7 non-alcoholic wines that taste like wine

Mar 06, 2023

I often get asked for my list of the best non-alcoholic wines that actually taste like wine. For many, their first experience with non-alcoholic wine would have been from years back and was akin to drinking grape juice. But I am here to change that.
Pouring wine from a decanter

Modern techniques have come a long way and I can confidently say that even the most seasoned wine drinkers will be pleasantly surprised at how good non-alcoholic wine tastes now. To get your next non-alcoholic wine party started, let me share with you the best non-alcoholic wines there are in the market.

What is a non-alcoholic wine?

Non-alcoholic wine is simply wine without alcohol and usually at 0.5% ABV (alcohol by volume) or less. Many Aussies today are seeking healthier lifestyles which has led to a shift in drinking habits. And because of this, non-alcoholic wines have become increasingly popular. You can even enjoy non-alcoholic wines at your next outdoor picnic and not have to catch an Uber home.

How is non-alcoholic wine made?

There are three main ways to remove alcohol from wine. First is the Vacuum Distillation method, which is the process of gently warming the wine to a low temperature in an airless vacuum. The second is The Spinning Cone method, which is an advanced form of vacuum distillation where rapidly spinning cones are added to provide a gentle but speedy result. The third is Reverse Osmosis (or Cold Filtration) which involves filtering out the alcohol.

No matter which technique a winemaker uses to remove alcohol from wine, one thing that remains is the process of de-alcoholising wines always calls for the wine to be made the same way as an alcoholic wine would. This means the same varietal grapes are used so whatever non-alcoholic wine is bottled at the end of the day, will share the same flavours, colours and aromas as its alcoholic cousin.

Does non-alcoholic wine taste like wine?

It’s the first question I had when getting into the business and it’s the question everyone still has when they pick up their first non-alcoholic wine bottle.

I’m here with some good news: removing the alcohol doesn’t change the taste — it simply removes the guilt! And because the process to make non-alcoholic wines is exactly the same as how alcoholic wines are made minus the alcohol, preserving your non-alcoholic wine requires the same care.

Now that I’ve uncorked the mystery of whether non-alcoholic wine tastes like wine, I’ve put together a list of some of the best non-alcoholic wines in Australia.

7 best non-alcoholic wines to try

1. Next Destination 2018 Barossa Valley Shiraz

Next Destination Wines is a unique premium wine range that brings iconic Australian cellar-door wine experiences straight to your home. This Next Destination 2018 Barossa Valley Shiraz is a non-alcoholic red wine that comes from Barossa Valley, South Australia and if it’s one thing the Barossa Valley is famous for, it’s producing some of the best shiraz wines in the world.

The taste

This non-alcoholic shiraz has notes of dark chocolate, ripe berries and new French oak while offering a smooth and complex finish. Body & Soul even compared it as the perfect alternative, and maybe even better, to the world-renowned Penfolds Bin 389.

Worth noting

This non-alcoholic wine is vegan-friendly and also low in sugar.

What customers are saying

“Wow, the best non-alcohol red wine so far. This is one of the only alcohol-free red wines that doesn’t taste like grape juice. It is complex and dry, with a big round Barossa Valley taste.”

2. Two Hoots Cabernet Sauvignon

If you’re a fan of full-bodied reds and looking for one of the best-tasting non-alcoholic wines then you need to add Two Hoots Cabernet Sauvignon to your list. Two Hoots grows its cabernet sauvignon grapes in the coastal region of South Africa which is known for producing some of the world’s best-tasting wines.

The taste

This non-alcoholic cabernet sauvignon has notes of sun-ripened cherries, unsweetened dark chocolate and plum. It is robust and dry, rich in tannins and has a great mouthfeel.

Worth noting

This non-alcoholic wine is low in sugar and calories.

What customers are saying

“Best non-alcoholic red of all I have tried so far. For me to actually order a case of six says a lot, so do give this one a try.”

3. Two Hoots Chenin Blanc

The Two Hoots Chenin Blanc is a French-style full-bodied, dry white wine produced in the low, coastal regions of South Africa that's renowned for making some of the top white wines in the world. If you’re in the market for a non-alcoholic white wine, trust me when I say you’ve got to give this one a try!

The taste

This dry non-alcoholic white wine has balanced acidity, notes of crisp apple and pear and a well-rounded finish.

Worth noting

This non-alcoholic wine is low in sugar and calories.

What customers are saying

“Amazing. I just received this today, poured myself a glass this evening and honestly had to go back and check the bottle was actually alcohol-free. Fruity and full of flavour, they’ve nailed it.”

4. Next Destination 2018 McLaren Vale Chardonnay

Many of my customers have shared that the Next Destination 2018 McLaren Vale Chardonnay is one of their favourite non-alcoholic white wines to fill their glasses on a hot summer’s day. Produced from Chardonnay that’s been grown in the iconic McLaren Vale wine region of South Australia, this non-alcoholic white wine has been aged for 4 years before having its alcohol removed.

The taste

This non-alcoholic Chardy has delicate hints of oak, citrus blossom and honeysuckle. It has a dry profile, buttery mouthfeel and oak tannins to give it a long finish.

Worth noting

This alcohol-free white wine is vegan-friendly and low in sugar and calories.

What customers are saying

“This is a fantastic bottle of wine. I loved it with my dinner, it was lovely and refreshing. Highly recommended. I can’t wait for the summer months to enjoy this ice cold.”

5. 1920 Wines Rosé

This Australian-produced 1920 Wines Rosé was inspired by the year made famous by the constitutional ban on alcoholic beverages from 1920 to 1933 which was also known as the Prohibition era. Thankfully, you can readily get this highly rated non-alcoholic rosé today with just a click of a button!

The taste

This 1920 Wines non-alcoholic rosé wine has a dry, robust flavour profile with notes of freshly picked strawberries, almond blossom and rose petals. It’s crisp, elegant and delicious.

Worth noting

This non-alcoholic wine is low in calories, low in sugar and vegan-friendly.

What customers are saying

“This is nice and dry and full of flavour. A great rosé to enjoy every day.”

6. Next Destination 2021 Langhorne Creek Blanc de Blanc

The Next Destination 2021 Langhorne Creek Blanc de Blanc is one of the best non-alcoholic sparkling wines on the market and by far one of the best champagne alternatives out there. Made from premium Langhorne Creek wine, this alcohol-free sparkling wine has all the flavours of the vintage with fine bubbles, minus any of the party hangovers.

The taste

This non-alcoholic sparkling wine boasts a dry profile, aromas of lemon curd and citrus, and a crisp palate with flavours of toasted brioche, fresh blossom and green apple.

Worth noting

This non-alcoholic wine is also vegan-friendly, low in sugar and low in calories.

What customers are saying

“Almost too good to be true. I cannot believe how good this one is, you would not believe that this is an alcohol-free sparkling wine.”

7. 1920 Pinot Grigio

The 1920 Pinot Grigio is a beautifully balanced drink with a long and satisfying finish. This Australian-made non-alcoholic wine retains the classic flavours of its alcoholic counterpart and is perfect for the traditional pinot grigio fans who want a non-alcoholic wine of their favourite pour.

The taste

This non-alcoholic white wine has a dry and robust flavour profile and you’ll pick up notes of nashi pear, apple and lemon.

Worth noting

This non-alcoholic wine is low in calories and vegan-friendly.

What customers are saying

“This is the only non-alcoholic wine I have found that genuinely tastes like wine. So glad to have found it, plus it is low in calories which is a great bonus for me! It is now a permanent fixture in the fridge.”

Find your favourite non-alcoholic wine

I hope this list has given you a few ideas to rekindle or ignite your taste buds for non-alcoholic wine. If you’d like help on where to buy non-alcoholic wine, check out my wide range of non-alcoholic wines from some of the best wineries in the world.

If you want to find out more about our non-alcoholic wines, sign up for my newsletter and don’t forget to snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram when you’ve found your new favourite non-alcoholic drop!

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