A complete guide to one of Italy’s oldest natural wine fairs, making its New York debut this weekend.

Written by Eliza Dumais

Damp January is in full swing — and VinNatur is next up on our roster of innovative wine fairs gracing New York. Founded in Italy in 2006 by Angiolino Maule, the roving event is just one element of a broader community uniting more than 300 winemakers from 12 separate countries around a common cause: Furthering what, exactly, natural wine means — and how we can most ethically and sustainably produce it. Using profits from events and salons, the association commissions scientists to investigate rationals and solutions for certain roadblocks or complications in organic agriculture and low/no intervention winemaking. In short, the whole premise is far from woo-woo greenwashing. It’s about real, bonafide science. 

Better yet, unlike with most big ticket salons, this particular wine fair will be populated largely by winemakers lacking representation. Which is to say, it’s an excellent opportunity for growers to connect with distributors (and vice versa) — as well as a rare instance for consumers and industry insiders to taste a battery of wines they’ve yet to encounter. Novel!

Open to the public on Sunday, January 12, and for trade on Monday, January 13, the fair will take place in Greenpoint, in the sprawling Rule of Thirds event space. And in addition to the tasting portion of the event, there will be plenty of master classes and seminars on everything from high quality distribution to the evolution of natural production in Italy — all well worth attending. Here’s what you need to know before you attend:

When

Sunday January 12 from 2pm until 6pm for all attendees, and Monday January 13, from 10am until 5pm for trade. 

Where

Rule of Thirds, 29 Norman Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11222

What

Tastings with ~70 producers from a host of different countries, many without distributors or importers. 

How much do tickets cost? 

Tickets are $30 for trade members and $65 for the general public. 

What does my ticket include? 

Limitless tastings with all participating winemakers. 

Where can I buy my tickets?

Right here on eventbrite. 

How do I register for VinNatur master classes? 

Right here!

Will there be food? 

Food is not provided — but there are plenty of great dining options within immediate walking distance. 

Will SWURL be there? 

Yes, duh.