Hong Kong Guide: Where To Stock Up On The Best Natural Wines

Unfiltered. Raw. As real as it gets. In wine-speak, it’s called natural. Made without chemical, sulfites, and with minimal technological intervention (or low-intervention) in growing grapes, the natural wine scene has exploded in recent years. A mainstay in countries like Europe and Australia, where independent winemakers and growers cultivate in tiny batches and advocate a return to the vineyard and away from the technological manipulation, the natural wine movement is having a moment in Hong Kong and we can’t drink enough of it! Before we share our guide to where to buy natural wine in Hong Kong, here’s a quick cheat sheet about them:

Low-Intervention Natural Wines 101

• Organic is the only term that is regulated by the government. Every government in the world has their own regulations, and while there are specific differences in every country, all certified organic wines are made with grapes that have not been grown with any pesticides or chemically treated.
• Biodynamic farming goes beyond organic farming and involves giving nutrients back into the soil. Biodynamic farmers do not use any chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides. They think of their whole vineyard as an ecosystem – planting a diversity of flowers, clovers and plants so that they nurture the environment and bring nitrogen back into the soil when they decompose.
• There is no legal definition for “sustainable”, unlike the term organic, but sustainable farming refers to winemaking practices that are eco-conscious, as well as economically and socially responsible. They can be organic or biodynamic depending on what works best for a given vineyard and winemaker. Growers might use some chemicals but will use them less aggressively than conventional growers.

Below, the best places in Hong Kong to stock up on the best natural wines. All of the below companies have joined forces to create VINsurrection, a new wine tasting bringing Hong Kong consumers and trade the chance to try over 100 incredible artisan wines from these seven leading importers. Follow them on Facebook to find out about their upcoming events!

La Cabane a Vin

One of the first wine merchants to offer natural and biodynamic wines in Hong Kong, La Cabane boasts a collection like no other with nearly 350 different wines from France, Australia, New Zealand (and much more!) sourced directly from individual wine makers and a cellar on the premises. We also love their delicatessen stocked with all sorts of French gastronomic goodies, the perfect complement to your red, white, or sparkling!

B/F, 97 Hollywood Road, Central, +852 2517 0188, info@lacabane.hk; Open Monday – Saturday 12:00PM – 9:00PM. For more information, click here. 

Bottle Shock

Importing quality wines from artisanal wineries across the globe Bottle Shock sources a slew of fresh and balanced vintages from producers in lesser-explored regions (their South African selection is worth looking at) to traditional classics (French reds that don’t break the bank). They also feature a fair share of natural, organic and biodynamic options. Supplying some of the most exciting restaurants in Hong Kong, click here to see where you can find and enjoy their range.

Earn 20% off on orders over HKD 800. +852 6088 6820, hello@bottleshock.com.hk. 

Cork Culture

An online wine store devoted to low-intervention wines, Cork Culture is a global agent of sustainable, ecologically responsible wines in Hong Kong, stocking clean and pure red and white varietals that are planted and harvested by hand, grown organically or biodynamically with minimal manipulation or interference hailing from France, Germany and Italy.

Shop online here; info@corkculture.hk

DECO Wines

A boutique online wine importer, DECO Wines focuses on the unique – rare exported wines, micro-cuvées, single varietal ancient grapes – to unlock new experiences at affordable prices. With a team of wine trade professionals and enthusiasts at the helm, DECO offers an extensive predominately European list of Champagne/Sparkling, Reds, Whites, and Rosé.

Shop online here; info@decowines.com

Oz Terroirs

The Australian wine revolution is underway and there is no better place to stock up on real deals than at Oz Terroirs, the Aussie artisan wine shop in Hong Kong! Representing only the best boutique wineries across Australia’s southeastern (and most densely-populated) state of Victoria, the sister brand of Oz Terroirs & Co showcases small-scale and limited organic and biodynamic, natural wines specializing in handcrafted Australian wines.

Free delivery for purchases over HKD 1,000, shop online here; info@ozterroirs.com. 

Wine Brothers

A directly-sourced, small-batch importer of Oz produced wines, Wine Brothers is year-old company and a popular online delivery service of carefully culled Australian winemakers with an eclectic array of whites, reds, sparking, rosé, or mixed packs.

Free delivery throughout Hong Kong, +852 9318 3836, shop online here; info@winebrothers.com.hk.

Images courtesy of Pexels, La Cabane, Bottle Shock, Cork Culture, DECO Wines, Oz Terroirs, and Wine Brothers.