Let Mulberry MAX be your source to explore this vibrant, trending category of wine.
Natural wine is a trending choice among wine lovers of all ages. Unlike conventional wines, natural wines strive for minimal intervention, using organic or biodynamic grapes and little to no additives. The result is a vibrant, complex wine that reflects the land where it was grown.
At Mulberry Max Liquor Store, we offer a carefully curated selection of natural wine in Fort Collins. Whether you’re a longtime enthusiast or just getting started, we have the perfect bottle for you. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes natural wine unique, why more people are choosing it, and where to find the best producers.
What is natural wine?
Natural wine starts with organically or biodynamically farmed grapes, which are harvested by hand and fermented using native yeasts – those naturally present on the grape skins and in the environment. Winemakers avoid additives such as commercial yeasts, color stabilizers, or excessive sulfites, and often skip filtration and fining.
The goal is to let the wine express its true character, reflecting the grape variety, soil, and vintage conditions. Natural wines may look cloudy, taste funkier, or vary more between bottles, but fans appreciate their authenticity and connection to nature.
‘Minimal intervention’ and other key characteristics of natural wine
Any exploration of the world of natural wine would be incomplete without explaining the concept of “minimal intervention,” which is essentially the movement’s credo. Minimal intervention winemaking emphasizes letting the grapes and terroir speak for themselves, with as little interference as possible during the winemaking process. This means avoiding additives like commercial yeasts, enzymes, or artificial colorants, and using low or no sulfites.
Natural wine fermentation often relies on wild, naturally occurring yeasts found on the grape skins and in the winery environment. These winemakers often skip filtration and fining, resulting in wines that may appear hazy or contain sediment — but winemakers and aficionados alike embrace these qualities as part of the wine’s authentic expression.
You’ll notice the impact of minimal intervention in both the flavor and structure of the wine. These wines tend to be more expressive, unpredictable and vibrant, often featuring unique textures or earthy, funky notes not found in conventionally produced wines.
Because they aren’t manipulated to fit a standardized flavor profile, minimal intervention wines can vary from vintage to vintage, offering a true reflection of the growing season and vineyard conditions. This makes them especially appealing to wine drinkers who value transparency, natural farming and the artistry behind small-batch winemaking.
Wines made this way also feature a strong focus on sustainability, making them an ethical choice for eco-conscious consumers.
Natural wine and sustainable practices in winemaking
Natural wines are made with practices that prioritize environmental health, soil vitality, and minimal chemical use. The most common categories are organic, biodynamic, and sustainably farmed wines, each with its own standards and philosophy.
Organic wine
Organic wine is made from grapes grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. In the U.S., USDA-certified organic wines also can’t have added sulfites. In Europe, small amounts are allowed. Organic vineyards support biodiversity, healthier soil, and cleaner ecosystems. Wines labeled “made with organic grapes” may still contain added sulfites, but the farming practices remain organic.
Biodynamic wine
Biodynamic farming goes beyond organic. Developed by Rudolf Steiner, it treats the vineyard as a self-sustaining ecosystem. Farmers use composts and herbal preparations, and they follow lunar cycles for planting and harvesting. Biodynamic certification (like Demeter) includes strict guidelines for both farming and winemaking.
Sustainable wine
Sustainably farmed wines prioritize environmental responsibility without strictly adhering to organic or biodynamic rules. This approach may allow some synthetic treatments when necessary but focuses on reducing water use, preserving biodiversity, and improving soil health. Certifications like SIP (Sustainability in Practice) or LIVE are common in this category, but natural winemakers usually strive for organic or biodynamic approaches.
All these practices aim to create better wine while protecting the land for future generations.
Upward trend in natural wine consumption
Natural wine appeals to a wide range of drinkers, and that broad appeal is giving the category some impressive traction. Despite a general decline in overall wine consumption in the U.S., natural wine sales have in recent years shown strong growth. According to IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, while natural and other sustainable wines typically make up less than 1% of total wine sales, their demand is increasing at a faster rate than the wine category as a whole.
As of 2024, comprehensive statistics specifically detailing natural wine consumption in the U.S. remain limited. However, the broader organic wine market, which shares similarities with natural wine, is up significantly. The U.S. organic wine market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.1% from 2024 to 2030, reflecting increasing consumer interest in health-conscious and environmentally sustainable products.
In contrast, the overall U.S. wine market has been in decline. Total wine consumption decreased from 986 million gallons in 2022 to 899 million gallons in 2023, the most recent figures. This downward trend underscores a shifting consumer preference, with a growing segment gravitating toward organic and potentially natural wines, even as the broader wine market contracts.
This natural wine surge is largely driven by younger consumers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, who seek out products that align with their values of health and environmental sustainability.
Who is drinking natural wine?
Although no group is a monolith, different age groups are typically drawn to natural wine for different reasons. Here’s a breakdown:
Millennials (ages 27-42)
- Sustainability matters – 83% of millennials prefer brands that prioritize sustainability.
- Experience over tradition – Many millennials seek new flavors and unique wine experiences.
- Health-conscious choices – Lower sulfites and organic grapes appeal to this demographic.
Gen Z (ages 18-26)
- Less but better – Gen Z drinks less alcohol overall but tends to prefer high-quality, artisanal options.
- Social media influence – Instagram and TikTok trends have helped boost natural wine’s popularity.
- Vibrant, fun branding – Bright labels and casual marketing make natural wine appealing.
Gen X and Baby Boomers (ages 43+)
- Interest in health benefits – Older consumers look for wines with fewer additives.
- Focus on craftsmanship – Many experienced wine drinkers appreciate the artistry of natural winemaking.
- Food pairings – Natural wines often pair well with farm-to-table and organic cuisine.
The growing demand for natural wine is reshaping the industry, with more winemakers adopting organic and biodynamic practices.
What is orange wine?
Orange wine and natural wine often intersect because both embrace traditional, low-intervention winemaking practices. Orange wine is made by fermenting white grapes on their skins, a technique that differs from the usual process of removing the grape skins before fermenting white wine.
The “skin contact” approach is an ancient technique that has been revived and popularized by natural winemakers. Since skin-contact white wines require minimal processing and benefit from native fermentation, they naturally align with the ethos of natural wine: letting the grape and terroir speak for themselves without additives or heavy manipulation.
Most orange wines on the market today are made by producers who also follow natural wine principles using organically or biodynamically grown grapes, wild yeasts, and little to no sulfites. While not all orange wines are technically “natural,” and not all natural wines are orange, the two categories frequently overlap in style, philosophy, and community. They appeal to drinkers seeking authenticity, complexity, and a deeper connection to how their wine is made.
What does orange wine taste like?
When white grape skins are left in contact with the juice during fermentation, they impart tannins, color, and additional compounds that influence the wine’s flavor and texture. This results in a wine that’s more structured and complex, often with a noticeable grip or dryness similar to red wines.
Flavor-wise, orange wines tend to have bolder, more savory notes. You might taste dried apricot, orange peel, tea, honey, nuts, or herbs, depending on the grape variety and length of skin contact. The extended fermentation can also introduce oxidative qualities — think subtle sherry-like flavors or a gentle funkiness. Overall, skin contact adds depth, earthy character, and a broader food-pairing range to white wine, making orange wine a unique and versatile option for adventurous palates.
What is pet-nat sparkling wine?
Pét-nat, short for pétillant naturel, is a naturally sparkling wine made using an ancient method called méthode ancestrale. Unlike traditional sparkling wines like Champagne, which go through a second fermentation in the bottle with added sugar and yeast, pét-nat is bottled during the initial fermentation. The fermentation finishes in the bottle, trapping carbon dioxide and creating bubbles naturally — without additives or dosage (added sugar before the final corking).
Pét-nat is often unfiltered and sealed with a crown cap instead of a cork. It’s usually lower in alcohol, lightly fizzy (rather than fully sparkling), and can be slightly cloudy due to remaining yeast sediment.
What does pet-nat taste like?
Pet-nat is beloved by natural wine drinkers for being fresh, lively, and unpredictable. You’ll often find flavors of crisp apples, citrus, wildflowers, or tropical fruit, sometimes with a touch of funk or a bready, yeasty note. Because it’s less manipulated than traditional sparkling wines, pét-nat offers a more rustic, raw expression of the grape — perfect for casual sipping and fans of natural wine.
How to enjoy natural wine
Natural wine is best enjoyed with an open mind. Since it’s unfiltered and minimally processed, it can have unique characteristics.
Serving tips
- Let it breathe – Some natural wines have strong earthy aromas when first opened. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Chill lightly – Even red natural wines benefit from a slight chill, especially in warm weather.
- Try food pairings – Natural wines go well with farm-to-table dishes, cheese boards, and fresh seafood.
Because natural wine can be unpredictable, it’s a great choice for adventurous drinkers looking to expand their palate.
Visit Mulberry MAX for the best natural wine in Fort Collins
Whether you’re looking for a fresh, fruity orange wine or a bold, unfiltered red, Mulberry MAX Liquor Store has the best selection of natural wine in Fort Collins. Our store is a short drive from LaPorte, Woodland, Timnath and Loveland, and we frequently get visitors from Cheyenne and Laramie in Wyoming.
Our large store has become a Fort Collins favorite because of our:
✅ Wide selection – We carry a rotating selection of natural wines from Colorado, the U.S., and top producers worldwide.
✅ Expert staff – Need a recommendation? Our team can help you find the perfect bottle.
✅ Competitive prices – Enjoy high-quality wines at great prices.
✅ Support local – We stock wines from Colorado’s top natural winemakers.
📍 Location: 460 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Stop by today and explore our collection of organic, biodynamic, and low-intervention wines. Our team is here to help you find the perfect bottle.
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