(written exclusively for Sussex Exclusive and published in their Issue 11, Spring 2025)
Wine is one of life’s simple pleasures — but have you ever stopped to wonder how it’s made? Once upon a time, winemaking was a beautifully simple process: grapes, a bit of patience, and nature doing its thing. Over the years, though, we started intervening, adding chemicals, tweaking flavours, and filtering wines to within an inch of their lives. But now, a growing movement of winemakers is returning to the roots of the craft with low-intervention wines — proof that sometimes, less really is more.
What exactly is natural wine?
Low-intervention wines, often referred to as natural wines, are made with as little meddling as possible, letting the grapes and nature lead the way. They start with organically or biodynamically grown fruit, steering clear of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers. Instead, winemakers rely on nature’s own tools like cover cropping for healthier soils, beneficial insects for pest control, and, in some cases, sheep roaming the vineyards in winter to nibble weeds and fertilise the land. This creates balanced ecosystems that nurture healthy vines and delicious grapes.
Fermentation is where natural wine takes an exciting turn. Instead of using commercial yeasts for predictability, natural winemakers embrace wild yeasts found on the grape skins and in the cellar. These indigenous yeasts bring complexity, crafting wines that are a true snapshot of their environment. Sulfite use, often a hot topic in wine circles, is kept to a minimum, relying mostly on the naturally occurring sulfites from fermentation. This hands-off approach ensures the wine retains its authentic character and flavour without masking additives.
Things get a little cloudy — quite literally — when it comes to fining and filtering. Natural wines are left unfiltered and unfined, meaning they may look a little hazy or have a touch of sediment at the bottom of the bottle. It’s not a flaw — it’s a badge of honour! That cloudiness is a sign that what you are drinking is alive, unpolished, and brimming with personality.
What’s the hype?
Natural wines are exciting because they embrace unpredictability. Unlike their conventional counterparts, which are engineered for consistency year after year, natural wines wear their vintage on their sleeve. One year might deliver fresh citrus and delicate floral notes, while the next could bring herbal, earthy flavours with a funky twist. Every pour is an adventure, a testament to the vineyard, the weather, and the winemaker’s light touch.
But the allure goes beyond what’s in the glass. Natural wine reflects a lifestyle rooted in simplicity, connection, and respect for the planet. Many producers champion regenerative farming practices that don’t just sustain the land but actively restore it. By nurturing biodiversity and rejecting harmful chemicals, these winemakers protect fragile ecosystems while producing wines full of life and vitality. It’s a craft that challenges industrial norms in favour of something more soulful.
Take Tillingham, for example. Nestled in the picturesque village of Peasmarsh, East Sussex, this vineyard is a shining star in the natural wine scene. Seamlessly blending ancient techniques with a forward-thinking ethos, Tillingham crafts wines that showcase the best of what low-intervention winemaking can achieve. From their vibrant pét-nats, brimming with zesty freshness and lively bubbles, to their elegant skin-contact whites with layers of depth and complexity, every bottle offers a glimpse into the vineyard’s unique terroir and the playful artistry behind it.
Pour Choices: A Natural Wine Wonderland
Curious to explore this vibrant world for yourself? Mark your calendars for Pour Choices Wine Fair, returning to Wagner Hall in Brighton on 12 April 2025. This isn’t your typical formal wine tasting — it’s a full-blown celebration of all things natural wine.
Expect a dazzling line-up of winemakers from across the UK (including the Tillingham team) showcasing everything from bright, juicy reds to funky orange wines and experimental pét-nats. Wander through the stalls, chat with passionate producers, and sip your way through the kaleidoscope of flavours that define the low-intervention scene.
For those eager to learn more, workshops and masterclasses offer the chance to dive deeper into the craft. Discover the secrets of wild fermentation, refine your tasting skills, or learn how regenerative farming is shaping the future of winemaking.
Why Natural Wine Matters
Natural wine isn’t just a trend; it’s a movement that’s challenging the norms of the wine industry. It’s about stripping away the unnecessary and focusing on what really matters: quality, authenticity, and connection. It’s wine with a sense of place, a sense of purpose, and yes, sometimes a sense of humor.
By supporting natural winemakers, you’re also supporting small, independent producers who are often working against the odds in an industry dominated by big players. You’re championing biodiversity, sustainable farming, and a deeper respect for the land. And let’s be honest, you’re also getting to drink some seriously cool wine.
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