Keep It Natural with Drunken Farmer

By Nookmag @nookmag · On May 6, 2019

“Natural wines are full of life and ever-changing;
sometimes unpredictable and need to be taken care of, tried and re-tried.
But at its optimal on a good drinking day, there is nothing quite like it.
Just like life in general, I prefer a wine with flaws and character than a manufactured wine that is just like all others.”
— Philippe Chin, Operations and Wine Manager of Drunken Farmer.

Come drink and be merry with Drunken Farmer, Spa Esprit Group’s (SEG) latest fun foray. With their expertise in the F&B business and love for the new, bold and exciting comes Drunken Farmer, a travelling pop-up natural wine bar. Until end June, learn and discover wine from the ground up with Drunken Farmer as they invite you to come and celebrate the classical art of natural wine-making. The natural wine movement is not just a new drinking experience but an appreciation for the craft and the land on which the wines are cultivated. A meticulous bespoke process from start to finish, from farmer to glass is what SEG hopes the customers will discover.

As Drunken Farmer sprouts up across the island after dark, starting at Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari, the group will be bringing in 90 natural wine labels that include white, orange, red and bubblies from all around the world — Australia, Austria, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand and South Africa, Drunken Farmer focuses on wine labels that are made responsibly, bespoke and clean. This means that the winemakers are a passionate and fun bunch, clearly evident in the wines they produce.

At Drunken Farmer, the folks believe that the wines are the messengers of the soil and nature, with every bottle carrying the cycle of nature to provide a little unexpected and positive experience.

Made with Nature’s Goodness

Tipsy Fun Fact #1

Natural wine-making is technically the oldest method of wine-making. From growing and fermenting to bottling and cellaring, the entire process is done without any chemical intervention and bare minimum technological manipulation. It’s as natural or clean as a wine can get with little to nothing added or subtracted, it’s simply fermented grape juice and little else.

On the other hand, biodynamic and organic wines while made with grapes that have been cultivated according to its respective farming practices, still includes some external intervention. However, biodynamic wine-making adheres to stricter guidelines than organic wine. Biodynamic wine-making has less external intervention, and the farming practices are governed by a specific calendar, taking into account the lunar cycle.

What sets natural wines apart is that the wines are made with minimal chemical and technological intervention from growing the grapes and making them into wine. Natural wines are wholly dependent on Mother Nature, — the sun, moon, soil, water, seeds and weather, so no two bottles of natural wine are ever alike. Instead, each bottle of natural wine is full of its own character, flavours and personality.

Super Natural Content

Tipsy Fun Fact #2

“Most great wines appreciated by connoisseurs are, in fact, very close to natural with very little treatment or manipulation. They apply a minimalistic approach where they carry the grape hand in hand into a finished product with as little intervention as possible,” says Philippe Chin, Operations and Wine Manager of Drunken Farmer

Still not convinced? Here are three reasons that might entice you to make the switch :

#1 It’s healthier for you
Because little to nothing is added to the vineyard or to the wine itself, natural wines are actually one of the cleanest or purest forms of wine. Everything from the grapes goes into the wine without any chemical additives and preservatives. And as grapes are naturally rich in antioxidants and resveratrol, you’re consuming all of the good with none of the bad.

#2 It’s healthier for the environment too
With a focus on a self-sustaining environment and working with what Mother Nature gives, the winemakers take a very serious stance on being environmentally responsible in their craft. Soil fertility and diversity in the vineyard’s ecosystem are vital, and the winemakers strive to bring life back to the soil. As such, no pesticides or chemical fertilisers are ever used, making for a cleaner and greener environment.

#3 A hangover is less likely to happen
You’ll be surprised at how many chemicals additives such as engineered yeast strains, added sugars, clarifying agents and foaming agents can be found in a bottle of conventional wine. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration has approved no fewer than 75 chemicals and additives that are “Generally Recognised As Safe” that can be used. It’s no wonder a hangover is almost a guarantee with conventional wines.

Interested in finding out more?

Discover the wonders of natural wines as you enjoy a glass or two from now till June. To sweeten the deal, Drunken Farmer will be offering air-flown oysters to savoury charcuterie to nutty cheeses that make for great accompaniments for that bottle of natural wine. You don’t have to be a wine aficionado or a connoisseur to enjoy natural wines. At Drunken Farmer, wine enthusiasts and newbies alike are welcome. Come join the team in building a fun, friendly and like-minded community.

Additionally, Drunken Farmer is pleased to present the Flower Moon Party for a moonlit gathering under the stars! Come 17 May, embrace the chance to live, breathe and drink well as you feed your soul with natural wine. Activities during the event include a HIIT workout session as well as a yoga session, and will run from 6pm till late.