8 of the best natural wine bars to visit in Prague right now

From casual cafes to elegant sit-down restaurants, here is a beginniner's guide to enjoying natural wines in the Czech capital.

Ambiente

Written by Ambiente Published on 24.07.2024 14:42:00 (updated on 24.07.2024) Reading time: 3 minutes

Czech winemakers and restaurants have been praising natural wine in recent years for the back-to-basics methods involved in its production, which eschew industrial machinery or chemicals. This resulting wine has a unique flavor often described as balanced, raw, and never overly astringent or sweet.

Natural wine is made without artificial additives in grape growing or winemaking, aiming to naturally express the wine’s essence. Unlike conventional wine, which may involve fining, filtering, and additives, natural wine uses traditional methods, avoiding herbicides, pesticides, and over 50 approved additives. While not all organic wine is natural, all-natural wines use organically or biodynamically grown grapes, typically hand-harvested.

We asked the wine experts from the Ambiente restaurant group to share their tips for the best wine bars to visit in Prague. Their selections include casual cafes offering natural wine and cheese pairings and elegant sit-down restaurants with a stand-out natural wine list.

Vin de Marie

Vin de Marie wine shop is a great destination for wine enthusiasts, located on Dlouhá Street in the center of Prague. It is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Visitors can purchase a bottle of wine or enjoy a glass poured from the selection featured at the Michelin-starred La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise. In addition, guests can visit the neighboring tasting restaurant, Marie B.

The Vin de Marie range includes salami from the family farm Agrisalumeria Luiset, located south of Turin, cheeses from northern Piedmont by the family-run Luigi Guffanti, Piedmontese hazelnuts, apricot marmalade from orchards in Wachau, Austria, and La Perle sardines from the coast of France.

Na břehu Rhôny

Na břehu Rhôny has several branches around Prague, in Letná, Lower Holešovice, Vinohrady, Výton, and Maltézské náměstí, increasing your chances of trying a natural wine when you’re out and about. What makes Na břehu Rhôny special? The delicious natural wine pairs perfectly with their cheese boards.

Bar Luft

If you find yourself in Holešovice, near the Academy of Fine Arts, a visit to Bar Luft, whether in the lazy afternoon or bustling evening hours, is a must. The menu includes classics from chef Milan Nestarec and the famous “orangeade” Vulcanica (volcanic wine) from Pivnica Čajkov.

Fajnšmekr

You can also enjoy natural wine in Vršovice at the Fajnšmekr restaurant. Their philosophy is centered around consuming healthy wines that are traditionally made, handcrafted, and free of chemicals. They aim to support winemakers who prioritize the cultivation and protection of nature and the landscape. In addition, the restaurant’s Western-style "garden" is a perfect spot to unwind on summer evenings, allowing you to relish a glass of wine while soaking in the neighborhood’s atmosphere.

Kro

Kro is known for its delicious food, but you might not be aware that their menu also features natural wines that you’ll love at first taste. For instance, you should try the fresh and playful wines from Burgenland winemaker Markus Altenburger. Also, keep in mind that you can find Kro not only in Vršovice but also in Karlín and Vinohrady.

Bokovka

A light summer evening, a glass of natural wine, and a place with a unique atmosphere. If this sounds appealing, make your way to the Bokovka wine bar on Dlouhá Street. At Bokovka, they take pride in offering what they call “beautiful wines.” According to Míša Fousková, who has been serving wines at Bokovka for eight years, beautiful wines are distinctive. You know who made them, how they were made, who brought them to the Czech Republic, and the story behind the wine.

Šodó

Many people visit the Šodó bistro for their ducat buns with custard or eggs in a glass. However, this small restaurant in Dejvice will not disappoint you even if you are in the mood for a “deci” of delicious wine. Co-founders Honza and Zuzka enjoy visiting winemakers from South Moravia, from whom they source the best bottles.

Vila 63

Vila 63 in Vinhorady, an idyllic garden cafe opened by the proprietors of Cafe Jen, has recently reopened. Resident sommelier Chris selects their wines bottle by bottle and takes inspiration from wine bars abroad. The wine list only includes “lively, authentic wines with unique character and emotion,” according to Chris.

In the Czech Kitchen is a weekly column written in cooperation with Ambiente’s culinary experts. Established in 1995, the Prague-based collective of pubs, restaurants, and fine-dining outlets has transformed the Czech culinary landscape and contributed to the widespread awareness of quality food service and production in Czechia. Follow their socials or book your table at www.ambi.cz.

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