The Best Non-Alcoholic Wines That Actually Taste Good
Let’s talk about non-alcoholic wine.
If you just made a skeptical face, I get it. Non-alcoholic wine has a reputation—one that’s historically been... well, not great. For years, the options were mostly sugar bombs that tasted more like grape juice pretending to be wine rather than anything remotely enjoyable. But the industry has evolved. Today, some truly fantastic alcohol-free wines exist, made with real craftsmanship, thoughtful winemaking, and—most importantly—flavors that won’t leave you feeling like you just sipped Welch’s.
Whether you’re skipping alcohol for health reasons, taking a break, or just want to enjoy the social aspect of wine without the effects, there are some great options out there. And I’m here to give you the best of the best—the bottles I’d actually drink (and have) because they don’t just hold up to their alcoholic counterparts, they stand out as excellent beverages in their own right.
Why Consider Non-Alcoholic Wine?
Recent studies have increasingly shown that alcohol consumption, even in moderate amounts, carries significant health risks (shocking, right?). Research from institutions like the World Health Organization (WHO) and Harvard Medical School suggests that alcohol contributes to an increased risk of cancer, heart disease, liver damage, and even cognitive decline.
While wine, particularly red wine, has often been linked to potential heart health benefits due to antioxidants like resveratrol, experts now emphasize that these benefits do not outweigh the risks of alcohol consumption. Side effects of drinking alcohol can include dehydration, disrupted sleep, increased anxiety, and impaired cognitive function—even after just one or two drinks.
With this growing body of evidence, many people are opting for non-alcoholic alternatives to enjoy the flavors and rituals of wine without the health drawbacks.
What Makes a Good Non-Alcoholic Wine?
Before we get into the list, let’s quickly talk about what separates good non-alcoholic wine from bad.
De-alcoholization Method Matters: The best brands use methods like vacuum distillation or reverse osmosis to remove alcohol while preserving flavor.
Balance and Acidity: A good non-alcoholic wine isn’t just grape juice—it should have structure, acidity, and complexity.
No Excessive Sweetness: Many brands try to make up for lost body by adding sugar. The good ones don’t.
Aromatics Matter: The best non-alcoholic wines maintain their bouquet—those delicate aromas that make wine so enjoyable.
Mouthfeel Counts: Traditional wines have tannins, viscosity, and weight that non-alcoholic wines often lack. Good ones replicate this with careful winemaking techniques.
Now, let’s get to the best ones.
Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Sparkling Riesling (Germany)
I have to start with this one because it’s hands-down one of the best non-alcoholic wines I’ve had. Leitz is a top-tier producer of Riesling in Germany, and they bring that same expertise to their alcohol-free version. The Eins Zwei Zero Sparkling Riesling is crisp, with bright acidity, green apple, and citrus notes. It actually tastes like a proper Riesling—dry, refreshing, and perfect for food pairing.
Why I love it:
✔️ Great acidity and structure—not too sweet, perfectly balanced.
✔️ Fantastic bubbles—this could easily pass for a Prosecco alternative.
✔️ Pairs well with seafood, salads, or just sipping on its own.
Noughty Sparkling Chardonnay (South Africa)
Noughty by Thomson & Scott is another major player in the non-alcoholic wine game, and their Sparkling Chardonnay is a star. It’s organic, vegan, and low in sugar, which is rare for alcohol-free wines. The flavor? Crisp green apple, fresh citrus, and a touch of brioche. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option that actually has some elegance to it, this is the one.
Why I love it:
✔️ It’s actually dry! No cloying sweetness here.
✔️ Good complexity—light yeasty notes make it feel like real Champagne.
✔️ Pairs well with cheese boards, light pastas, and celebratory toasts.
Pierre Zéro Merlot (France)
Finding a good non-alcoholic red wine is tough. Whites and sparklings tend to fare better because they rely more on acidity and aromatics, but reds need body, tannin, and depth—all things that are often lost in the dealcoholization process. That said, Pierre Zéro Merlot is one of the best I’ve found. It has notes of black cherry, plum, and a little bit of spice, with enough structure to keep it interesting.
Why I love it:
✔️ One of the few non-alcoholic reds that actually has some depth.
✔️ Low in sugar but still fruit-forward.
✔️ Pairs with pizza, roasted veggies, or even BBQ.
Jenny & François - Non-Alcoholic French Sparkling
Another fantastic sparkling option comes from Jenny & François, a natural wine producer with a strong focus on quality. This one has fine bubbles, a crisp mouthfeel, and a slightly mineral-driven character that makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more refined, Champagne-like experience.
Why I love it:
✔️ It’s elegant and dry, perfect for food pairing.
✔️ The minerality gives it extra depth beyond just “fruitiness.”
✔️ Pairs beautifully with shellfish, sushi, or light salads.
Giesen 0% Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)
New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is known for its zippy acidity and intense aromatics, and Giesen has managed to capture that essence even in its alcohol-free version. It’s got classic citrus, passionfruit, and fresh-cut grass notes, making it an excellent alternative for white wine lovers who want something refreshing and zesty.
Why I love it:
✔️ Bright, fresh flavors that actually taste like Sauvignon Blanc.
✔️ Great acidity—keeps it feeling crisp and not flat.
✔️ Pairs with grilled fish, goat cheese, or Thai food.
Non-alcoholic wine has come a long way, and thankfully, we no longer have to suffer through syrupy-sweet imposters. Whether you want something crisp and bubbly, a refreshing white, or a structured red, there’s a solid alcohol-free option that can still bring the same enjoyment and food-pairing magic as traditional wines.
If you’re looking to dip your toes into the world of non-alcoholic wines, start with the Leitz Sparkling Riesling or the Noughty Sparkling Chardonnay—both are excellent, well-balanced choices that even a wine snob (like me) can appreciate. And if you’ve already found a favorite non-alcoholic wine, I’d love to hear about it. Let’s keep the good recommendations going!
Cheers (even without the alcohol)! 🍷
