When Wine Meets Beer: A Napa Winemaker and Brewmaster Collaborate on an NA Wine Revolution

Grant Hemingway, a Napa Valley winemaker, and John Green, a brewing entrepreneur, have collaborated to create Libby Non-Alcoholic Wines, a project that took nearly four years to come to fruition. This venture was inspired by Hemingway’s experiences as a father, which shifted his focus away from wine consumption.

With two toddlers at home, Hemingway found that wine had become an afterthought. “With two toddlers at home, we were juggling the chaos of parenting, careers, and everything in between, and wine had all but disappeared from our lives,” he explained. Recognizing this gap, he joined forces with Green, the creator of All Day Session IPA at Founder’s Brewing Co., to develop a non-alcoholic wine that could still provide a pleasurable experience.

After years of experimentation and refinement, Libby officially launched in October, offering both non-alcoholic sparkling rosé and sparkling white wines. This initiative taps into the burgeoning non-alcoholic wine market, projected to reach $2.57 billion in 2024 and $6.94 billion by 2034, according to Fact.MR. Hemingway expressed that their goal was to emulate the wine-drinking experience while eliminating alcohol: “We were determined to create an NA wine that wine lovers could savor with pride, something that fits seamlessly into their rotation and doesn’t feel like a compromise.”

Libby wines are crafted from sustainably farmed grapes, which undergo a de-alcoholization process. Each variety displays distinct flavor profiles—the rosé boasts notes of summer strawberries and candied melon, while the white offers vibrant pear and floral aromas. Priced at $17.99 per bottle, Libby’s innovative packaging features a lightweight, resealable swing-top bottle designed for both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Green emphasizes the brand’s commitment to quality and experience, stating, “Success means setting the gold standard for NA wine, building a loyal community of Libby fans, and helping people celebrate life’s moments with bubbles that fit their lifestyle.” They are concentrating on strategic growth and partnerships to facilitate awareness and elevate the overall category of non-alcoholic wines.

Although currently offering only two varieties, Hemingway and Green are exploring further options and styles to expand their lineup, with quality remaining their primary focus. “The possibilities are endless, but quality will always be our north star,” Hemingway concluded.

For more information, visit Libby Non-Alcoholic Wines.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!