The Great Debate: Wine, With or Without Alcohol?

As wine enthusiasts seek more inclusive options, many high-end winemakers are exploring de-alcoholized wines, marking a significant shift in the industry. At Bouchaine Winery in Napa, winemaker Chris Kajani recently introduced their first vintage-dated de-alcoholized rosé of Pinot Noir. With an increasing number of customers requesting alternatives to traditional alcoholic drinks, Kajani emphasizes the importance of inclusivity by providing offerings for sober or moderate drinkers.

The trend towards de-alcoholized (DA) wines is accelerating, with data from Impact Databank showing that sales of these products are outpacing other wine categories. In 2024, over a million cases of de-alcoholized wine were sold in the United States alone. Napa vintners Aaron Pott and Stephanie Honig have also launched their own DA brand, Missing Thorn, featuring wines made from Barbera and Albariño, focusing on quality and taste. Honig notes the consumer demand for higher-quality alternatives in this segment, emphasizing the need for DA wines to taste good—otherwise, there’s little point in opting for them.

Established wineries around the globe, such as Giesen in New Zealand and Torres in Spain, are increasingly entering the DA space, while larger corporations like LVMH are also exploring the market. Daniel Stiller, CEO of Better Rhodes, clarifies that consumers of non-alcoholic wines are still wine enthusiasts who desire the experience without the alcohol.

De-alcoholization techniques differ from non-alcoholic wines, which aren’t technically wines. DA wines undergo fermentation followed by alcohol removal through methods like low temperature vacuum distillation, ensuring they maintain a more authentic wine experience akin to traditional varieties. However, DA wines are typically less aromatic and lighter in texture, presenting unique challenges for winemakers in replicating the full sensory experience.

Historically, DA wines emerged in the 1980s, with brands like Ariel and Fre carving niches in the market. The interest in DA wines has surged recently, partially fueled by changing consumer preferences for health and wellness-driven options. This evolution is not against traditional wines but rather expands the category to meet diverse consumer demands.

For winemakers and producers, the challenge lies in delivering quality DA wines that both honor winemaking traditions and cater to evolving trends. As insights reveal that a large proportion of non-alcoholic beverage buyers also purchase alcohol, the potential for growth within the DA segment illustrates a promising avenue for inclusivity without alienating traditional wine consumers.

Overall, as DA wines continue to gain ground, producers strive to create authentic, flavorful offerings that invite everyone into the wine experience, ensuring that the spirit of wine remains intact—whether or not it includes alcohol.

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!