Word on the Vine: Alcohol-Free

Opting for a dry month or reducing alcohol is getting easier as 0% wines become increasingly convincing

THE LABELS

A 2024 Portman Group survey conducted by YouGov revealed that 38 per cent of UK drinkers now consume low- or noalcohol alternatives, with 39 per cent of 18- to 24-year-olds never drinking alcohol at all: a significant financial incentive for winemakers to perfect their alcohol-free alternatives. It’s worth noting that most ‘alcohol-free’ wines contain up to 0.5% ABV – a trace amount naturally present in many everyday foods, including fruit juice and ripe bananas.

THE PROCESS

All non-alcoholic wines begin life as conventional wines before undergoing dealcoholisation. The most common technique is vacuum distillation, which gently heats wine so the alcohol evaporates under vacuum pressure. Winemakers are refining their approach, lowering processing temperatures to avoid overcooked flavours. Other quality improvements include sourcing superior raw materials – not least premium grapes from specific regions rather than generic blends, giving the finished wines genuine varietal character.

THE TASTE

Zero-alcohol sparkling wines tend to be the most successful, as the bubbles add a mouth-filling texture to compensate for the lack of alcohol. The bright flavours and lively acidity of rosé, and the aromatic fruit of whites such as sauvignon blanc and muscat, also make convincing alcohol-free still wines. Still red wines are the hardest nut to crack, often tasting insipidly thin when the alcohol and tannins have been taken away and frequently requiring sweetening to smooth out acidity.

THE OPTIONS

If moderation rather than abstinence is your goal, remember some wines are naturally lower in alcohol. Off-dry German riesling hovers around 7.5% ABV, while lightly sparkling Asti and moscato d’Asti from northern Italy typically contain around 5% alcohol. The concept of ‘zebra striping’ – alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks over an evening – is gaining traction as quality improves. But for Dry January, Sober October, a booze-free Lent or when you’re the designated driver, you’ll need proper zero-alcohol alternatives.

This article first appeared in the February 2026 issue of Food and Travel. To subscribe today, click here.