As Dry January approaches, the spotlight turns to mindful drinking and the rise of sophisticated non-alcoholic options. Lauren Power, a wine expert, educator, and importer, is here to debunk myths about alcohol-free wine and share her expert picks. Whether you’re curious or committed to Dry January, Lauren’s insights will elevate your beverage game. —Noa Nichol
What inspired you to focus on non-alcoholic wine options, and what changes have you observed in consumer interest in alcohol-free beverages, especially during Dry January?
As a wine importer, I have always loved how wine has the power to bring people together.
Through my work in the industry, I’ve had the opportunity to meet many people, from casual wine drinkers to connoisseurs. Over time, I noticed more and more people shifting toward alcohol-free options—whether full-time or for specific periods in their lives.
Wine lovers who seek alcohol-free options are looking for the complexity of wine but without the alcohol. This is what started my quest to find and recommend truly exceptional alcohol-free options. The category has expanded significantly in the last few years, offering some genuinely great products.
As far as consumer trends go, it’s fascinating to see how the younger generations—Gen Z, in particular—are redefining drinking culture. With a focus on wellness and intention, many are choosing mindful drinking or abstaining altogether. They’re leading a cultural shift where alcohol-free options are not just accepted but celebrated, especially during times like Dry January when so many are looking for a reset.
Many people believe that non-alcoholic wines lack the complexity and quality of traditional wines. How would you address these misconceptions, and what should people look for in a good alcohol-free wine?
This misconception likely stems from the early alcohol-free wine options that were, quite frankly, not great. Today, however, innovative winemakers are creating products that prioritize flavour and complexity, which can often be grouped into two categories: alcohol-free wines and wine alternatives.
Alcohol-free or dealcoholized wines are made from traditional wine grapes, offering familiar varietals in a non-alcoholic form. On the other hand, wine alternatives aim to recreate the experience of wine without using grapes, often incorporating unique ingredients for flavour.
What are your top recommendations for non-alcoholic wines that deliver a sophisticated and enjoyable drinking experience?
A few favourites include:
- French Bloom: A great alcohol-free organic sparkling wine from France with crisp, floral notes—perfect for celebrations.
- Jukes Cordialities: While not a traditional wine, it is a wine alternative made of concentrate-based blends that replicate the complexity of wine and pair beautifully with meals.
For those new to non-alcoholic wines, are there specific flavours, varieties, or brands you’d suggest as a good introduction to the alcohol-free wine world?
When choosing alcohol-free wine, paying attention to the grape variety is important. For example, a Riesling often has bright, citrusy notes with refreshing acidity, while a Pinot Noir might offer red berry flavours and a lighter body. Knowing whether you prefer bold and dry wines or fruity and sweet ones can help guide your selection.
If you’re new to non-alcoholic wines, I’d suggest starting with a sparkling option like French Bloom. Its vibrant bubbles and fruity notes make it both approachable and delicious. Non-alcoholic sparkling wines offer a depth and complexity that some people find more satisfying than non-alcoholic red or white wines.
For wine alternatives, start with the beverage’s base and choose something that aligns with your usual preferences. Whether it’s kombucha, tea, or something else, understanding what you like will make it easier to select an alternative that suits your taste.
How do you see the trend of mindful drinking evolving, and what role do you believe high-quality non-alcoholic options play in supporting this movement?
Mindful drinking is becoming a bigger part of our lives, from going out with friends to hosting dinner parties, and it’s easy to see why. More and more people are thinking about how and why they drink—whether that’s cutting back for health reasons, taking a break during Dry January, or just wanting to try something different. It doesn’t mean everyone’s ditching alcohol entirely, but having high-quality non-alcoholic options makes it easy to enjoy the moment without always reaching for a glass of wine.
What’s great about this shift is that it’s not about extremes. You can have a fantastic alcohol-free sparkling wine on a weeknight and still savour your favourite full-bodied red at a dinner party. As more brands innovate and create non-alcoholic options that taste great, choosing to drink less—or not at all—feels less like a compromise and more like a new adventure.
Can you offer your favourite drink or cocktail recipe?
I love all the recipes that Jukes offers for their wine alternatives.
The Lemon Thyme Spritzer is the perfect balance of refreshing and earthy in a cocktail. For the full recipe, visit their website here.
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