Wine and Wellness: Is Low- or No-Alcohol Wine Here to Stay?

ine has always been associated with celebration, culture, and indulgence. But in 2025, it is increasingly tied to another lifestyle value: wellness. The rise of low- and no-alcohol wine is part of a broader shift towards mindful drinking, as people look for ways to enjoy the ritual of wine without the side effects of alcohol. The question is, is this just another passing trend, or is it here to stay?

The Rise of Mindful Drinking

Younger generations are drinking differently. Millennials and Gen Z are more likely to embrace “sober curious” lifestyles, with moderation and balance seen as marks of sophistication rather than abstinence. According to IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, sales of low- and no-alcohol beverages have grown steadily year-on-year, with wine becoming one of the fastest-growing segments.

Mindful drinking isn’t about giving up flavour, it’s about having options. People want to participate in social rituals without compromising health, sleep, or productivity.

How Low- and No-Alcohol Wines Are Made

There are several techniques winemakers use to reduce or remove alcohol while retaining flavour:

• Dealcoholisation: Technologies like spinning cone columns, vacuum distillation, or reverse osmosis remove alcohol after fermentation.
• Low-alcohol winemaking: Grapes are harvested earlier to reduce sugar content, resulting in lighter fermentations with naturally lower alcohol.
• Innovation in flavour: Removing alcohol also strips body and aroma, but new techniques and flavour reintegration methods are improving texture and taste.

Decanter notes that sparkling wines often fare best when dealcoholised, as bubbles add freshness and texture to compensate for what’s lost.

Health and Wellness Perspectives

Advocates of low- and no-alcohol wines point to several benefits:

• Fewer calories compared to traditional wines.
• Mindful consumption, allowing people to drink socially without overindulging.
• Accessibility for groups often excluded, including pregnant women or those on health-focused plans.

But health experts caution that alcohol-free doesn’t always mean healthier. Many still contain residual sugar and calories, and the long-term health benefits of moderate wine drinking remain debated. BBC Future has highlighted that wellness choices are often about lifestyle balance rather than absolutes (BBC Future).

Market Trends in 2025

Retailers and restaurants are embracing low- and no-alcohol wines with enthusiasm. Supermarkets have dedicated shelf space for the category, while wine bars are offering alcohol-free options alongside their traditional lists.

Premiumisation is a major driver. Established wineries are entering the space with carefully crafted products rather than leaving it to mass-market brands. Germany and Spain lead in production, thanks to advanced dealcoholisation facilities, while markets like the US and Australia are quickly expanding their offerings (IWSR).

Will the Trend Last?

Some argue that wellness and moderation are permanent cultural shifts, not passing fads. As long as health and lifestyle are key priorities, demand for low- and no-alcohol wines will grow. Investment from major wineries suggests producers believe this is more than hype.

Challenges remain. Traditional wine drinkers sometimes dismiss the category, and flavour still lags behind full-strength wine in some styles. But with innovation accelerating, these barriers are shrinking.

Tips for Choosing a Good Low/No-Alcohol Wine

• Look for reputable producers: Brands with established winemaking backgrounds tend to deliver better results.
• Read the method: Techniques like spinning cone or reverse osmosis often produce more balanced flavours.
• Try sparkling: Bubbles compensate for lighter body and flavour.
• Pair wisely: Low/no wines work best with lighter dishes, like salads, seafood, or vegetarian cuisine.

Final Thoughts

Low- and no-alcohol wines aren’t going anywhere. They reflect a cultural desire for choice, moderation, and wellness, while keeping the ritual of wine alive. The flavours are improving, the stigma is fading, and the options are multiplying. In 2025, the smarter question isn’t whether these wines are here to stay—it’s which one you’ll try first.