How to Drink Non‑Alcoholic Wine: A Simple (and Enjoyable) 6 Step Guide to Drinking Alcohol‑Free Wine

Learn how to enjoy non‑alcoholic wine properly, from serving temperature to food pairing. A simple, expert guide to alcohol‑free wine.

Why Non‑Alcoholic Wine Deserves a Fresh Perspective

Non‑alcoholic wine has come a long way. Gone are the days of flat, overly sweet substitutes — today’s alcohol‑free wines offer real flavour, balance, and complexity.

Still, one question comes up again and again: what’s the best way to drink non‑alcoholic wine?

The short answer? Don’t overthink it. The longer answer? Stop trying to make it behave exactly like regular wine and enjoy it for what it is. This guide will show you how — no wine snobbery required.

Start by Resetting Expectations (Trust Us)

Non‑alcoholic wine isn’t broken wine. It’s just playing a different game.

Alcohol adds weight, warmth, and a bit of drama to traditional wine. Once it’s removed, things naturally feel lighter and fresher — and that’s not a bad thing.

Chill Out (Literally): Serve It at the Right Temperature

Temperature can make or break non‑alcoholic wine.

Because alcohol‑free wines are more delicate, serving them too warm can make sweetness or acidity shout louder than you’d like.

Here’s a simple cheat sheet:

• Sparkling non‑alcoholic wine: 6–8°C (cold, crisp, refreshing)
• White & rosé alcohol‑free wine: 8–10°C
• Red non‑alcoholic wine: 12–14°C or lightly chilled

When in doubt, chill it first. Warm wine is rarely the answer.

Yes, Glassware Still Matters

You don’t have to use a proper wine glass — but it helps.

A real wine glass:

• Makes aromas more noticeable
• Softens sharp acidity
• Makes the whole experience feel a bit more special

Swirling still works, even without alcohol. And drinking alcohol‑free wine from a mug is… a choice. (No judgement. Maybe a little.)

How to Taste Non‑Alcoholic Wine Without Taking It Too Seriously

You don’t need a notebook or a diploma. Just slow down a little.

Look

Check out the colour and clarity, especially with sparkling or white styles.

Smell

Give it a swirl and take a sniff. You might find citrus, apple, pear, berries, stone fruit, herbs, or mineral notes.

Sip

Take a small sip and let it sit for a moment. Notice:

• How fresh or crisp it feels
• The fruit flavours
• The texture
• How clean (or dry) the finish is

Non‑alcoholic wines tend to get straight to the point — which makes them easy to enjoy.

Pair It With Food (It’s a Game‑Changer)

If non‑alcoholic wine ever feels a little meh on its own, try it with food.

Because many alcohol‑free wines are naturally high in acidity, they shine alongside:

• Fresh salads and veggie‑forward dishes
• Soft cheeses
• Seafood and shellfish
• Light pasta dishes
• Spicy or aromatic cuisines

Food adds context, balance, and depth — and suddenly everything clicks.

Explore, Experiment, Repeat

There’s no single “best” non‑alcoholic wine. The category is full of different styles, and half the fun is finding what you like.

Try mixing it up with:

• Sparkling vs still
• Dry vs fruit‑forward styles
• White, rosé, and red non‑alcoholic wine
• Dealcoholised wines and fermented alternatives

Different moments call for different bottles — and now you’ve got options.

Why So Many People Are Choosing Non‑Alcoholic Wine

One of the biggest perks of non‑alcoholic wine? Freedom.

It fits effortlessly into:

• Weeknight dinners
• Lunches and work events
• Social occasions
• Wellness‑focused routines
• Alcohol‑free or mindful drinking periods

You get the ritual, the flavour, and the vibe — without the after‑effects.

Quick FAQs About Non‑Alcoholic Wine

Is non‑alcoholic wine completely alcohol‑free?
Most contain 0.0%–0.5% ABV, similar to kombucha. Always check the label if that matters to you.

Should non‑alcoholic wine be chilled?
Yes. Almost always. Especially sparkling, white, and rosé styles.

Final Sip: Enjoy It for What It Is

Non‑alcoholic wine isn’t here to replace alcohol — it’s here to offer something different.

Serve it well, stay curious, and don’t overthink it. When you do, alcohol‑free wine delivers what really matters: great flavour, a sense of occasion, and enjoyment on your own terms.