Which wine is best for non-drinkers?

December 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to NielsenIQ data from October 2021, online sales of non-alcoholic beverages increased by 315% over the previous 12 months, highlighting a growing demand for drinks that deliver sophisticated flavor without the alcohol. For those wondering which wine is best for non-drinkers, the answer lies in understanding the diverse and evolving world of non-alcoholic wine alternatives.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals the best non-alcoholic and dealcoholized wines for those who prefer not to drink alcohol, detailing the flavors, production methods, and pairing suggestions. It contrasts options that retain wine-like complexity with simpler juice-based alternatives.

Key Points

Start with whites: For beginners, lighter and fruitier non-alcoholic white wines like Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc offer an easier entry point into the world of NA wine flavors.
Explore dealcoholized brands: High-quality dealcoholized options like Zeronimo and Lautus offer a sophisticated, wine-like experience by retaining complex flavors and aromas after alcohol removal.
Distinguish dealcoholized from alternatives: Dealcoholized wines start as traditional wines before alcohol is removed, while wine alternatives or 'proxies' are crafted from other ingredients like teas and juices, creating different flavor profiles.
Consider pairings: Non-alcoholic wines, like their alcoholic counterparts, can be expertly paired with food to enhance the dining experience. Crisp whites go well with seafood, and structured reds with hearty meals.
Manage expectations: Understand that non-alcoholic wine will have a slightly different mouthfeel and potentially less complexity than traditional wine due to the lack of alcohol, but quality brands are increasingly closing this gap.
Seek balanced, not-too-sweet options: Look for brands that focus on balance and flavor rather than just sweetness, as many cheap NA wines can taste like simple grape juice.
Enjoy the health benefits: Non-alcoholic wines typically have significantly fewer calories and retain many of the beneficial antioxidants found in traditional wine, all without the negative health effects of alcohol.

The world of wine can be intimidating, especially for those who don't drink alcohol. The good news is that advancements in winemaking have created an array of high-quality, non-alcoholic (NA) options that offer the flavor complexity of traditional wine without the intoxicating effects. From sophisticated dealcoholized versions to innovative wine alternatives, there's a perfect bottle waiting for every palate.

The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Wine

The sober-curious movement and a greater focus on health and wellness have propelled the non-alcoholic wine category into the mainstream. Many people seek out these beverages for a variety of reasons, including health concerns, weight management, or simply the desire for a sophisticated drink on a weeknight. High-quality NA wines go far beyond sparkling grape juice, offering complex flavors, aromas, and mouthfeel that mimic their alcoholic counterparts. Key production methods like vacuum distillation and reverse osmosis allow winemakers to gently remove alcohol while preserving the wine's delicate characteristics, resulting in products that taste remarkably authentic.

Best Non-Alcoholic White Wines for Beginners

Starting with white wines is often recommended for those new to the non-alcoholic world due to their often lighter and fruitier profiles, which are easier on the palate. The following are excellent entry points:

Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Riesling: Produced by a long-established German winery, this dealcoholized Riesling is praised for its balance of crisp acidity and fruity notes of green apple, lime, and dried pear. It captures the minerality of a traditional Riesling without excessive sweetness, making it a great pairing for seafood and spicy dishes.
Giesen 0% Sauvignon Blanc: This popular NA Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand is celebrated for retaining the varietal's crisp, grassy, and citrusy character. It is notably low in sugar, offering a dry and refreshing experience perfect for summer nights.
Noughty Alcohol-free Sparkling Chardonnay: A multiple award-winner, this sparkling option features bright notes of green apple and peach with a clean, crisp finish. It's an excellent celebratory beverage that stands in beautifully for a dry prosecco.

Best Non-Alcoholic Red Wines for Beginners

Red wines can be more challenging to replicate in non-alcoholic form, as the removal of alcohol can sometimes diminish body and tannic structure. However, several brands have mastered the art of creating delicious NA reds:

Zeronimo Leonis Blend: Widely considered one of the best premium NA red wines available, this dealcoholized blend has garnered high praise for its complexity and rich, authentic flavor profile. Notes of dark berries, earthiness, and oak spice provide a sophisticated experience for special occasions.
Lautus Savvy Red: This South African red blend is aged in oak before dealcoholization, which helps to create a full-bodied experience with a good tannic structure. It presents notes of red fruit and a dry finish, making it an excellent pairing for hearty dishes.
Oddbird GSM Red Wine: With grapes from France, this blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre offers layers of dark fruit and good balance. The winemaking process, which includes maturing for up to 12 months before dealcoholization, creates a complex and robust NA red.

Understanding the Labels: Dealcoholized vs. Alternatives

When exploring non-alcoholic options, it is helpful to understand the different terms used. This distinction often determines the beverage's flavor profile and complexity. For a truly authentic wine-like experience, look for dealcoholized or alcohol-removed wines. For a more experimental, non-traditional flavor profile, try a wine alternative or 'proxy'.

Non-Alcoholic Wine Product Comparison


Feature	Dealcoholized/Alcohol-Removed Wine	Wine Alternative (Proxy)
Production Process	Fermented like traditional wine, then alcohol is removed using methods like vacuum distillation or reverse osmosis.	Crafted from blends of fruits, teas, spices, and juices; never fermented.
Flavor Profile	Designed to mimic the flavor and character of traditional wine, including acidity, tannins, and complex aroma.	Often a unique and innovative flavor concept that doesn't aim to copy traditional wine.
Mouthfeel	Can sometimes be lighter in body due to the removal of alcohol, though producers work to compensate for this.	Can be designed to have a thicker or more textured mouthfeel using specific ingredients.
Best For	Those seeking a sophisticated beverage that closely resembles traditional wine without the alcohol.	Drinkers interested in exploring new, inventive flavor combinations that are not confined to the traditional wine mold.

A Concluding Toast to Inclusivity

The rising popularity and quality of non-alcoholic and dealcoholized wines have made the wine world more inclusive than ever before. Non-drinkers no longer have to settle for simple alternatives; they can now enjoy a beverage with complexity, depth, and character. The best NA wine for you depends on whether you seek the close approximation of traditional wine or a unique new taste. By exploring reputable brands and understanding the production differences, non-drinkers can find a high-quality, satisfying option for any occasion. Whether it’s a celebratory toast with a sparkling NA Chardonnay or a complex red with a hearty meal, the joy of a good bottle is now accessible to all. Cheers to exploring without the alcohol! For further reading on the production process, Decanter's guide offers more technical insight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Non-alcoholic wine will not taste exactly the same as regular wine because the removal of alcohol changes the flavor and mouthfeel. However, high-quality brands use sophisticated dealcoholization methods that preserve much of the original wine's character and complexity, offering a remarkably similar experience.

Yes, non-alcoholic wine is generally healthier as it contains significantly fewer calories and none of the negative health risks associated with alcohol consumption. It retains some beneficial antioxidants like polyphenols but should still be consumed in moderation due to its sugar content.

Non-alcoholic wines (or dealcoholized wines) are made by first fermenting grapes into regular wine. The alcohol is then removed using advanced techniques such as vacuum distillation or reverse osmosis, which separate the alcohol while preserving the wine's delicate aromas and flavors.

Dealcoholized wine is made from fermented wine that has had the alcohol removed. Wine alternatives (or proxies) are typically blends of juices, teas, and spices that are never fermented. Dealcoholized wines aim to replicate traditional wine, while alternatives offer a completely unique flavor profile.

No, non-alcoholic wines contain less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV), an amount too low to cause intoxication. This is a similar trace amount found in many common food products like ripe fruit and bread.

Excellent choices for non-alcoholic red wines include the rich and complex Zeronimo Leonis Blend, the structured Lautus Savvy Red, and the fruit-forward Oddbird GSM.

The Noughty Alcohol-free Sparkling Chardonnay is a great option for celebrations. It has won awards for its crisp, elegant, and bubbly profile with notes of apple and peach.