Wine without a hangover, but with full flavor? Sounds like rebellion in a glass—and that's exactly what this is all about. More and more people are turning to non-alcoholic wine and discovering a new way to enjoy it. Whether you're consciously avoiding alcohol, have to drive, or are simply curious—alcohol-free wine is no longer grape juice for adults. It's a real player in the world of fine wines . Enjoyment is paramount, and all without alcohol—cheers!
What exactly is non-alcoholic wine?
Alcohol-free wine is essentially regular wine from which the alcohol is subsequently removed . This means it is produced in the same way as classic wine – from carefully selected grapes, depending on the grape variety, and with just as much passion from the winemaker. Only then is the alcohol gently removed. The production follows the same artisanal standards – only the result is a bit lighter, but no less flavorful.
This largely preserves the aromas, fine structure, and flavor—only the alcohol content is below 0.5% . This officially qualifies it as alcohol-free and is ideal for those who want to enjoy a more conscious drink without sacrificing the subtle nuances of a real wine.
How is non-alcoholic wine made?
Sounds like magic, but it's modern technology. There are various processes for dealcoholization—and yes, some of the terms sound like chemistry class, but stay with us—the most important processes are:
- Vacuum distillation : The alcohol is gently removed at low temperatures to preserve the flavors. The advantage? Less heat means more flavor!
- Reverse osmosis : This involves breaking down the wine into its components, filtering out the alcohol, and then reassembling it. Sounds futuristic—but tastes like something from the here and now.
- Column process : The alcohol is gradually separated in a special distillation column. This process is often used with great sensitivity to ensure the quality of the final product.
Each method has its advantages – what ultimately matters is the quality of the wine and, of course, its taste. It's also important that as little of the natural flavors as possible are lost in all these processes.
What makes a good non-alcoholic wine?
If you want the best non-alcoholic wine, consider these points:
- Grape variety : Not every grape performs equally well in non-alcoholic wines. Riesling, Chardonnay , or Merlot often produce optimal results because they naturally offer intense flavors.
- Aromas : A good non-alcoholic wine will have fruity, floral, or spicy notes—depending on the style. The aromas should be complex and whet your appetite for the next sip.
- Sugar : Sometimes the lack of alcohol is compensated for with sweetness. Be sure to consider your personal taste. Too much sugar can upset the balance.
- Quality of the winery : The better the raw materials, the higher the quality of the result. A good winery places value on craftsmanship, even in non-alcoholic versions.
Another tip: Check whether the wine has actually been dealcoholized or whether it's more of a grape juice with a winey character. This makes a big difference in taste.
Non-alcoholic red wine vs. white wine – what’s the difference?
Red wine without alcohol? Of course, it's possible. But it's not quite as easy as with white wine. Red wine often thrives on depth and tannins – and these are precisely the ones that can suffer during dealcoholization. Therefore, special care in production is required.
Therefore:
- White wine : Often lighter, fresher, more aromatic – great for beginners and summer days.
- Red wine : A little more difficult to produce, but with the right grape variety and good production, it's still a delight. Fruity red wines like Dornfelder or Pinot Noir are particularly suitable.
Our tip: Combine non-alcoholic red wine with a suitable dish – such as pasta, cheese or grilled vegetables – and you will be surprised at how well it harmonizes.
And what about sparkling wine and the like?
Sparkling wine has also been available without alcohol for a long time – and not just as sweet children's sparkling wine. Dealcoholized sparkling wine with a fine carbonation and a tangy character is a real party hit for anyone who wants to join in the celebration – but without the alcohol.
Especially with sparkling wine, the right amount of carbonation is crucial. This creates a tingling sensation on the tongue. Many non-alcoholic sparkling wines today impress with genuine freshness, good mousse, and complex aromas .
Who is non-alcoholic wine ideal for?
Whether you're pregnant or breastfeeding, someone with a health concern, a driver, an athlete, or simply anyone who wants to take a break from alcohol, alcohol-free wine is more than a compromise —it's a conscious choice for enjoyment, style, and joie de vivre. And let's be honest: There are days when a glass of wine is perfect—but the alcohol just isn't. Then a good alcohol-free wine is the perfect solution.
Non-alcoholic wine is also becoming increasingly popular in business contexts, at lunch with colleagues, or at events. It demonstrates style, confidence, and a sense of responsibility – entirely in keeping with modern drinking culture.
Briefly mentioned: Low-alcohol wines
Not quite dealcoholized, but still light on their feet: Low-alcohol wines are the perfect alternative for those who like a lighter drink but don't want to completely avoid alcohol. Whether it's a sparkling white wine with just 9% alcohol, a rosé for a sundowner, or a sparkling wine with 5% alcohol – the options are endless .
Light wines are especially popular on hot days or when you want to enjoy several glasses without getting tipsy. The aromas are fully preserved , and the alcohol content remains within limits—ideal for hours of enjoyment with ease.
👉 You can find out more about this in our blog post " Low-alcohol wine: light enjoyment for every occasion ".
CorkRebels: Ready for the wine rebellion?
Looking for good wine? Then CorkRebels is the place for you. Our rebellious range includes:
- non-alcoholic and classic white wines , red wines , rosés and sparkling wines
- carefully curated bundles for those who can't (or don't want to) decide
- selected low-alcohol wines for light enjoyment
We focus on quality, character, and that certain something – far removed from the mainstream. Every wine you find here is selected by true wine lovers who know what matters: taste, aromas, passion.
Do you have questions about dealcoholization, want to know more about a specific winery, or need a personal recommendation? Our customer service is fast, uncomplicated, and always available— just write to us; we're here for you.
And don't forget: In our blog , you'll find many more exciting articles about wine, production, grape varieties, and of course—pleasure-free enjoyment. Cheers!
