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Clean Plates Taste Test: The Best Non-Alcoholic Wine

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July 20, 2024
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Thanks to the sober-curious movement — which shows no signs of slowing down — we now have heaps of non-alcoholic beverage options to choose from. But wine is one category that’s historically lacked in tasty alternatives. Just 10 or so years ago, most of the dealcoholized wine options tasted more like sparkling grape juice than a complex pinot noir or chenin blanc. Fortunately, though, winemakers have become savvier with their alcohol extraction process — and the results are astounding. I would know: I recently taste tested dozens of options on my quest to find the best non-alcoholic wine — and I have to say, I was impressed.

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Wine has always been a key part of enjoying the ritual of mealtime for me (as well as part of my job; covering wine and spirits is one of my beats as a writer). There’s nothing like a glass of spicy red wine with a grass-fed steak, or a zingy white with a rich, creamy pasta. That said, I’ve noticed that alcohol tends to sabotage my sleep. And although wine has health-promoting antioxidants, research shows that you can get the same polyphenols after the alcohol is removed. In fact, a Harvard study found that drinking alcohol-free red wine can help to lower blood pressure, as well as reduce your risk of stroke by up to 20% and your risk of heart disease by 14%. Not to mention, there’s no dreaded hangover after you indulge in a few glasses of zero-proof wine.

A word on availability: Depending on where you live, it may be difficult to find non-alcoholic wine at your local liquor store. Luckily, The Zero Proof stocks a wide variety of the best non-alcoholic wine in every category, which you can order right to your doorstep.

Whether you’re taking a break from alcohol, have sworn off it completely, or are simply trying to cut back, rest assured that there’s a bottle for every meal, mood, and occasion. Here are 9 of my favorite zero-proof wines, which taste pretty darn close to the real thing. 

Related: 16 Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Dry January That Don’t Actually Suck

1. Giesen 0% Sauvignon Blanc

New Zealand sauvignon blancs have always been my favorite wines to sip during the warmer months — and Giesen’s is one of my standbys. So, naturally I was excited to discover that the brand recently introduced a new version of their sauvignon blanc with the alcohol removed.

My expectations were high, since I enjoy their full-strength sauvignon blanc — and the 0% version definitely didn’t disappoint. This easy-drinking, crowd-pleasing white is tart, refreshing, and bursting with subtle notes of tropical fruit. And it only has 16 calories per serving, which is 80% less than a typical glass of white wine.

Giesen’s 0% Pinot Grigio is a runner-up also worth mentioning. It’s equally crisp but a tad sweeter, with some soft floral notes.

Suggested pairings: Asparagus risotto, caesar salad, pesto pizza

Buy it: Giesen 0% Sauvignon Blanc, $16

2. Sovi Reserve Red

In my experience, when it comes to non-alcoholic wine, it’s harder to find solid reds than whites. I’m not sure why that is, but somewhere along the alcohol extraction process it feels like the body withers and falls flat.

That’s not the case with Sovi’s Reserve Red, which is made with a multi-vintage blend of single-estate grapes. The first release blends cabernet sauvignon fermented in stainless steel and petite sirah aged in American oak, while the second iteration features tempranillo and malbec aged in a combination of French and American oak. Both are dry and surprisingly nuanced in taste, with a moderate and silky smooth mouthfeel and notes of ripe berries. 

Some brands add sugar to their non-alcoholic wine to make up for a lack of complexity, but Sovi’s doesn’t do this. 

Suggested pairings: Charcuterie, braised short ribs, dark chocolate

Buy it: Sovi Reserve Red Non-Alcoholic Wine, $38

3. Leitz – Eins Zwei Zero Sparkling Riesling

German rieslings have a reputation for leaning more sweet — but the truth is, they can range quite a bit. This one strikes that perfect off-dry compromise for me; it has just enough sweetness without tasting like a cloying sugar bomb.

Clean, crisp, and bursting with flavors of lemon and other citrus fruits, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser. Best of all, it’s also available in a four-pack of cans — which are super convenient to pack for picnics or beach days.

Suggested pairings: Rich cheeses, apple crisp, pad thai

Buy it: Leitz – Eins Zwei Zero Sparkling Riesling, $25 for 4 cans; $22 per bottle  

4. Mionetto Sparkling Non-Alcoholic Wine

Whether I’m hosting guests for a casual dinner party or celebrating a special occasion with my husband, Mionetto Prosecco has always been my go-to bottle of bubbly. Fortunately, in 2023, they launched a non-alcoholic version of their popular prosecco. 

Not only does this wine start with the same blend of grapes as their original prosecco, but it also undergoes the same second fermentation process in stainless steel tanks. From there, the wine goes through one extra step: A distilled-vacuum process delicately extracts the alcohol without compromising the flavor. 

The result? A fresh, fruity, and fizzy wine that’s spectacular on its own — but also serves as a stellar base for mimosas and spritzes. 

Suggested pairings: Oysters, chicken curry, shrimp scampi

Buy it: Mionetto Sparkling Non-Alcoholic Wine, $18 

Related: 10 Summer Mocktail Recipes When You Don’t Feel Like Drinking

5. NON7

First thing’s first: This one isn’t technically wine. However, the base is verjus, which is the unfermented juice of young, unripened grapes. A stewed mix of cherries and nutmeg, garam masala, and other spices creates a jam blend, which is then mixed with cold brew coffee for a bold finish with tannins reminiscent of a real red wine. It’s vegan, contains no added sugar, and boasts a juicy, layered flavor profile and soft effervescence. I definitely recommend chilling this one before pouring.

Many nonalcoholic wines may still contain up to 0.5% ABV; NON’s whole line is great if you’re trying to avoid any traces of alcohol, since they legitimately clock in at 0%.

Suggested pairings: Grilled salmon, stuffed mushrooms, beet and goat cheese salad

Buy it: NON7 Stewed Cherry and Coffee, $30

6. Thomson & Scott Noughty Non-Alcoholic Rouge

This non-alcoholic red stands out for several reasons. It’s made with South African syrah grapes from strategically chosen sites with granite- and clay-rich soil, and ideal growing conditions. Then, the alcohol is removed using a gently spun cone technology under vacuum at a very low temperature so that the wine retains its unique flavor, color, and body.

It’s low in sulfites, contains only 2.5 grams of sugar per 100-ml serving, and most importantly, it has remarkable complexity — with notes of cranberry, black pepper, and a touch of oak. After you open the bottle, consider letting this one breathe a bit before pouring. While it’s tasty enough to enjoy solo, it also makes a spectacular base for non-alcoholic sangria.

Suggested pairings: Chili, grilled eggplant, barbecue chicken

Buy it: Thomson & Scott Noughty Non-Alcoholic Rouge, $25

7. Saint Viviana Sauvignon Blanc

“The more natural the flavor (and fewer additives), the better” — that’s Saint Viviana’s motto, and it shows. 

This Washington State sauvignon blanc — the result of a year-long process — is elegant, layered, and oozing with flavors of ripe citrus, green apple, and a pinch of oak on the finish. It’s dry, floral, grassy, and everything a sauvignon blanc should be. 

Suggested pairings: Roasted broccoli frittata, artichoke dip, Greek salad

Buy it: Saint Viviana Sauvignon Blanc, $23

8. Freixenet Alcohol Removed Sparkling Rosé

The best non-alcoholic wines are made using traditional winemaking methods before the alcohol is removed, and that’s the case here.

I don’t drink rosé often, but when I do, it’s always sparkling — and this is one I’ll definitely bust out when I’m feeling festive. Fresh, fruity, and well balanced, with notes of wild red berries, it has just the right amount of acidity and persistent bubbles to keep me coming back for another sip. 

This wine is super–food friendly, but I’ve also enjoyed a glass on its own after a long workday.

Suggested pairings: Seared ahi tuna, quiche, grilled snapper

Buy it: Freixenet Alcohol Removed Sparkling Rosé, $10

9. Oddbird Blanc De Blancs Sparkling White Wine

Blanc de Blancs translates to “white from whites” — in other words, a white wine made exclusively from white grapes. This one in particular is made from chardonnay and colombard from the renowned Languedoc-Roussillon region in France. Youthful yet refined, approachable yet complex, Oddbird’s Blanc De Blancs is dripping with honey, almond, and brioche on the finish. And it ages for a full 12 months before the alcohol is removed. 

This is a great bottle to break out when you’re entertaining guests — it’s bound to impress even the most finicky of wine drinkers.

Suggested pairings: Crab cakes, cheesy pastas, roasted chicken

Buy it: Oddbird Blanc De Blancs Sparkling White Wine, $25

Read next: 5 Alcohol-Free THC Drinks for a Chill Evening

Disclaimer: We only recommend products we seriously love and want to share. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which includes affiliate links.



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