Nonalcoholic wine has grown in importance as a component of many people’s New Year’s resolutions in recent years. In fact, according to polls conducted by market research company Mintel, almost 39% of consumers indicate they’re open to embracing a sober-curious lifestyle. This indicates that a large number of people are considering their relationship with alcohol and trying to drink less than they often do. Many people are incorporating these beverages into their diets all year round, even though interest in nonalcoholic wine tends to increase around Dry January and Sober October, when some people take long breaks from alcohol.
Initially, it is important to understand that nonalcoholic wines do not taste exactly like their alcoholic equivalents. However, a number of kinds are fairly close, providing an alternative for those who prefer not to drink but do not wish to abandon the custom of sipping wine at a party or meal. I talked to professionals about how to shop for reds, whites, and ross wines to help you choose the best nonalcoholic wines for your taste preferences.
GO Ahead and SkipWhy trust NBC Select? What is non-alcoholic wine? How did I choose the best non-alcoholic wine? Which non-alcoholic wine is best to buy?
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Best nonalcoholic redJoyus Non-Alcoholic Cabernet Sauvignon
$undefined$29.99Amazon
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Best nonalcoholic whitePrima Pav Blanc De Blancs
$undefined$25.00Prima Pav
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Best sparkling nonalcoholicGruvi Dry Secco
$undefined$36.99Amazon
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Lautus De-Alcoholised Wine Sauvignon Blanc
$undefined$20.00Boisson
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What is nonalcoholic wine?
It’s crucial to comprehend what purchasing is before you begin. Nonalcoholic wine comes in two varieties, and the method of production affects the flavor character of each. According to Anne Guarino, Whole Foods Market’s category merchant analyst for wine, there is no superior kind. Personal preference determines what you like.
Alcohol-removed wine
Wine that has had its alcohol removed is precisely what it sounds like: alcohol-removed wine. To produce alcoholic wine in reds, whites, and ross, producers first use the conventional fermentation method, which turns sugar into alcohol. According to Guarino, it then goes through a de-alcoholization process, producing a beverage that resembles full-strength wine in terms of flavor, aroma, and finish. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration defines nonalcoholic wine as having an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 0.5% or less.
Proxy wine
Although juice, occasionally from wine grapes, is used to make proxy wine, it never goes through fermentation, therefore sugar is never turned into alcohol. According to Nick Bodkins, CEO and co-founder of Boisson, a retailer of nonalcoholic drinks with stores in New York and California, proxy wine has 0% ABV and is unable to capture the unique flavor of wine that fermentation produces. According to Guarino, producers therefore use components like fruit extracts, spices, and teas as a stand-in for wine, which increases its complexity. According to Bodkins, these extra components enable it to mimic some of the flavors and aromas of full-strength wine without going through any of the procedures involved in the wine-making process. Unlike alcohol-removed wines, proxy wines are typically categorized by the flavors of the ingredients they are prepared with, such as hibiscus and white tea or thyme and citrus, rather than by the traditional red, white, and ros categories.
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How I picked the best nonalcoholic wines
Experts told me that buying nonalcoholic wine is kind of a guessing game because everyone has a different taste palette. Trying many brands and variations is the only way to fully grasp your preferences. As a result, there aren’t any bad choices or incorrect ways to shop. It is perfectly acceptable to add a bottle of nonalcoholic wine to your shopping cart without giving it any attention.
To help you with your purchase, experts advise considering the following things.
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Type of nonalcoholic wine:
If you re looking for a direct replacement for a certain type of wine, look for the alcohol-removed version. But if you re in the discovery phase, experts recommend trying a few alcohol-removed and proxy wines to taste the difference and start learning about what you like. -
Flavor profile:
Think about what types of full-strength wines you typically enjoy and what regions they re from. Then, purchase alcohol-removed equivalents. For proxy wine, read about the flavor notes and ingredients listed on the beverage s label, and consider whether they generally align with your taste preferences. Going to your local wine shop and talking to a salesperson can also be very helpful when figuring out what flavors you gravitate toward, says Guarino. -
Carbonation
: You can buy still and sparkling nonalcoholic wines. Bodkins recommends starting with sparkling if you re specifically interested in trying alcohol-removed wines. They re usually the closest in taste to their alcoholic counterparts because of carbon dioxide, which creates bubbles and helps carry the scents, flavors and aromas to your nose and tongue, he says. -
Packaging
: Nonalcoholic wines are available in bottles and cans. The packaging doesn t affect the beverages flavor, but it does impact their use case, says Guarino. Bottled wine is great for serving a crowd andgifting
, while canned wine usually has individual servings and is more portable, so you can bring it to
barbecues
and
picnics
, for example.
The best nonalcoholic wine
I included our experts’ top picks as well as the non-alcoholic wines that NBC Select employees like. I included wines that were available in bottles and cans, as well as those that were alcohol-removed and proxy wines.
Joyus Non-Alcoholic Cabernet Sauvignon
Joyus Non-Alcoholic Cabernet Sauvignon
- Pairs well with cheese
- Low in calories
- Vanilla undertones
According to Bodkins, the flavor of red wine’s nonalcoholic counterpart doesn’t compare as well to white and rosé wines since the alcohol in red wine efficiently conveys the beverage’s scents and tasting notes. Nevertheless, there are still excellent choices available, such as this Joyus cabernet sauvignon, which is suggested by Chris Marshall, the creator and proprietor of Sans Bar, an Austin, Texas, nonalcoholic bar. The brand claims that the red wine, which is matured on American oak, contains berry and vanilla aromas. To enhance the flavor, Bodkins advises sipping nonalcoholic red wine somewhat colder than alcoholic red wine.
Packaging: bottle; Type: alcohol-removed; Carbonated: no
OddBird Blanc de Blancs Chardonnay
OddBird Blanc de Blancs Chardonnay
- Sparkling
- Apple flavored
- Made in France
- Sweet taste
The Blanc de Blanc sparkling chardonnay from OddBird, which is made in southern France, blends the flavors of lime, honey, and Grannysmith apples. After a year of aging, the alcohol is extracted, revealing a vibrant and nuanced fruit flavor. When you’re not in the mood for regular wine, this is a terrific alternative, according to NBC Select associate correspondent Bianca Alvarezi, who is a fan. She claims that although they have a variety of wines, her favorite is Blanc de Blancs. It’s really fruity and light, and I love that it’s sparkling, which adds to the impression of lightness and airiness.
Type: carbonated: yes; packaging: bottle; alcohol-removed
Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Chardonnay
Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Chardonnay
- Made in Germany
- Has a subtle lemon flavor
- Pairs well with rich foods
- Has a dry finish
One of the first alcohol-removed wines I ever tasted was this chardonnay, and several of my friends who were skeptical of nonalcoholic wine even gave it their blessing. It’s pleasant to sip slowly because it’s crisp and light, and its aftertaste lasts a while. According to the brand, the chardonnay has a dry finish along with fruity and citrusy flavors. Bodkins suggests consuming flat nonalcoholic white wine warmer than you would typically drink full-strength white wine in order to maximize its flavor.
Type: carbonated: no; packaging: bottle; alcohol-removed
Prima Pav Blanc De Blancs
Prima Pav Blanc De Blancs
- Made in Italy
- Made from a white wine blend
- Pairs well with seafood
- Sweet taste
One of Marshall’s favorite nonalcoholic wines is Prima Pave’s Blanc De Blancs. Pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, and gew rztraminer are the three white wine types that make up this sparkling blend. According to the brand, these grapes work together to provide notes of elderflower, kiwi, honeydew, green apple, and white peach. The wine finishes dry.
Type: carbonated: no; packaging: bottle; alcohol-removed
Lautus De-Alcoholised Wine Sauvignon Blanc
Lautus De-Alcoholised Wine Sauvignon Blanc
- Made in South Africa
- Has tropical fruit flavors
- Good as an aperitif
- Best for fans of white wine
Because it’s light and goes well with fish, which I frequently prepare for supper, I always have a bottle of this white nonalcoholic wine in my fridge. I cool it before serving, which I think makes it even more delightful to drink. It has a fruity citrus flavor. The screw-off cap on the bottle is a great feature because it allows me to pour myself a glass or two and conveniently store the remainder for the following day.
Type: alcohol-removed | No carbonation | Bottle packaging
Gruvi Dry Secco
Gruvi Dry Secco
- Has a floral flavor
- Sparkling
- Comes in small bottles
- Semi-dry taste
When I first tasted the Gruvi’s Dry Secco, I literally had to look at the label three times because it tasted so much like the real thing, says Casey McGuire Davidson, a sobriety coach who provides classes on her website, Hello Someday Coaching. She suggests using it to make zero-proof mimosas or serving it at parties like New Year’s Eve. According to the firm, the beverage has a delicate, flowery, semi-dry flavor and is available in single-serve bottles. Additionally, Davidson enjoys Gruvi’s Bubbly Rose, and she reports that her customers adore the brand.
Carbonated: yes; type: proxy; packaging: single-serve bottles
Proxies Pink Sea Salt
Proxies Pink Sea Salt
- Pairs well with seafood
- Citrus flavor
- Best for summer
When I sip Proxies Pink Sea Salt, I get a dry, smooth feel that reminds me of light, full-strength whites and ros s. In my experience, it’s not sweet or juicy while having a fruity flavor from the use of components like pinot blanc grapes, peach concentrate, lemon juice, and blended tea. I find Proxies refreshing on a warm spring or summer night, and its orange pink color looks beautiful served in clear glasses.
Type: proxy|Carbonated: no|Packaging: bottle
Surely Non-Alcoholic Bubbly Red Can
Surely Non-Alcoholic Bubbly Red Can
- Sparkling
- Fruit-forward flavor
- Dry finish
- Cherry taste
Davidson claims that her guests enjoyed the fresh, nonalcoholic Brut dry Champagne she served at her most recent holiday party. Many of them normally drink but wanted a nonalcoholic option since they were driving home, and they enjoyed sipping on this bubbly. It has a fuller body and well-balanced flavors, including tasting notes of lemon, peach and passionfruit, according to the brand.
Type: alcohol-removed|Carbonated: yes|Packaging: cans and bottles
Fre Premium Red Blend
Fre Premium Red Blend
- Pairs well with pasta
- Has a cherry aroma
- Made in California
- Subtle smokey flavor
Fre s Premium Red Blend is my go-to for drinking with tomato-based dishes like pasta with marinara sauce, a hearty soup and pizza. It has a deep, creamy, smokey flavor with a lingering aftertaste. It has notes of fruity cherry and grapes, according to the brand.
Type: Alcohol-removed|Carbonated: No|Packaging: Bottle
Frequently asked questions
Since it starts out as full-strength wine, alcohol-removed wine contains trace amounts of alcohol after the dealcoholization process. Wine with 0.5% or less alcohol by volume (ABV) is considered nonalcoholic, according to theU.S. Food and Drug Administration. You may also see nonalcoholic wine referred to as dealcoholized or alcohol-removed wine, all of which means the same thing: 0.5% or less ABV.
Alcohol-free, however, can only be used to describe beverages with no detectable alcohol, according to the FDA. Proxy wines are alcohol-free.
Whether it s sold in cans or bottles, nonalcoholic wine is shelf-stable, so it lasts a while if unopened. Typically, unopened bottles and cans are good for about two years, experts say. But check the packaging and brand s website to double check.
After opening a bottle, store it in the refrigerator and enjoy it for up to four days, experts told us. Be sure to keep it fresh by reusing the screw cap or using a wine stopper. Nonalcoholic wine that comes in cans are individual servings, so they re best to finish on the day you open them. Always check the wine s packaging and brand s website to learn about any specific storage instructions.
As the nonalcoholic wine, beer and spirits industry grows, it is becoming much more accessible to get your hands on some options. In addition to local stores in your neighborhood and their websites, some brands are available at large retailers likeAmazon,TargetandWalmart, in addition to alcohol-specific online delivery services likeDrizly. Nonalcoholic retailers likeBoisson,The New Bar(one of our favoriteLatino-owned businesses) andThe Zero Proofship beverages across the country, and you can also usegrocery delivery serviceslikeInstacartandGopuff.
Sober curious is a term for people who don t necessarily qualify as having an alcohol use disorder, but are questioning their relationship with alcohol and how it s prevalent in society, says Davidson . Sober curiosity is largely being driven by Gen Z and millennials, mostly because the health effects of alcohol are more widely understood by those generations compared to baby boomers and Gen X, she says.
Mainstream conversations around sober curiosity are also changing stigmas about people who chose not to drink or to stop drinking. People used to assume those who didn’t drink had an alcohol use disorder, but now, there s a deeper understanding of other reasons for being sober, including mental and physical health concerns, says Davidson. In the last decade, there s been this explosion of the sober curious movement and people freely talking about why they stopped drinking or don t choose to drink at all, says Davidson. They re proud of it and they don t feel the need to adopt a label around their relationship with alcohol.
Dry January originally started in the United Kingdom in 2012 byAlcohol Change UK, a nonprofit group that focuses on educating the public about responsible alcohol consumption and health risks associated with abuse. The goal was to steer clear of alcohol for the whole month following the holidays and the new year, when people tend to drink heavily, says Davidson. Now a decade later, Dry January has caught on across the world and more people participate in it every year.
Sober October is similar to Dry January people give up alcohol for the entire month. It started in the U.K. as a way to raise money for acancer center, although those across the world now partake.
Davidson says one of the biggest fears people often have about not drinking is being socially ostracized. But Dry January and Sober October have normalized conversations around sober curiosity. People now have resources to explore alcohol-free life without the fear of feeling alone, she says.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
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Nick Bodkins
is the CEO and co-founder ofBoisson
, a nonalcoholic drinks retailer with locations in New York and California.
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Chris Marshall
is the owner and founder ofSans Bar
, an alcohol-free bar in Austin, Texas.
-
Anne Guarino
is the category merchant analyst for wine atWhole Foods Market
. She earned a Wine & Spirit Education Trust Level 2 award and supports Whole Foods wine team by managing data, reports and fostering supplier communications.
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Casey McGuire Davidson
is a life and sobriety coach and the host of theThe Hello Someday Podcast for Sober Curious Women
.
Why trust NBC Select?
I m areporterat NBC Select who writes about food and beverages, including recent stories onolive oil,honey,coffee subscriptionsandnonalcoholic spirits. For this article, I interviewed four experts about how to shop for nonalcoholic wine and rounded up expert picks and NBC Select staff recommendations.
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