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10 Best Non-Alcoholic Wines

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Author: Christine Roth

Last Updated: 6/04/2022

Non-alcoholic wines can be beneficial for several people for many different reasons. First and foremost, it offers you the opportunity to have a drink you enjoy without the side effects of alcohol. Non-alcoholic wines can be useful for those who are observing religious holidays, serving as the designated driver, taking a break from drinking, or trying to cut back on alcohol intake.

Non-alcoholic wines are generally made similarly to alcoholic wines, in which the grapes are fermented and alcohol is produced as a byproduct, but are put through an additional step of “dealcoholization” which is most popularly done by reverse osmosis but can also be achieved by a vacuum distillation process. Because of these processes, many “non-alcoholic” wines include trace amounts of alcohol up to 0.5%; anything over 0.5% ABV cannot be considered non-alcoholic. 

While there are differing opinions as to whether or not non-alcoholic wines are beneficial to those who are attempting to recover from alcoholism, it is definite that these are a possible substitution for those who are attempting to cut back on alcohol intake but are still looking for the taste experience of wines they enjoy. 

1. Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon

Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied blend made in California by Ariel Vineyards, which specializes in making non-alcoholic wines. The blend features flavor notes of black currants, cherry, blueberries, and chocolate and has a dry finish. This blend is considered to be comparable to other cabernet sauvignons but is considered non-alcoholic as it has less than 0.5% ABV. This wine is sold in 750 ml bottles at a price point of $12.99, placing it into an affordable price range. This wine is good for pairing with foods such as carne asada or wood-fired pizzas. 

2. Ariel Chardonnay

Also made by Ariel Vineyards, their take on a non-alcoholic chardonnay features a flavor profile that shows notes of tropical fruit and oak from the aging process, along with buttery apple and butterscotch. This wine is a perfect pairing for spaghetti carbonara, duck, or sauteed scallops, and sits at a price point of $12.99 for a 750 ml bottle, making it a perfect addition to your dinner while still offering less than 0.5% ABV. 

3. Stella Rosa Peach

Stella Rosa Peach is a non-alcoholic wine with 0.3% ABV, made by Stella Rosa wines at the San Antonio Winery. This wine is perfect for the summer with a semi-sweet, refreshing flavor of white peach and wildflower honey.  Available in 750 ml bottles, 187 ml mini bottles, and 250 ml cans, this is a versatile non-alcoholic wine that pairs well with summer salads, fruit, ice cream, and cheeses at home or while out. The price point of Stella Rosa Peach sits at about $10.95 per bottle. 

4. St. Regis Chardonnay

St. Regis is a European winemaker that specializes in non-alcoholic wines. St. Regis states that their dealcoholized wines are fermented and aged the same way traditional wines are to achieve the perfect, full flavor. Then, the alcohol is removed through a vacuum distillation process that allows it to retain all of the flavors while getting rid of the alcohol. With an ABV of less than 0.5%, this wine is medium-bodied with a flavor that is refreshing, sweet, and light. Additionally, each 750 ml bottle sits around a price point of $9.99 making it one of the more affordable non-alcoholic wines. St. Regis Chardonnay pairs well with summer salads and a broad range of seafood like smoked salmon. 

5. Waterbrook Clean Chardonnay

Waterbrook Clean Chardonnay is Waterbrooks’ non-alcoholic take on one of their traditional chardonnays. Waterbrook is a winery based in Walla Walla, Washington. The wine has aromas of fresh tree fruit, featuring golden delicious apples and local honey, and finishes with a hint of oak and vanilla. Containing less than 0.5% ABV, each 750 ml bottle costs approximately $12.00. 

6. Martinelli’s Sparkling Blush

Martinelli’s Sparkling Blush is a 100% juice, non-alcoholic Sparkling Blush made from freshly grown apples and raspberry juice. Being that this is not a dealcoholized wine and is made from juice, there is 0.0% alcohol in this drink, making it ideal for those who are searching for the taste and experience of a sparkling blush but with none of the risks associated with small amounts of alcohol. Martinelli’s Sparkling Brush, however, sits at a much higher price point of $65 per 25.4 fl oz (750 ml) bottle. This option may be the safest for those who are trying to avoid alcohol intake because it is not intended to mimic the taste of traditional wine and consists only of a juice blend.

7. Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Riesling

Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Riesling is a German medium-bodied de-alcoholized wine that claims to have 0.0% ABV. This wine features flavor notes of lime, green apples, and minerals with a focus on citrus flavoring and a dry finish. Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Riesling is available in both cans and bottles with the 750 ml bottle costing around $17.99, while a four-pack of 250 ml cans is $24.99. 

8. Fre Alcohol-Removed Merlot

Fre Alcohol-Removed Merlot is a red wine produced in California by Fre, a company that specializes in producing alcohol-removed wines. Fre’s specification that they produce alcohol-removed wines, as opposed to non-alcoholic or alcohol-free wines, shows an amount of attention to the process through which their wines are produced. Fre’s wines are first produced the same as traditional wines and alcohol is created in this process. Then, Fre uses what they have deemed a state-of-the-art spinning cone technology to remove the alcohol while still retaining all of the original flavors. Fre’s Alcohol-Removed Merlot has a taste of plum, cherry, and spices. Each 750 ml bottle costs approximately $7, making it one of the more affordable wines on this list. Some suggested pairings are lamb and stews, which help compliment the rich flavors. 

9. Codorniu Alcohol-Free Sparkling Wine

Codorniu Alcohol-Free Sparkling Wine, also known as Codorniu Zero Brut Alcohol-Free, is a Spanish sparkling wine that boasts flavors of citrus, lemon, orange, honey, and apples. The Codorniu brand is a brand that is historically known for producing Cava, a traditional Spanish method of sparkling wine, so it is no surprise they wanted to try their own take on a de-alcoholized version. At 0.5% ABV, this medium-bodied dealcoholized wine is perfect for pairing with seafood and salads. Some reviewers have said that this wine doesn’t necessarily taste exactly like the traditional version, but reminds you of it. This wine is sold in 750 ml bottles for an average price of $11.99

10. Codorniu Zero Rosé Alcohol-Free

Also produced by the Spanish manufacturer Codorniu, their Zero Rose Alcohol-Free is their take on a de-alcoholized Rosé. With 0.5% ABV, this de-alcoholized rosé has flavor notes of citrus and tropical fruit and is perfect for those who enjoy a light, bubbly drink. The average price for a 750 ml bottle of Codorniu Zero Rosé Alcohol-Free is about $11.99.

What do Non-Alcoholic Wines Taste Like?

Much like traditional wines, there is a large spectrum of tastes and flavor notes associated with different types of wine that have to do not only with the region in which they are created but also the type of wine and process used to create them. According to professional reviews, non-alcoholic sparkling wines often taste the closest to traditional sparkling wines, followed by non-alcoholic white wines, such as Sauvignon blanc or chardonnay. 

Some of the main differences in taste similarities and differences between non-alcoholic wines and their traditional counterparts can be attributed to the type of dealcoholization process used. Most companies aim for one of two processes to remove the alcohol content from their wine, either reverse osmosis or vacuum distillation processes. Regardless of which method is chosen, these methods are used in scenarios in which the wine is originally created and fermented the same as traditional wines, to adhere to the original flavor profile; this means that the product originally has a traditional alcohol content, which is then removed through one of the aforementioned processes. 

While this process is beneficial in maintaining flavor profiles, it does often leave trace amounts of alcohol (0.5% ABV or less) in the wine, rather than being alcohol-free. 

Is It Safe for Alcoholics to Drink Non-Alcoholic Wine?

Non-alcoholic wines are traditionally marketed as a safe alternative for those who need/want to moderate or avoid alcohol intake, such as alcoholics. While many recovering alcoholics warn against the consumption of alternative drinks like non-alcoholic wines, due to the possibility of triggers, some may find them beneficial. 

For current alcoholics, there is evidence that non-alcoholic wine may help in assisting you while attempting to cut back on alcohol consumption and figuring out your triggers for drinking. However, it is not intended to be a complete replacement for traditional alcoholic drinks. Those who are attempting to detox from alcohol and stop drinking suddenly are at risk for symptoms of withdrawal such as cold sweats, rapid heart rate, nausea, and in more severe cases seizures. Alcoholism presents itself in many ways, so using non-alcoholic wines is a great way to prevent future problems.

Can You Drink Non-Alcoholic Wine with Liver Disease?

No, you cannot necessarily drink non-alcoholic wine with liver disease; however, some exceptions apply. Many wines that claim to be “non-alcoholic” are considered such because they contain less than 0.5% ABV of alcohol, not because there is 0.0% alcohol in them. For those with more severe liver conditions, this small amount of alcohol may still place additional stress on the liver as it tries to metabolize and process the alcohol. 

That said, however, non-alcoholic wines have significantly less alcohol in them than traditional wines and are significantly easier on the liver. If you have been diagnosed with liver disease, you should speak to your health care provider about whether or not non-alcoholic wines may be a safe option for you and your lifestyle. Alcohol and liver disease go hand-in-hand, so it’s important to know the risks.

Is Non-Alcoholic Wine Good for Recovering Alcoholics?

Non-alcoholic wine is not necessarily good for all recovering alcoholics but can be beneficial to some. Many non-alcoholic wines, especially those that are made in such a way as to mimic the taste of their traditional counterparts, pose the risk of triggering memories of a time before recovery for recovering alcoholics. Many recovering alcoholics advocate for avoiding non-alcoholic wines and non-alcoholic drinks made to mimic alcoholic drinks, especially early in the recovery process to lower the craving for alcoholic drinks.

Non-alcoholic wine, however, has the benefit of allowing recovering alcoholics to still be able to participate in events in which wine may be commonplace. For those who are further along in their recovery process and maybe feel left out in situations where others are drinking, these can be a good alternative that still allows them to maintain their sobriety. 

What are the Other Non-Alcoholic Drinks that Taste Like Alcoholic ones?

For those who are trying to recover from alcoholism, the best option is to avoid alcohol entirely, whenever possible to help encourage and maintain your sobriety. Still, there are some drinks that you can order when out that may be easily accessible, and reminiscent of alcoholic drinks, without putting you at risk of relapsing.

Some of those include: