A Hip Atmosphere on Balboa Street

Balboa Street in San Francisco has become a hub for natural wine enthusiasts, drawing a mixed crowd with a notable skew towards older Gen Z. This vibrant locale has a distinct aesthetic, featuring patrons sporting mustaches, dad caps, and ironic T-shirts, congregating with their dogs dressed in stylish sweaters.

Rampant: A Natural Wine Destination

Rampant, co-owned by Charlie O’Leary and Jack Pain, is a notable addition to this burgeoning natural wine scene. With an carefully selected inventory, Rampant offers 16 different natural wines by the glass, specifically sourced to attract even those who may be skeptical about natural wines. “People say natural wine is funky, cloudy, and tastes like kombucha,” O’Leary notes, acknowledging the mixed reputation of the genre.

The establishment aims to challenge such perceptions, showcasing quality options like a refreshing Albariño and an “approachable, delicious, complex” orange wine produced by Kelley Fox, an esteemed female winemaker from Oregon. Additionally, Rampant is set to host a tasting event featuring Isa Wines from San Francisco-based winemaker Isabella Morano.

The menu at Rampant complements its wine offerings with popular items such as bresaola and tinned fish, alongside a unique hummus made by the owner of the nearby Al-Masri, a well-established Egyptian restaurant.

Exploring More at Slake

Just a short walk away lies Slake, a year-old venue dedicated to natural wines. Owner Daniel Lovett emphasizes the importance of clean drinking, highlighting the ongoing conversation surrounding natural wine production. “Frankly, it’s an exhausting conversation, but it’s also an important one,” Lovett states, reflecting on the principles of the natural wine movement.

Having worked in esteemed establishments like Nopa and Saison, Lovett transitioned away from the bustling restaurant industry, seeking a more family-oriented lifestyle. He advocates that the trend of natural wine goes beyond mere millennial preferences, underscoring a broader cultural shift towards local and sustainable consumption.