but really, it’s not the new phenomenon you may assume it to be. In fact, “natural” is one of the oldest winemaking methods, before the intervention of chemicals and additives. Simply put, it’s made with minimal manipulation, technological or otherwise, resulting in a wine that’s essentially pure, fermented grape juice. Nothing more, nothing less.
This means no two bottles will ever be completely alike, but these flaws and differing flavors are what make the experience of drinking natural wines fascinating. Not just good for the environment (without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers), they’re also one of the cleanest forms of wine, and you’re apparently a lot less likely to get a post-vino hangover without consuming all those chemical additives in conventional wines.
All that said, if you’re keen to head in a bold new direction, Drunken Farmer is a smooth and easy introduction to natural wines. Set up by the Spa Esprit Group, the traveling pop-up bar makes Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari at Dempsey its first stop for the next three months, turning the croissant haunt into a vino haven come nightfall.
About 90 natural wine labels feature on the menu, with white, red, orange, and bubbly varieties from across the globe, including countries like Italy, South Africa, Austria, Germany, and New Zealand. Glasses go for $12-$17, while bottles start from $60, alongside a small selection of cocktails and kombucha drinks.
Those new to the concept may take a while to find an appreciation for the character and aromas of these bottles, but give it a shot and you’ll realize it’s quite possible to, on more than one occasion, tell the difference between natural and commercial wines.
When you get peckish, charcuterie plates (from $16) loaded with forest mushroom pâté, duck or pork rillette, and pistachio pork pâté are available for you to munch on, plus oysters ($18/six), cheese platters (from $13) and desserts (from $6.50) like lemon, chocolate, or raspberry tarts.
If you find yourself hooked on natural wines, keep tabs on where the wine bar goes next by following Drunken Farmer’s Instagram account for updates.
FIND IT:
Drunken Farmer is at Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari, 130E Minden Rd
Wed-Sun 6pm-11pm
MRT: Orchard
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