When I first drank a non-alcoholic wine, it was 1993.  It was bad. It tasted like grape juice, and I would rather have had a glass of Welch’s! Fast forward to 2023 and the wine industry is producing more non-alcoholic or NA wine than ever, and this wine is tasty.

ABC.net reports  an average growth rate of 15% per year for the NA wine industry for the next five years.  The growing demand for NA wine is the primary reason you can now get a good bottle.

Launched in 2017, Sobar provides non-alcoholic bar service at public festivals, cutting-edge parties and events.  Sobar is careful when we serve to designate beverages as zero alcohol or non-alcoholic (NA). NA beverages contain less than.5% alcohol, like a ripe banana. Most wines designated as non-alcoholic and even a brand called ZEERO that we recently tasted have less than .5% alcohol, but not zero alcohol, so read labels carefully if you want to avoid all alcohol.

You will notice that NA wines are for the most part more expensive than their alcohol counterparts because the vintner has to go through the step of dealcoholizing the wine.

Prices range from $16 a bottle (the ones I review here today) on up. Sparkling wines are by far the best in the NA category and there are several exceptional ones on the market. Reds are next in terms of quality and whites are catching up. A few weeks ago, I had the first chardonnay I thought was decent – Luminara.

Giesen Winery in New Zealand is the leader in affordable NA wines. Their Sauvignon Blanc has a vibrant acidity and intense fruit flavors. The nose reveals lots of tropical fruits, citrus, and grass. On the palate, the wine is refreshing and zesty.

Giesen's Premium Red wine is my hands-down favorite and outperforms bottles that are double the price. It's a beautifully balanced wine with a long finish making it a delightful choice for those who appreciate a refined, robust red.

Our distributor’s marketplace makes it easy to discover non-alcoholic and alcohol-free options that not only taste great but align with your wellness goals. Visit our websiteand click on the Shop button to see our curated selections.