SOMERVILLE – Tucked away in Somerville’s Bow Market, Rebel Rebel is a small wine bar trying to change the way people experience wine.
A black sheep in the wine world
“It’s not fussy: We don’t have white tablecloths; no one wears a suit. Usually there’s Rihanna on the stereo,” says Rebel Rebel owner Lauren Friel.
It’s the wine bar Friel imagined. And the name? That comes from David Bowie.
“I was listening to David Bowie and ‘Rebel Rebel’ came on, and I thought ‘that’s it,’” she said.
The name reflects how Friel has always felt like a bit of a black sheep in the wine world.
“They’re mostly men; they usually wear suits, and I was, I think, 24, 25, wearing Chuck Taylors and, you know, skinny jeans and showing up to tastings and feeling a little bit like the odd one out,” she said. .
Making wine inclusive
That’s why she wanted to create Rebel Rebel and an inclusive space powered by women of all backgrounds
“It has historically been difficult for people like me — women, queer people, people of color — to really find their way and feel comfortable and welcome in the wine industry,” Friel said.
From red and white to sparkling wines, every bottle sold at Rebel Rebel is natural and largely made by the farmers who grew the grapes.
“It’s better for the growers, it’s better for the producers to buy a small production wine because your money goes straight to the winemaker,” Friel said.
Wine for the community
And if you like rosé, buy a glass – or a bottle – and a portion of the sales will go to Rosé for Resistance, a summer-long fundraiser. A portion of rosé sales go to support a community organization, usually one that focuses on women’s rights.
Friel focuses on making wine affordable and accessible.
“We really try to make sure we’re a community place, where people can come once a week and feel welcome and not break the bank,” she said.
