Think again if you think that nonalcoholic wines are just grape juice in fancy glasses. Nonalcoholic Wine is having its moment, just like spirits, aperitifs, and beer. It’s the perfect time to buy a few bottles, with so many opportunities to enjoy a glass or two in the near future.
Holidays are a time of gatherings, reunions, and celebrations. It’s important to include guests and yourself. Hilary Sheinbaum is the author of “The Dry Challenge:How to Lose the Alcohol for Dry January and Other Alcohol-Free months.” She also says that sober individuals and nondrinkers alike want to enjoy the same delicious and memorable experiences without having to choose juice, soda, or water.
There are many options for nonalcoholic wines. You can choose from dealcoholized or beverages that have the same flavors as wine. You’re not sure where to begin? Our experts will recommend their favorite nonalcoholic still wines.
The best nonalcoholic wine to give as a host gift is Wander + Found Nonalcoholic Pinot Noir.
Sheinbaum explains that red wines are particularly difficult to duplicate.
The challenge is partly because it’s been decades since beer was perfected (Anheuser Busch, Pabst, and other brands made ‘near beers’ during Prohibition, and German brand Clausthaler started selling nonalcoholic beer in 1979). And mocktails are a lot more difficult to nail down, as they have so many ingredients. Sheinbaum says that nonalcoholic wine is a relatively new category and can taste watery.
Not this Pinot. Sheinbaum says that this is the glass to pour when you are near a fireplace, fire pit, or space heater. Sheinbaum recommends pairing the glass with a charcuterie platter, chocolate desserts, and meat-heavy dishes – all holiday staples. The versatility of the product, combined with its $19 price tag, makes it an excellent gift. Sheinbaum says, “I won’t lie, the label caught my eye!”
Leitz Eins Zwei Riesling is the best nonalcoholic wine to try when you want to change things up.
Derek Brown, the founder of Positive Damage Inc., recommends that Riesling take a break from buttery spreads or baked goods. It pairs well with Thai food and other sweet and sour dishes.
Brown’s company offers consultations to bars, brands, and nutrition and wellbeing organizations. They also host classes and events that focus on mindful drinking and wellness. He describes these bottles as well as notes such as beeswax and lime, tropical fruit, and tarragon.”
Leitz produces alcohol-containing wines, which is just one of the many examples of how NA wine has grown. Brown tried his first wine alternative in 2006 while working as a sommelier in Washington, D.C. He says that people love wine but do not want to drink alcohol or excessive amounts of it. “We are seeing a renaissance of NA wine, and I am here to support it.”
The best nonalcoholic wine to replace dessert wine: NON2 Kombu & Caramelized Pear
Wine proxies, along with dealcoholized wines, are another important category in the NA world of wine. The proxies are not wine, and they’re not intended to imitate a specific wine varietal. These complex drinks rely on teas, spices, fruits, and other ingredients to make them food-friendly.
Danny Frounfelkner, the founder of Sipple in Houston, stocks 11 types of wine substitutes. NON is a favorite brand that makes blends based on seasonal flavors.
The NON 2 has beautiful autumn and winter flavors. He says it’s like a liquid spice cabinet that makes you want more. It’s made with pears and verjus. Also, it contains black tea, olive brine (kombu), vanilla, cardamom clove, ginger root star anise, peppercorns, and agave.
Frounfelkner suggests pouring a wine glass with apple and pumpkin-based dishes, cheeseboards, savory pastries, and pies.
Gruvi Dry Red blend is the best nonalcoholic wine to serve at any gathering.
Sisters Priyanka & Chirasmita recommend Gruvi Dry Red Blend. The co-founders of Zero Proofed, who curate alcohol-free cocktail kits, events, and bar programs in the United States, enjoy the taste of this booze-free California grape-based wine.
The Kompellas enjoy the sweet and savory notes from cranberry and cherry, as well as baking spices. They also love Gruvi because of its portability. This is an ideal choice for potlucks, travel, and picnics. “I always keep a few in my bag to take with me on vacations, weddings and other occasions when I know that it might be difficult to find NA alternatives,” says Priyanka.
Leitz Eins Zwei Chardonnay is the best nonalcoholic wine to get a traditional wine taste.
Eric Jeffus chose the Leitz Chardonnay as his favorite still NA wine. The beverage director of Nashville restaurants, Audrey and July, says that it is “a remarkable facsimile to its alcoholic equivalent with a surprising level of body.”
He adds, “Every guest who I have shared the wine with has been amazed by its verisimilitude that it is nonalcoholic.” “Guests who do not drink or don’t consume alcohol are also grateful for a sophisticated, thoughtful alternative.”
Jeffus describes the taste as similar to that of a Chardonnay but more like a Chablis, which is crisper than Meursault. He recommends pairing a glass of wine with seafood, mussels, or oysters. This is a great wine to serve any Italian-Americans who are celebrating Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve, assuming they’re willing to drink a German wine instead of an Italian wine!
He also mentions that high-quality NA wines make great bases for NA cocktail recipes. Audrey offers an NA mulled spritz that includes Leitz Pinot noir, fresh apple juice, and a warmly spiced cardamom black syrup. It also contains a mix of NA Amari and soda.
The best nonalcoholic wine for meat dishes and hearty meals: Proxies Red Ember
Brianda sells 70 wine alternatives, wine substitutes, and dealcoholized wine at her Los Angeles store and online marketplace, the New Bar.
She loves big, full-bodied wines and says that “Proxies Red Ember is always reliable.” Customers also love this brand. Gonzalez says that the brand is a favorite among customers.
She says that despite this, the bottle she made, which was made of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and berries with verjus and black pepper and ginger, along with coffee, black and black tea, and French oak, delivered all of the fruit, spice, and acidity you would expect from a rich red wine. This wine is a perfect match for heavier meals. Gonzalez recommends using it for stews and briskets during the holidays. She adds that the fun packaging and branding make it an ideal addition to any dinner party or hostess gift.
The best nonalcoholic wine to serve as a stand-alone pour is Lautus Savvy Red.
Sam Bail is the founder of Third Place Bar in New York City. She also works for nonalcoholic bottle shops, Minus Moonshine. Lautus Savvy Red, her favorite still NA wine, is currently Lautus Savvy Red. This one surprised me because it had a lot more body, blackberry, black currant, and woody notes than any other NA wine I’ve tried.
It has a lot of tannins. “It’s definitely more acidic than most reds that are dealcoolized, but it feels balance.”
Bail says that many NA reds pair better with food, but Lautus is a wonderful sipping wine. You can keep some on hand for moments of relaxation during the holidays or a drinks-only event. If you want to pair it with food, she recommends pairing it either with aged cheeses or grilled red meat.
Muri Nuala: Best nonalcoholic wine to enjoy with natural wines
Sam Hart, Executive Chef and Owner of Biblioand Counter- in Charlotte, North Carolina, says that Muri is their newest obsession. Hart explains that Muri was founded by Murray Paterson, who is a mastermind in fermentation.
Hart, at Counter-, is pairing Muri’s Nuala with a lobster dish and a fermented tomato. The Nuala, which is a light, fruity red beverage made with currants and sourdough starters, as well as yeast and botanicals, is fruity, light, and tannic. The result? The result?
Thomson & Scott Nonalcoholic Blanc is the best nonalcoholic wine.
Brianda Gonzalez is a fan of Naughty Blanc, the latest release by Thomson & Scott.
Gonzalez chooses this South African wine due to its high acidity, bright notes of yellow apples, chamomile, and lime, and because it is deal-alcoholized. This wine is perfect for those who prefer their wines dry.
Naughty Blanc is a blend made from Chenin Blanc with Chardonnay. It pairs well with seafood, particularly lobster and creamy pastas. Gonzalez also says that it’s great with roasted Turkey. She keeps Thomson & Scott’s NA Syrah in stock at home and uses their sparkling NA Chardonnay to make festive holiday mimosas.
