Nature's Vin Bringing Natural, Women Made Wines To The Main Line

WAYNE, PA — Do you like wine, but don't know the ins and outs of it? Then one of Wayne's newest businesses is just for you.

Nature's Vin will open its doors at 193-197 E. Lancaster Ave. in Wayne — the former Cowan's Flower Shop location — Friday at noon, after a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday afternoon.

Owner and founder Ragini Parmar for the past three years has worked to realized her vision for a natural wine bar on the Main Line.

The Blue Bell native spent about 20 years working in the tech sector, which put her in New York City and San Francisco.

It was her time out west that led her to find natural wines.

"Natural wines are a huge trend in the Bay Area," she told Patch.

Parmar always loved wine, but said her body was processing it correctly.

"I told my doctor [wine] was negatively affecting me," she said. That doctor suggested she try natural wines.

But many may be wondering: what exactly is a natural wine?

Natural wines are not manipulated, nor do they have added sulfites. While wine by nature features sulfites, winemakers add sulfites to preserve it better.

"Some people might say they taste a little funky, but not all do," she said of natural wines. "You have to find what works for you. It takes some time to acclimate to natural wines."

That's where the Nature's Vin staff comes in to play.

"If you can describe a wine you like, we can find something very similar," she said. "Our staff is not just serving you, they're teaching you and getting to know your palette."

Parmar promises guests a "very interactive experience" when they stop in the wine bar.

"It's not just a list of wines," she said. "We are proactively giving guests information on the wine."

The focus on natural wines does not mean wine lovers will miss out on their favorite varietals.

Nature's Vin will offer white, rose, orange, red, and bubble wines.

Parmar tapped Radnor native Elyse Lovenworth to serve as Nature's Vin's Director of Operation. Lovenworth is a sommelier with 17 years in the industry, and experience that spans overseeing winery operations in Oregon’s Willamette Valley to leading sommelier teams at national events.

"In curating the wine program, our focus is to highlight organic and biodynamic farming and natural winemaking, as well as the work of women in the wine industry, all while ensuring that guests feel seen," she said.

The pair connected via LinkedIn about a year ago, with Parmar picking Lovenworth's brain for months.

"We had great synergy," Parmar said of Lovenworth. "I said, 'you know what you're doing, and a woman in wine.''"

The latter aspect really stuck with Parmar.

Nature's Vin is exclusively featuring woman-owned and produced, sustainably farmed wines.

Part of Parmar's experience in the tech world was implementing diversity to leading companies in the industry, which included bringing more women into a traditionally male-dominated sphere.

"I have the skills [to implement inclusion in a workplace] and love wine," she said.

In addition to supporting women-owned wine producers financially by selling their products, Parmar said she hopes she can also share the stories of the women behind the wines.

Due to women being underrepresented in the natural wine industry, Nature's Vin will also offer biodynamic and organic wines made by women. These wines can serve as introductions to natural wines, she said.

And her focus on women has already generated buzz in the community.

"We've already gotten requests for hosting board meetings for women's organizations, gardening club meetings, and book clubs." she said. "I love that. It tells me the community wants that space."

While Parmar expected the community to show interest in Nature's Vin, she did not predict that interest being expressed so strongly and so soon.

"I'm very confident we will be a celebration of women coming together, and I think that will happen naturally," she said of the business.

Nature's Vin also features a bottle shop that not only sells wines, but also edible packaged goods, books, merchandise, and trinkets.

The wine bar is open for walk-ins to drink by the glass or bottle and enjoy bites from a menu of shareables.

Reservations will be available via Toast for those seeking a dedicated, curated tasting experience with a wine coach, in addition to maker and sip classes.

The space will also host pop-up wine and cheese tastings with featured purveyors and cheesemongers, as well as educational, community-focused events.

During opening weekend, La Luzs Portfolio will be at Nature's Vin from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday to host a tasting event that is open to all.

Additionally, reservations are now available for a cheese and wine pairing class with Cheesemonger Stefania Patrizio and Lovenworth on Nov. 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m, a gift basket making class on Nov. 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., as well as a wreath-making class on Nov. 28 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Nature's Vin is open from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Learn more about Nature's Vin online here.