One of the first questions I had when I decided to take a break from alcohol was - how am I going to find the best non-alcoholic red wine?
What would I drink with my pasta? Was eating a steak without a red even possible?
I went on a mission to find the best tasting non-alcoholic red wine. Let's just say the experience was....frustrating to say the least. I thought it would be fairly simple to find one after finding some excellent alcohol-free white wines, but no siree.
Ask any winemaker and you'll get the same response - a good dealcoholized red wine is extremely difficult to create. As one winemaker put it to me after I tipped yet another bottle down the sink: 'when you remove the alcohol, you remove the body'.
And let's face it, most of us red wine drinkers are looking for that robust red, where the flavors explode on your tongue and give way to a beautiful, long lasting finish.
The good news is red wine alternatives have come a long way in the last 2 years and they are only getting better.
Below you'll find my reviews for some of the best, and underneath some tips and tricks for having a good non-alcoholic red wine experience.
The Best Red Wine Without Alcohol
In no particular order, here are my recommendations:
Giesen 0% Merlot
Alcohol: not more than 0.5%
Calories: 18 calories per 100ml
Sugar: 1.3g per 100ml
Review: Wow she’s a goodie. With a gorgeous deep ruby red hue, this is ideal if you are looking for non-alcoholic Merlot. Light and oaky, it tastes of crushed berries and plum with a lovely dry finish.
Giesen also do an incredible alcohol-free Sauvignon Blanc and a Rosé.
Noughty Rouge Syrah
Alcohol: not more than 0.5%
Calories: 14 calories per 100ml
Sugar: 2.5g per 100ml
Review: Robust and juicy with tannins - what more could you ask for? This dealcoholized wine is a gorgeous deep red that is perfect for sipping while eating pasta.
Next destination barossa valley shiraz
Alcohol: 0.5%
Calories: 21 calories per 100ml
Sugar: 2.5g per 100ml
Review: With notes of dark chocolate, ripe berries and new french oak, this robust Shiraz is smooth and complex with a dry finish.
Lautus Savvy Red
Alcohol: 0.5%
Calories: 12 calories per 100ml
Sugar: 2g per 100ml
Review: Aged in oak for 9-12 months, this wine is made from a blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage grapes. It's lovely and dry but still rich and fruity, with a lovely subtle oak finish.
Altina Sansgria
Alcohol: not more than 0.02%
Calories: 17 calories per 100ml
Sugar: 1g per 100ml
Review: I'm not sure if I can call this a red wine as such, but this alcohol free Sangria is made with dealcoholized wine from Shiraz grapes and is HEAVENLY.
With notes of bold red fruit and citrus this sparkling Sangria is lovely and dry and very low in sugar!
Edenvale Sparkling Shiraz
Alcohol: not more than 0.5%
Calories: 38 calories per 100ml
Sugar: 6.1g per 100ml
Review: Fruity, robust and a little spicy, I adore this sparkling shiraz. Yes it is a touch sweet but so is a regular sparkling shiraz. Dad and I make a point of having this with our turkey on Christmas Day - TRUST me - you need to try it!
Tread Softly alcohol-removed Pinot noir
Alcohol: not more than 0.5%
Calories: 13 calories per 100ml
Sugar: 2.5g per 100ml
Review: Smooth and full bodied, this wine is earthy and tastes of berries with a lovely dry finish.
Lindemans non-alcoholic cabernet sauvignon
Alcohol: not more than 0.5%
Calories: 17 calories per 100ml
Sugar: 3.5g per 100ml
Rich, bold and peppery, this red has firm tannins but is very smooth to drink. It's one of the best non-alcoholic Cabernet Sauvignons on the market.
The benefits of non-alcoholic red wine
We've talked about the best-non alcoholic red wine, but what about the benefits? Turns out there are plenty!
- The biggest benefit of drinking alcohol-free red wine is somewhat obvious - you are avoiding the consumption of alcohol.
- Many of the best non-alcoholic red wines are also lower in sugar that their alcoholic counterparts - surprising but true!
- They might be good for your heart. Ever heard that Old Wives Tale that drinking red wine is good for your heart? Sorry to tell you, but that myth has been debunked many times over. Alcohol negates any good that the wine might be doing. But with alcohol removed wine, the health properties of the wine remain, and the booze goes. It's a win-win, right?
- I might be stating the obvious here, but alcohol-free wine = hangover free mornings - YES!
Tips and Tricks
My advice and tips for red wine are:
- Go in with an open mind. These wines are not going to taste identical to your full bodied Shiraz, so just let go of the idea of what it’s ‘supposed’ to taste like. Adjusting ones expectations is essential!
- Pair the wine with food - this is where these reds really shine. It’s rare to see me sipping on an alcohol-free red wine the way I would a non-alcoholic sparkling or white. They really do taste best with a meal - I love my reds with pasta, steak and cheese.
- Open the wine in advance to let it breathe, just as you would with regular wine. I always open mine the morning of, or the night before. I heard a winemaker suggest going so far as to lightly blending your red to air it. I've never done it myself, but I'll try anything once!
- If you are going to stray from my list above, I'd recommend looking for words like 'alcohol-removed wine' or 'dealcoholized wine'. These terms indicate that the wine is in fact, wine. It's likely it has been through the entire winemaking process, and had the alcohol removed at the end. Check the label - if a large % of the contents is grape juice - that's probably what it will taste like!
- I've spoken to people who swear by adding a few drops of balsamic vinegar or bitters to alcohol-free reds to increase the body and depth of flavor - definitely something to try before tipping it down the sink! On that note, don't forget you can always make a non-alcoholic mulled wine if all else fails.
The Best Alcohol Free red wine mocktails
Now that we've narrowed down the best of the best non-alcoholic red wine - let's make mocktails with it! Here are a handful of my favorites - cheers and enjoy.
Questions or comments? Leave them below and I'll answer them for you! I hope this guide has been helpful in choosing the very best non-alcoholic red wine for you.
Ryan Michelle says
Thank you for this list! I went from occasional drinking to barely drinking, and one night of one glass of wine 🍷 ruined a whole day of productivity due to sleep issues. I actually enjoy a nice glass of really good wine 🍷 and I’m looking for a way to still enjoy an occasional glass without the sleep
Deprivation. I’m also trying to create a good example to my kids, because I lost multiple family members due to alcoholism. I’m looking for fun and creative ways to still enjoy mocktails and drinks without the negative consequences. Thank you for the list!
Nat says
Hey there, I'm so sorry for the delay! It's my pleasure, I hope it was helpful. Take care of you!
Cheers
Nat
Mary Beth says
I tried Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon yesterday. It's very good. Giesen Rose is my favorite. I add a couple slices of fresh jalapeno.
Caryl Redmond says
Have you heard about the wine called "WIN"? It is a white wine, alcohol removed. The best I've had. I live in the Phoenix area. Any comments for me?
Nat says
Hey there Caryl, I haven't heard of it! I'll have to see if I can track it down on my end.
Cheers
Nat