Whether you're cutting back, skipping alcohol altogether, or just looking for a lighter option, low and zero-alcohol wines let you enjoy the flavours you love, without the extra booze.
From crisp whites to vibrant reds and refreshing bubbles, we’ve rounded up some great options in store and online.
Does non and low-alcohol wine taste different?
Non and low alcohol options are still made in the same way traditional wines are made, with the alcohol removed after fermentation. The difficulty with producing tasty reduced alcohol wines is in replacing the texture, weight and feel that alcohol gives to the ‘body’ of a wine.
Thankfully these days, the process is becoming so advanced that many people say they can’t tell the difference.
That said, alcohol helps balance acidity and bitterness, so some non-alcoholic wines have added sugar to enhance flavour. So they can often be slightly sweeter than a traditional drop.
There are plenty of great options from the red and white side of the wine fence.
Related:
Sweet wines guide
Find out more about other zero-alcohol drinks
Popular non and low-alcohol red wines
Certain red grape varieties work better for low-alcohol wines due to their natural acidity, fruitiness, and lower tannin levels, like Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir.
New Zealand winemakers, like Giesen and The Doctors’, often work with Pinot Noir and other lighter reds to create appealing low-alcohol options. As a light-bodied grape (that’s already lower in alcohol than other reds), Pinot Noir still retains its bright red fruit flavours and acidity.
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Non-alcoholic wine
Browse all zero winePopular non and low-alcohol white wines
Some of the best white grape varieties for lower-alcohol wines include:
Sauvignon Blanc – Naturally high in acidity and bright citrus flavours, making it a great option for reduced-alcohol styles. NZ brands like The Doctors' are popular.
Riesling – Often made in a lighter style, Riesling can be naturally lower in alcohol while still maintaining vibrant fruit and floral notes. Look for low-alcohol NZ Rieslings from Marlborough or Waipara.
Pinot Gris – Can be made in a crisp, lighter style with fresh pear and apple notes, though alcohol levels vary. Some low-alcohol Pinot Gris options are emerging.
Moscato – Naturally lower in alcohol, offering sweet, floral flavours.
Chardonnay – Less common in low-alcohol styles but still available in lighter versions with less oak influence.
Related:
Popular types of white wine
Our pick of the best white wines
Up for some fizz?
Rosé sparkling wines – Expect bright berry flavors and a fresh, vibrant finish. Lindauer Free Brut Rosé is a popular NZ-made alcohol-removed option.
Related: Rose wine guide
Prosecco-style non-alcoholic wines – Light, refreshing, and often fruit-forward, with fine bubbles.
FAQs
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Are non-alcoholic wines actually zero percent?Not always—most non-alcoholic wines contain up to 0.5% ABV, which is about the same as some fruit juices. Truly zero-alcohol wines will be labelled as 0.0% ABV, so always check the label.
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Is the sugar content of non-alcoholic wine higher than regular wine?Often, yes. Since alcohol helps balance acidity and bitterness, some non-alcoholic wines have added sugar to enhance flavour. However, sugar levels vary by brand and style so check the label.
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Does non-alcoholic wine taste as good as normal wine?Well, that depends on the wine and your expectations! Some retain impressive complexity, but without alcohol, wine experts may argue the ‘body’ and ‘depth’ can feel different. But advances in winemaking have greatly improved quality, so some non-alcoholic wines come very close to the real thing.
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Isn’t non-alcoholic wine just grape juice?No—non-alcoholic wine is made like regular wine, with fermentation and aging, before the alcohol is removed. Grape juice, on the other hand, has never undergone fermentation and is much sweeter.
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Can you cook with non-alcoholic wine?Yes, but it won’t add quite the same depth of flavour as regular wine since alcohol helps release fat.
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Should non-alcoholic wine be kept refrigerated?
Yes, non-alcoholic wine should be refrigerated after opening, just like regular wine. Without alcohol as a preservative, it can spoil faster, so keep it chilled and consume within a few days for the best taste.
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