January 09, 2025 - 4 comments
Why we’re saying ‘no’ to non-alcoholic wine?
Of course we aren’t against dry January, but as strong defenders of the natural wine movement, we're on the search for naturally fermented wine alternatives that are crafted by genuine artisans!
Did you know that non-alcoholic wines aren't naturally alcohol-free? Instead, alcohol is removed through a process that involves significant interventions.
This typically occurs through two methods: vacuum distillation, wherein the wine is heated until the alcohol evaporates, or reverse osmosis, a significant intervention commonly employed by conventional winemakers to filter the wine.
Also, in an effort to mimic the flavor of traditional wine without alcohol, some non-alcoholic wines may be artificially flavored or sweetened, or contain additives to enhance color and mouthfeel.
So, what are the alternatives? Luckily there is starting to be a wide range of naturally fermented proxy wines and wine alternatives. These drinks are not intended to replicate wine but rather to mimic the experience by mixing different ingredients together.
Producers like Feral in Italy use lacto-fermented beets as a base, while Muri in Denmark experiments with an impressive array of ingredients, from quince kefir to fermented gooseberries. There are also fantastic kombucha-based options, all naturally fermented. Every day, the boundaries of innovation are being pushed in the quest for the best tasting beverages.
Below, we've listed a few companies that are creating great alternatives for you to get started.
So why not skip non-alcoholic wine and soda, and deep dive into the world naturally fermented non alcoholic alternatives.
Companies producing non-alcoholic drinks :
