When nature takes its course, the wine gets better!
Bali, the island of endless beauty and vibrant culture, has another highlight on its already diverse culinary map – a burgeoning natural wine scene. This exciting chapter in Bali’s gastronomic journey promises to challenge traditional wine expectations and it pairs best with great dining. It’s where tradition meets innovation in the most delightful ways.
With Mosto in Berawa leading the way with its all-natural wine list, the availability of low-intervention and organic wines has exploded across the island and that’s great news for the curious and the serious.
Before the days of controlled wine-making, sulfates and commercial yeast, there was only natural wine. Ironically, one of Bali’s first and most successful natural wines is named Lazarus Pulp, inspired perhaps by biblical times and the rich history of winemaking. Created together with Hatten Wine, it’s a sparkling wine with depth and character, only available in select venues. It’s worth seeking out.
Mosto – Bali’s first dedicated natural wine bar and bistro.
Mosto in Berawa were the first to celebrate the movement and has become a beacon for natural wine enthusiasts. Showcasing a curated selection of international producers, their success inspired other restaurants to embrace this growing movement. Venues like Skool Kitchen, Shelter, Fed by Made, Room4Dessert, Dome and Santanera, are testament to Bali’s increasing dedication to low-intervention wines.
“Mosto” comes from the Italian word for “must,” referring to the freshly pressed grape juice that kickstarts the winemaking process. It perfectly captures the spirit of this casual spot, which embraces a relaxed, unfiltered European vibe among the thriving food scene in Canggu’s Berawa.
Mosto is the brainchild of an impressive team: Isabella Rowell, Executive Chef Lorenzo De Petris, Head Mixologist Denny Bakiev, Nicolas Lento, Federico Sirito, and Vanessa Di Maria, all of whom are well-known figures in the success of the Mexicola Group. With their extensive experience in beloved venues like Da Maria, Luigi’s and Motel Mexicola, they bring something fresh and exciting to the table. They’re also behind the Lazarus Pulp project, which made headlines by introducing Indonesia’s first pet-nat wine, “The Alter Ego,” back in June 2021.
Drawing inspiration from Sydney’s buzzing wine bar culture and the innovative neo-bistros of Paris, Mosto embodies the essence of the drinking and dining experience. From its minimalist design to a thoughtfully curated menu, it’s all about keeping things approachable yet cutting-edge—perfect for those who appreciate both quality and creativity in their food and drink. The selection of creative cocktails created by former world champion flair bartender, Denny, and the selection of low-intervention wines is a match made in wine heaven for enthusiasts and those who want an easy introduction. The staff know their wine and skillfully guides you through the different drinking styles to find something that suits your preference and budget.
Natural Wines pair perfectly at Room4Dessert.
The second largest list of natural wines is at Ubud’s Room4dessert where Chef and owner Will Goldfarb offers a list of natural wines to pair with his creative dessert-based degustation menu. It’s an experience of tastes and textures that will blow you away and a perfect fit with the restaurant’s philosophy of keeping things real. This extends to the organic garden that inspires both sweet and savoury courses.
Will explains that many of the wines on his list are from established wineries with generations of experience, the natural wine movement is nothing new. As part of his current menu, GOAT part 2 (Greatest Of All Time; a menu that revisits some of the best recipes created during his 11 years at Room4Dessert), he flirts with both old and new world wines on his extensive list. The pairing menu is the perfect opportunity to discover the world of natural wine one glass at a time.
Not surprisingly, Lazarus Pulp is his house bubbles. If you have a chance to try it, do! You don’t have to be religious to appreciate how far Bali’s wine industry has come, and for wine lovers, it’s a whole new ( or old) world.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious explorer, Bali’s dynamic wine scene invites you to discover a world of flavours and experiences, where tradition meets innovation, and every sip is an adventure.
