The 2025 Barnyard Wine Fair Natural. Biodynamic. Organic.

THE SHOW

Natural wine has arguably been the major movement of the 21st Century wine world, and for some it has also become a ‘lifetsyle choice’, writes Elin McCoy, ahead of the Raw wine fair in London and after visiting the New York version of the show.

First off, the NY fair was squirrelled away in a warehouse district in hipster Brooklyn, rather than in glitzy Manhattan. The producers’ tables were lined up in a reclaimed industrial space with a cavernous, artist’s loft appeal: high ceilings, rough brick walls, giant windows, exposed beams and concrete floors. The unmistakable vibe of ‘We’re all rebel artisan producers here’ sent a warning and a promise: don’t expect polished or, heaven forbid, luxury bottles; this is the gritty, real stuff, made by real people from real grapes grown in real vineyards.

That image extended to the attendees – young (under 35) drinkers in worn jeans, fleece vests and scuffed designer boots – and to the food: grain bowls and pizza to wolf down at picnic tables in the gravel courtyard.

There’s been a lot of talk in the past year about whether natural wine (which as a category resists easy definition) has become mainstream or will be, but its casual image and ‘cool’ factor suggest many winemakers and aficionados may not actually want it to go there.

If natural wine makes people think harder about how the wines they drink were produced, that’s a good thing. Having what natural wine stand for – the real deal – become what’s expected in wine, would be too!

Natural wine has arguably been the major movement of the 21st century wine world. Elin McCoy March 2018. Decanter magazine (thank you)

Once again, Matt Cook of Barnyard Events in Victoria has given the natural crafts community a place and a date to gather and showcase their releases for an ever-expanding consumer. The main lobby of Save On Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria. As last year, we got there early and started doing interviews between the set up and doors opening. Once those doors open, the winemakers are going to be very busy. Constantly pouring and in conversation. Answering many, many questions.

Uncontaminated Grapes/Old School Winemaking/Wild Fermentation/Nothing Added and Nothing Removed.

The natural wine community on Vancouver Island is a very popular leading edge in the local wine world. Thing is, this gathering of the community includes wines from Italy, Spain, Georgia (Europe), France, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Germany & Austria. It’s a much bigger world these days

Let’s find out why.

Here’s part one of Barnyard Wine Fair 2025. Our guests include:

Matt Cook – Organizer ( Victoria)

Rhys Pender Owner/Winemaker/ Master of Wine/Little Farm Wines (Similkameen Valley)