Let's address the elephant in the room: alcohol free wine often taste like a disappointing grape juice's, while alcohol free beers are much more advanced in terms of quality and flavours. But good news, things are changing. Thanks to advanced dealcoholization methods and serious winemakers entering the category, today's non alcoholic wine actually tastes like... wine. Good wine, even.
The non-alcoholic drinks market is booming. While overall wine consumption is declining, alcohol free wine UK sales are growing at around 12% annually. This isn't just about Dry January or Sober October anymore – younger consumers influenced by health and wellness trends are seeking low alcohol drinks and zero alcohol wine as permanent lifestyle choices, not temporary sacrifices.
Whether you're cutting back, cutting out, or just curious, the alcohol free wine world has evolved from afterthought to legitimate choice. And at Forest Wines, we've curated a selection that proves you don't need alcohol to enjoy great wine.
Shop our no and low alcohol collection →
What is non alcoholic wine?
Non alcoholic wine contains less than 0.5% ABV, so legally considered alcohol-free.
Known as dealcoholized wine, it is real wine, fully fermented from quality grapes, with the alcohol carefully removed after fermentation. Dealcoholized wine uses advanced technology to preserve the flavours, aromas, and structure that make wine.
How is alcohol free wine made?
Quality alcohol free wine starts as regular wine. The magic happens in the dealcoholization process:
- Vacuum Distillation: Wine is gently heated in a vacuum chamber at low temperatures (around 25-30°C), just enough to evaporate alcohol while preserving delicate flavour compounds and aromatics.
- Reverse Osmosis: Wine is filtered at a molecular level to separate alcohol from other compounds. The alcohol is removed, and the flavor compounds are added back. This method is particularly good at preserving aromatic white wines.
Why choose alcohol free wine?
The lifestyle revolution
Is alcohol free wine healthy? Compared to regular wine, absolutely:
-
Fewer calories: Alcohol free wine calories typically range from 25-50 per glass vs. 120-150 for regular wine. Wondering "how many calories in alcohol free wine"? Most quality bottles list this clearly on the label.
-
No hangover: All the antioxidants from grapes, none of the next-day regret.
-
Better sleep: Alcohol significantly disrupts sleep quality – non alcoholic wine lets you enjoy the ritual without the consequences.
-
Medication safe: Many medications conflict with alcohol; zero alcohol wine eliminates that concern.
It’s perfect for...
-
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: The most common question we get is "can pregnant women drink alcohol free wine?" – yes! With less than 0.5% ABV, it's considered safe, but always consult your doctor.
-
Driving: Enjoy wine with dinner and drive home safely.
-
Fitness goals: Athletes love low alcohol wine and alcohol free options because alcohol impacts recovery and performance. Great for those training for a running race such as a half-marathon!
-
Mindful drinking: Choose when alcohol adds value vs. habit
-
Work events: Low alcohol drinks let you stay sharp during business lunches
-
Religious considerations: Is alcohol free wine halal? Generally yes, as it contains less than 0.5% ABV, but check specific certifications on bottles.
What to expect
Let's be real: does alcohol free wine have alcohol? Technically yes – up to 0.5% ABV – but it's negligible (orange juice naturally contains around 0.5% ABV too). More importantly, let's talk about taste.
What works great
Whites & Sparklers: Generally the most successful category. Alcohol free Sauvignon Blanc, non alcoholic Chardonnay, and alcohol free Prosecco are often indistinguishable from low-alcohol versions.
Non alcoholic sparkling wine particularly shines because bubbles help with texture and mouthfeel. Many sommeliers argue alcohol free Prosecco is actually easier to pair with food than regular Prosecco.
What's still evolving
Alcohol free red wine: Getting better but still challenging. Lighter styles work better – think Pinot Noir over Cabernet. The best alcohol free wine producers use oak aging and blending to add complexity that alcohol would normally provide.
What's different?
-
Body/texture: Alcohol contributes viscosity, so alcohol free wine feels slightly lighter
-
No alcohol "warmth" in the finish, so it’s often why alcohol free sparkling wine are more appreciated as they provide the fizz at the back of the throat that remind the alcohol warmth finish.
-
Some aromatic compounds are bound to alcohol, so they're removed together
-
Aromatics can be excellent, floral and fruit notes are often more pronounced
-
Acidity and minerality shine through beautifully
-
Food pairing still works brilliantly
One piece of advice: don’t compare non alcohol wines to alcohol wines directly. Instead, judge their flavour and texture profile on their own merit.
Non alcoholic wines and food pairing
Food pairing is about acidity, flavour, and balance – NOT alcohol content. Alcohol free wine often has high acidity and pure fruit flavours, making it exceptional with food.
Perfect pairings
Alcohol Free White Wine:
-
Seafood and shellfish (classic with alcohol free Sauvignon Blanc)
-
Light pasta with cream sauces
-
Asian cuisine – Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese
-
Soft cheeses and salads
Non Alcoholic Sparkling Wine:
-
Brunch dishes (yes, alcohol free Prosecco makes brilliant mimosas!)
-
Appetizers and canapés
-
Fried foods – acidity cuts through grease
-
Any celebration where you want bubbles without the buzz
Alcohol Free Red Wine:
-
Pizza and tomato-based pasta
-
Mushroom dishes
-
Lighter meats – chicken, pork
-
Vegetarian mains
How to buy quality alcohol free wine
Where to buy alcohol free wine
Alcohol free wine near me searches have skyrocketed. While supermarkets now stock basic options (Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose all carry non alcoholic wine UK selections), specialist wine merchants like us, at Forest Wines, offer curated, quality-focused selections you won't find in chain stores.
Forest Wines Alcohol-free & Low-alcohol selection
Premium dealcoholized wines
Wednesday Domaine Wines
Our Wednesday Domaine range represents some of the best non alcoholic wine UK has to offer. These aren't just good "for alcohol-free", they're genuinely delicious wines that happen to be dealcoholized.
-
Wednesday's Domaine, Sanguine Alcohol Free Red Wine: A brilliant non alcoholic red wine that rivals many alcoholic juicy reds. Made from Tempranillo grapes in the La Mancha region in Spain. It is light-bodied and fruity, with notes of cranberry, raspberry, and red plum - reminiscent of a Beaujolais
-
Wednesday's Domaine Vignette Red Alcohol Free Wine: Best enjoyed alongside a meal, offering a complexity that culminates in a long, dry finish. This blend of oaked Petit Verdot and vibrant Tempranillo offers rich flavours of dark plums and damson, with subtle notes of spice and forest floor.
-
Wednesday's Domaine, Piquant Alcohol Free White Wine: A great non alcoholic white, made of Airen grapes. Crisp, clean and perfectly balanced, with hints of flinty minerality and bright citrus notes - perfect for any occasion.
Lautus Wines
The Lautus range focuses on non alcoholic wine that captured the depth and elegance of a premium wine.. These dealcoholized wines showcase what's possible when serious winemakers apply craft techniques to alcohol free production.
-
Lautus Chardonnay: Refreshing, aromatic, full of summer fruits and citrus, and a light oaking, that’s everything you want from an alcohol free Chardonnay.
-
Lautus Sparkling Rose: Made of pinotage, this lively non alcoholic sparkling wine offers a bouquet of strawberries, raspberries and delicate floral undertones. Its elegant finish makes it perfect to celebrate any occasions.
Shop our alcohol free wine collection →
Beyond wine: Sparkling tea as a celebrated alternative
Here's a secret: if you're looking for sophisticated no alcohol drinks with that sparkling, wine-like feel, sparkling tea might be your new obsession.
Why sparkling tea?
Sparkling teas occupy a unique space between low alcohol drinks and soft drinks. They're:
-
Naturally sophisticated and complex
-
Perfect for food pairing
-
Often lower in calories than alcohol free wine
-
Fizzy and celebratory without trying to imitate wine
Our favourite Sparkling tea picks
L.A. Brewery Sparkling Tea
L.A. Brewery creates exceptional sparkling teas, using a kombucha-adjacent process, creating naturally carbonated beverages with wine-like complexity. Think of these as the best non alcoholic drinks for people who find standard soft drinks too sweet.
-
Complex herbal flavour profiles (citrus, ginger, summer fruits)
-
Natural fermentation creates sophisticated depth
-
Perfect in wine glasses at dinner parties
REAL Sparkling Tea
REAL's sparkling teas are brewed from different types of tea leaves and naturally carbonated. These aren't trying to be wine, they're confidently their own thing, which is why they work so brilliantly.
-
Dry, sophisticated profiles
-
Lower sugar than most soft drinks
-
Beautiful in flutes for celebrations
-
Pair surprisingly well with food
Another good thing: You can find both REAL and L.A. Brewery sparkling teas in a 75cl bottle format or in individual can formats!
Shop our sparkling tea collection →
The future is flexible
The alcohol free and low alcohol category isn't just a trend, it's a permanent expansion of beverage culture. Just as low alcohol beer (with alcohol free beer options now available in every pub), quality alcohol free wine is becoming a standard offering.
Serious wine regions are entering the space. Production methods are constantly improving. And most importantly, the stigma is disappearing. Choosing zero alcohol wine isn't about deprivation: it's about having options.
Whether you're exploring the "sober curious" lifestyle, training for a marathon, pregnant, or just want the flexibility to enjoy wine culture without alcohol, today's non alcoholic wine makes that possible in a way that wasn't true even five years ago.
Ready to Explore?
Shop our alcohol-free & low-alcohol collection →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is alcohol free wine really alcohol free?
Alcohol free wine contains less than 0.5% ABV, which is legally considered non-alcoholic in the UK and EU. For comparison, ripe bananas and orange juice can naturally contain up to 0.5% ABV. So while technically there are trace amounts of alcohol, they're negligible.
Can you drive after drinking alcohol free wine?
Yes! Non alcoholic wine with less than 0.5% ABV is perfectly legal to drink and drive. You could drink several glasses and still be well under any legal limit.
Can pregnant women drink alcohol free wine?
Generally, yes – is alcohol free wine really alcohol free? At less than 0.5% ABV, it's considered safe during pregnancy. However, always consult with your healthcare provider about your specific situation.
How many calories in alcohol free wine?
Alcohol free wine calories typically range from 20-50 calories per glass, compared to 120-150 calories for regular wine. The exact amount varies by style and sweetness level – check individual bottle labels for specifics.
Is alcohol free wine healthy?
Is alcohol free wine healthy? Compared to regular wine, yes. You get the antioxidants from grapes without alcohol's negative effects on sleep, recovery, and overall health. However, some alcohol free wine contains added sugar, so check labels if that's a concern.
Does alcohol free wine taste like regular wine?
The best alcohol free wine and best tasting alcohol free wine from quality producers like Wednesday Domaine and Lautus can be remarkably close to regular wine, especially whites and sparklers. Alcohol free red wine is still evolving but getting better. The key is choosing dealcoholized wine rather than non-fermented grape juice products.
Why is alcohol free wine more expensive than regular wine?
Quality alcohol free wine requires making regular wine first, then adding an expensive dealcoholization step. The process requires specialized equipment and expertise, which increases production costs.
Is alcohol free wine halal?
Is alcohol free wine halal? Generally, yes, as it contains less than 0.5% ABV. However, interpretations vary, so look for specific halal certifications on bottles if this is important to you.
Where can I buy alcohol free wine?
You can find alcohol free wine near me at most supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose), but for the best non alcoholic wine UK selection, specialist retailers like Forest Wines offer curated, quality-focused options. Where to buy alcohol free wine for the best selection? Shop our online store for delivery across the UK.
What's the best alcohol free wine?
The best alcohol free wine depends on your taste preferences, but highly rated options include Wednesday Domaine's sparkling and still range, Lautus organic wines, and German alcohol free Sauvignon Blanc producers. For alcohol free Prosecco, look for Italian producers using traditional dealcoholization methods. Check our alcohol free wine reviews section for detailed tasting notes.
