5 Don’ t go looking for cheap wine

Despite their hippie, grungy or lowtech reputation, natural wines don’t come cheap – especially in this part of the world. All five respondents cite the need for extra careful handling and reefer (short for refrigerated containers) shipping to transport the bottles in good shape. Add to this is the fact that natural wines are usually made in small quantities, as it is subject to spontaneous methods and labourintensive techniques in the first place.

Says Chin, “I cherish these small producers, as they’re making products that matter and that are better for the earth. These wines are original, different, and tell a story about the terroir and the grape that gives you a connection with the person who makes it. It’s a choice you make when you buy natural wine, you’re voting for something meaningful.”

RVLT (winervlt.sg) maintains some of the most approachable prices for natural wines by having minimal markups and also keeping things “loud, noisy and fun”. People come in expecting to drink from stemmed glasses, quips Lim, because “Singaporeans are trained to drink in the box. They come to a bar and expect it to be an elegant experience.” Instead, the experience here is as raw as the wines, appealing to a mainly 20and 30-something clientele. Their 130 labels are often refreshed to keep things interesting for the customer who comes in expecting new tastes, but they’ve also started working directly with about four wineries to carry those wines in the market.