The world of nonalcoholic wine has long been dismissed by some as merely overpriced grape juice. However, a new generation of sophisticated, carefully crafted bottles is challenging that perception, offering complex flavours that rival their alcoholic counterparts. For those cutting back, sober-curious, or simply seeking a refined alternative, the market now boasts impressive options.
Why Trust This Expert Guide to Alcohol-Free Wine
Knowing what makes a balanced nonalcoholic wine requires a discerning palate. This guide is curated by a former senior drinks editor for Food & Wine magazine, who holds a Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) level three advanced certification. Regularly reporting on nonalcoholic drinks for publications like Bon Appétit, the author has tasted a vast array to separate the exceptional from the mediocre.
The best nonalcoholic wines begin with quality grapes, harvested at optimal ripeness for balanced acidity, body, and flavour notes. The juice is typically fermented, and then the ethanol is removed via a process like vacuum distillation. Top producers skillfully manage this to retain the wine's essential character, resulting in a final product that is surprisingly familiar.
The Standout Nonalcoholic White Wines to Try
For a crowd-pleasing, food-friendly option, the Saint Viviana Nonalcoholic Sauvignon Blanc offers a punch of acidity with tropical fruit notes, perfect with a cheese platter or roast chicken. Priced at $14.99, it's an excellent gateway.
Rooted in history, the Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Riesling ($18.99) comes from a German winemaking family dating to the 1700s. Bone dry and acidic with a minty, herbaceous profile, it's so similar to traditional riesling it can fool even seasoned drinkers.
For a less acidic, textured sip, the Sovi Nonalcoholic Reserve Chenin Blanc ($34) presents notes of pear and melon, ideal for drinking on its own. Meanwhile, the Kolonne Null Verdejo ($21) is a round, smooth Spanish-style white bursting with pineapple and mango, like a beach holiday in a bottle.
Not strictly a wine but a brilliant staple, Wölffer Estate Chardonnay Verjus ($14) is unfermented grape juice. Wonderfully tart with green apple notes, it's superb for deglazing pans, in dressings, or mixed with sparkling water as a refreshing drink.
Navigating the Tricky World of Nonalcoholic Red Wine
Alcohol-free reds are notoriously difficult to perfect, often losing body and texture during dealcoholization. Many end up tasting like vinegar or become overly bold in compensation.
A rare and worthy exception is the Oceano Nonalcoholic Pinot Noir from California's San Luis Obispo coast. At $54.99, it's a splurge, but it delivers cherry soda and strawberry jam notes with a balanced finish, appealing to both acid lovers and fans of medium-bodied reds.
For a robust pairing with steak or charcuterie, the Oddbird GSM Non-Alcoholic Red Wine ($24.99) is a blend of grenache, syrah, and mourvèdre. It preserves the essence of a classic GSM, with juicy black fruit notes leading to a bold finish.
Celebrate with Top-Tier Nonalcoholic Sparkling Wines
The bubbly category offers fantastic variety. For a picnic-ready option, the canned Ramona Nonalcoholic Dry Sparkling Rosé ($22 for a four-pack) is fizzy, tart, and made from Italian sangiovese and montepulciano grapes.
To impress guests, Society De La Rassi Neue Brut ($59) is a crisp, bone-dry Blanc de Blancs from Spanish chardonnay grapes, complete with a sleek label. For budget-friendly bubbles, Freixenet Alcohol-Removed Sparkling White Wine ($13.50 for a three-pack) is smooth and perfect for making zero-proof cocktails.
Duju Non Alc Sparkling Wine ($25), made from 100% French sauvignon blanc, is an easy sip that pairs brilliantly with salty party snacks. For milestone celebrations, French Bloom La Cuvée Vintage ($119) mirrors vintage champagne with buttery brioche notes and balanced acidity, presented in elegant wood casing.
Finally, for casual patio parties, Woody’s Sparkling Blanc de Blancs ($19.99) from a third-generation Californian winemaker comes with a crown cap for easy opening and offers notes of lemon rind and peach.
The landscape of nonalcoholic wine has transformed. It's no longer a compromise but a legitimate, flavourful category worthy of exploration, whether you're abstaining permanently, temporarily, or simply seeking to diversify your drinking habits.
