Rebel Rebel

By Ellen Bhang · 10/17/2019    Somerville · Wine Bar · $$

Whether you’re an aficionado of natural wine or just natural wine-curious, Rebel Rebel is the place to enjoy extraordinary pours in Somerville’s Bow Market. The cozy 18-seat wine bar is owned by Lauren Friel, former executive beverage director of Oleana and Sarma. This can’t-stop-won’t-stop professional won accolades for curating an all-female-made wine list at New York City’s Dirt Candy before launching Rebel Rebel in 2018. What Friel and her all-women team have created is remarkable. Refreshingly loud and proud about their support for reproductive rights, this crew fosters an atmosphere that’s queer-affirmative and entirely welcoming. And did we mention the wines here are delicious? Crafted by family farmers who eschew weird additives found in many conventionally made bottles, these wines are intriguingly soulful. With more than a dozen by-the-glass selections on offer throughout the day, you’re sure to find a favorite—or two or three.

Want snacks with that glass of wine? Pick up something tasty (empanadas! pizza! vegetarian poutine!) from one of Bow Market’s dozen food vendors. Enjoy those eats on Rebel Rebel’s bar or patio—they encourage it.

Take a natural wine class. Hour-long tastings—covering everything from pelaverga to pét-nat—are offered every Sunday at noon. Seats fill up quickly, so get your tickets in advance via Eventbrite.

Can’t find your pals inside or out front? Chances are they’re sharing a bottle at one of the tables on the shaded side of the building, under the hanging ivy.

Must Haves

  • Mention Umbrian winemaker Danilo Marcucci to unlock a treasure trove of pours. Known as the Yoda of Italian natural wine, Marcucci collaborates on multiple wine projects. It’s a rare day when Rebel Rebel doesn’t stock a bottle that bears his influence.

Fun Fact

Rebel Rebel’s back wall sports a floor-to-ceiling poster currently emblazoned with “SEX MONEY POWER” in bold type. Add your graffiti—the bar provides a rainbow pack of crayons.

Tastes of Rebel Rebel

So good we can't stop writing about it. Read more about Rebel Rebel!

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