With the non-alcoholic drinks industry exploding, you've probably seen the terms 'alcohol-free wine', 'de-alcoholised wine 'and 'non-alcoholic wine'. These are interchangeable terms for wine that contain less than 0.5% ABV.
What is non-alcoholic wine?
While technically, wines that are 0.5% ABV contain trace amounts of alcohol, it's the same amount of alcohol found in ripe bananas - so it's negligible in terms of effects.
A good non-alcoholic wine in red, white, rose or sparkling wine actually tastes, smells and feels just like traditional wine.
There are lots of factors that impact the flavour, aroma and mouthfeel of wine - from where the grapes are grown to the winemaking techniques used. So you may need to try a few different brands to find the ones you love (side note: This is why I also sell wine by the single bottle).
What’s the difference between non-alcoholic wine and grape juice?
There was a time that grape-juice masqueraded as alcohol-free wine, but thankfully those days are behind us. Non-alcoholic wine started it's life as real wine. The grapes are chosen (based on the wine variety being made and for the flavour profile they create) and harvested by the winery, crushed and fermented. At this stage, the sugar in the grape juice is converted into alcohol and the result is alcoholic wine.
The next stage is ageing, a process that ranges from from months to years, and determines the intensity of flavour. Wine is aged in big steel tanks or oak barrels.
When the wine has been aged to perfection, the alcohol is gently removed via distillation or filtration.
The distillation process uses very low heat in a vacuum which removes alcohol via steam, while the filtration process gently moves the wine through a super fine membrane that separates the alcohol from the rest of the wine. The Australian made Newblood wine incorporates uniquely triple distilled process.
One the alcohol has been removed, it can be bottled, labeled and shipped off to sellers.
Grape juice, on the other hand, is made in a juice factory like orange and apple juice. Grapes are crushed and pressed into juice which is pasteurised and bottled.
Why drink non-alcoholic wine?
There are lots of reasons to enjoy non-alcoholic wine. You might be a non-drinker who still appreciates the aroma, taste and mouthfeel of wine. You could be taking a temporary break from alcohol, because you're pregnant or breastfeeding or taking part in a challenge. Or perhaps you just want to reduce your alcohol consumption and drink more mindfully.
As a country, we’re definitely making healthier choices when it comes to what we’re putting into our bodies. So it doesn't surprise me that the percentage of alcohol-free wine consumption in Australia is set to climb to 18 per cent of the worldwide tally as soon as 2023.
This means the range of non-alcoholic wines and other alc-free beverages is continually growing. And I'll make sure you have access to all the best one right here.
If you're inspired to jump on the mindful drinking bandwagon, but you're not sure where to start, I have made some simple bundles so that you can sample some of our popular alcohol-free wines.
Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine
I've found that non-alcoholic sparkling wine tastes the closest to champagne and alcoholic sparkling wine - so if you are new to alc-free drinks this is a great place to start.
I love supporting Australian brands and this Six pack discounted bundle contains four of our best selling Australian Sparkling wines.
Non-Alcoholic Reds
These red wines are our 'Best of Reds' bundle and include six of my favourite alcohol-free reds, including best seller, Newblood Shiraz, which has proved to be an absolute game changer for a lot of customers.
Non-Alcoholic Whites
The 'Best of Whites' bundle showcases four of our best selling white wines, including the famous Giesen Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
Non-Alcoholic Rose
These 'Best of Rose' bundle includes our four of our best selling rose wines and features the best selling Le Petit Chavin and the antioxidant rich Plus & Minus Rose.
If you're still not sure, try reading my guide to Non-Alcoholic Shiraz , my guide to French Wine, or my guide to the best alc-free Australian wine.
