top of page
Search

The Best Non-Alcoholic Red Wine

Updated: 3 days ago

Non-Alcoholic Red Wine: Everything You Need to Know

Whether you don't drink alcohol, participating in a dry month, cutting back on alcohol, or simply curious about better-for-you beverage options, non-alcoholic red wine is becoming more popular than ever. But if you’ve ever sipped one and thought, Hmm… this tastes different, you’re not alone. In this guide, I’m breaking down what NA red wine actually is, what makes a great bottle, and how to navigate that difference in taste, and a full list of my favorite NA reds.


Understanding the Taste Difference

non-alcoholic red wine

Let’s be honest: NA red wine will almost always taste a bit different from a traditional red. Alcohol plays a role in mouthfeel, structure, warmth, and boldness. So without it, the experience shifts.

Here’s what you may notice:

  • A lighter body

  • Softer tannins

  • More fruit-forward notes

  • Less warmth or spice

  • A slightly sweeter finish (depending on the brand)


How to Adjust Your Expectations (and Enjoy It More)

Here are a few ways to bridge the gap between NA and traditional red wine:

  • Choose tannin-rich styles like Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz. These tend to translate best without alcohol.

  • Pair it with food. A good meal brings out deeper flavors and makes the wine feel more robust.

  • Try aerating. A few minutes of air can help reduce sweetness and open up aromatics.

  • Chill it slightly. I don't do this often, but it's worth a try. NA reds shine when served lightly chilled, which enhances balance and structure.


Taste will always be a bit different, but you will grow to love NA reds once you stop comparing them 1:1 to traditional wine and enjoy it for what it is and the moments you're spending together!


What Makes a Good Non-Alcoholic Red Wine?

When you’re shopping for NA reds, look for these key factors to find the best quality bottle:

Balance: The best wines have acidity, tannins, and sweetness in harmony—not overly sweet or thin.

Grape Variety: Bolder grape varieties translate better once dealcoholized.

Low Sugar: Some NA wines add sugar to replace the lost body. Look for brands that keep sweetness subtle.

Dealcoholization Method: Spinning cone and reverse osmosis tend to produce more complex, robust flavors.

Brand Reputation: Wineries that specialize in non-alcoholic wine usually deliver more consistent results. Look for ones that have won awards against traditional wines.


"But isn't there still alcohol in these?"

Non-alcoholic wine is defined as wine that contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). For comparison, this is a trace amount of alcohol, similar to what you’d find in some kombuchas or even certain fruit juices due to natural fermentation. It's made by creating traditional wine and then removing the alcohol, so you still get the complex flavors, aromas, and experience of wine just without the intoxicating effects.


The labeling of non-alcoholic wine as "<0.5% ABV" is required because even though the alcohol is almost entirely removed during production, it's nearly impossible to eliminate every single trace of alcohol. A tiny amount may remain due to the fermentation process, which is a natural part of making wine.


Regulatory agencies, like the FDA in the U.S., require this disclaimer to ensure transparency and inform consumers who may want or need to avoid alcohol completely. This threshold (<0.5%) is considered so minimal that it doesn't produce intoxicating effects, making it safe for most people, including those who are sober or avoiding alcohol.


Some NA wines on the market are completely 0.0%, too!


A Quick Note / Disclaimer

This blog is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, in addiction recovery, taking medication, or have concerns about dealcoholized beverages, always check with your doctor or healthcare provider before consuming any non-alcoholic wines.

Here's my list of Non-Alcoholic Red Wine Recommendations:


• A Mocktail Girlie favorite! IF THERE'S A NA RED WINE TO TRY, THIS IS IT! It is in fact a dry non-alcoholic wine! No juice flavor here! This one was highly recommended to me by multiple people, so I had to give it a try! It was different than any NA wine I tried before. It really has that full-bodied cab feeling! It has a bright nose of ripe blackberry and plum. Coffee, vanilla, and toast notes round it out with flavors of black currant, dark cherry, and baking spices.


Leitz Zero Point Five Pinot Noir  (Less than 0.5% ABV)

• A Mocktail Girlie favorite! I absolutely love this red. Fruity notes of red currants and cherries are surrounded by a nicely embedded tannin structure and an almost dry finish. This comes so close to the structure and mouth feel of wine with alcohol. This is a must-try!


Oddbird GSM  (Less than 0.5% ABV)

• A Mocktail Girlie favorite! The Odd Bird GSM is up there in my top favorite red wines. It's well balanced, and it has a nice dry finish! It's characterized by its acidity and earthy notes with fruity touches. I love how well it pairs with my dinners, too. It's a satisfying taste in my opinion.


Oceano Pinot Noir  (Less than 0.5% ABV)

• A Mocktail Girlie favorite! If you're looking for a dry wine, THIS IS IT! I had to keep checking the bottle to confirm this was an alcohol-removed wine! It's celebrated as one of the best Pinot Noirs on the market and for good reason. The sip was delicious and the finish was my favorite. Beautifully tangy raspberry, redcurrant, and sour-cherry flavors have a wonderful crystalline purity and lovely saline kick in the finish. Wispy, barely perceptible tannins.Less than 0.5% ABV.


Sovi Red Blend  (Less than 0.5% ABV)

• A Mocktail Girlie favorite! This was one of the first NA reds I ever tried and it did not disappoint! This is a dry red blend with raspberry, boysenberry, and vanilla notes. It has a nice balance between sweet and dry. I like the balance and has a nice hint of acidity. I love that this comes in a bottle or 4 pack cans. Less than 0.5% ABV.


Gruvi Dry Red Blend  (Less than 0.5% ABV)

• This red blend is for those who like their red blends on the sweeter side. I tried this one when I bought it through Thrive Market. I enjoyed it, as I like sweet wine! It has aromas of cranberry and cherry and subtle notes of savory cardamom and nutmeg. It is an award winner at the International Wine and Spirits Competition 23.


GIESEN Premium Red (Less than 0.5% ABV)

• This is a great option for a red! It can sometimes be found in your local grocery store and is at a more affordable price point. The body of it is just a little on the thin side BUT the flavor is bold! Crushed red berries and plum offset by toasted oak on the palate combine to give a light and refreshing option with a classic structure and fine, powdery tannins on the finish.

Add Bitters To Your Glass of NA Red

Add bitters to your NA wines to balance reds and add depth! I love the brand All The Bitter. They are completely alcohol-free! Aromatic is great for a bolder red flavor, and New Orleans is great for adding some Pinot-like flavors of tart cherry, hibiscus, and anise.


Use code MOCKTAILGIRLIE for 10% off your purchase!


Where To Buy


I may be compensated through affiliate links in this post. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. All opinions are my own.

Non-alcoholic red wine

bottom of page