Tucked away on Micklegate, Brancusi has quietly established itself as a cornerstone of York’s evolving food and wine scene. The restaurant’s produce-led ethos emphasises their sustainable and high quality menu, which also supports small scale producers from Food Circle York.
Their farm to table menu is perfectly designed to pair with their evolving, thoughtful collection of natural wines. Think natural wines with bright fruity flavours, as well as deep and elegant flavour profiles, to enjoy alongside a hearty seasonal dish. Brancusi’s intuitive pairing elevates both the plate and glass, as well as your overall dining experience.
York’s appetite for natural wine has grown steadily in recent years, and Brancusi is far from alone. Across the city, a handful of venues are helping redefine how we drink.
At Howl, natural low-intervention wine sits alongside small seasonal plates, cheese, charcuteries and a soft-lit ambience that makes staying for just one glass a challenge. Each wine on their menu has been expertly paired with the perfect dish, with knowledgeable staff more than happy to guide your tastebuds in the right direction. Their list leans funky and wild, a great introduction for the wine curious.
Pairings Wine Bar is an award-winning wine-led restaurant, known for its expert-led pairings and welcoming environment. Pairings offers a select range of low-intervention bottles with interesting and high quality wines on the menu for you to explore. To allow your wine confidence and appetite to grow, a variety of wine flights are available from £15, giving you the opportunity to explore and find something perfect for you. From fortified and sparkling, to orange and white, there is truly a wine for all at Pairings.
Jorvine, York’s specialist natural wine shop and bar, is a must-visit for anyone looking to learn more (or just take a bottle home). Their friendly, no-snobbery philosophy makes it easy to explore an extensive list of over 400 wines with reds, whites and everything in between. Their tasting room offers an amazing environment to indulge in delicious wine with customisable wine flights, private tastings, wine by the glass or tasting events available to allow you to truly explore the wonderful world of wine. There’s also a selection of tasty nibbles to enjoy alongside your new favourite wine.
At 22 Yards, natural wine is making its way into a list already celebrated for its range and balance. Located in the heart of the historic city, you can indulge in smart pairings with their seasonal small plates and a commitment to working with small-scale producers. Every single bottle and menu item has been carefully hand selected to ensure 22 Yards delivers only the best to their customers. Here you won’t face any wine snobbery, expect only good vibes and good wine in a memorable place that you’ll definitely want to visit regularly.
Together, these venues are building something quietly exciting. A York wine scene rooted in curiosity, sustainability, and real natural flavour.
Images – @thebrancusi, @howl.york, @jorvinewine
