Sadly, removing alcohol content from wine often removes much of the flavor – unless you create intense aromas that conceal the missing nuances. Whether a traditional rediscovery or a new creation, these 0% bottles enrich the wine world.
The ongoing trend towards non-alcoholic drinks continues to show robust growth: In recent years, a veritable renaissance of alternatives to booze has been in effect, offering beverages that not only quench yourt thirst but also delight your palate. Terms such as "sober curious" and "zero proof" are now an integral part of drinking culture, and more and more brands and products are entering the market.
Instead of relying on alcohol content, more and more vintners are turning to creative and tasty alternatives that appeal with complex flavors and unique combinations. The selection ranges from "sparkling teas" to innovative "proxies", i.e. wine substitutes that imitate the taste without the buzz.
Refreshments made with ingredients such as kefir, kombucha or lactic acid fermentation offer a completely new range of flavor profiles, often with surprising complexity. These drinks are not just a treat for the taste buds, but are often also sustainable and organic.
Winemakers like Christof Winkler-Hermaden of Austria's Vulkanland region, who launched the non-alcoholic wine alternative "Sein" with Sonja Grabner, prove that there is a place for high-quality, handcrafted fare in the world of non-alcoholic drinks.
Another recurring trend is reviving long-forgotten traditional recipes. Verjuice, the juice of unripened grapes, is making a comeback today as the basis for many non-alcoholic refreshments. The taste of fresh grapes, coupled with a refreshing, tingling acidity, is reminiscent of "grape soda" – but without the sugar.
Homegrown Italian sodas, which have been enjoyed in their home country for decades, are also finding more and more fans. Brands such as Crodino or Sanbittèr rely on bitterness for refreshment, which is the perfect alternative to alcoholic aperitifs. The large number of new beverages entering the market ensures enormous variety and exciting new flavors.
The surge of interest in non-alcoholic beverages can also be seen in the retail sector: Lucas Matthies, founder and owner of kein & low, specializes in selling wine alternatives with little or no alcohol. Together with Falstaff Sommelière of the Year 2024 Friederike Duhme, he opened his first "no & low" store in the 7th district in April 2025. There is also a non-alcoholic wine store in Vienna's 3rd district called Freiwein, while the website Ohne Rausch will soon open their first store in Vienna's Währing neighborhood.
Falstaff presents the best with the least:
