How to Make Non Alcoholic Wine

What is non alcoholic wine?

Non alcoholic wine is the alcohol-free version of traditional wine, i.e., traditional wine contains alcohol, while non alcoholic wines don't. Even if non alcoholic wines contain a certain percentage of alcohol, it's generally quite low (almost 0.0% alcohol by volume or ABV). In recent years, the popularity of refreshing drinks non alcoholic has soared, and non alcoholic wine is one of the best options for those who want to enjoy the taste and experience of wine without getting drunk. Other non alcoholic beverages that have also captured the interest of buyers include non alcoholic gin and tonic and non alcoholic IPA beer.

What is non alcoholic wine made of?

All conventional wines are made from grapes, and the same is the case for all non alcoholic wines. Even the process of making non alcoholic wine is similar to the traditional wine-making process. However, the difference happens before the non alcoholic wine is bottled. Before the bottling of non alcoholic wine, the alcohol is removed through a process called dealcoholizing.

Some non alcoholic wines are also made by bottling grape juice prior to its fermentation. These wines typically have no alcohol content whatsoever, whereas dealcoholized wines have low traces of alcohol in them (up to 0.5% ABV). In terms of taste, dealcoholized non alcoholic wines are more similar to conventional wine because of the low traces of alcohol in them. Non alcoholic wines that are bottled before the grape juice is fermented taste more akin to regular grape juice. So, if you want the taste of traditional wine in a non alcoholic wine, it's best to opt for a brand that uses the dealcoholizing process.

What are the processes of making non alcoholic wine?

The making of non alcoholic wines involves a variety of processes from start to finish. It all starts with picking the grapes once they are ready to be harvested. Some vineyards rely on machines to pick the grapes, while others rely on manual human picking. The moment of picking the grapes also plays an important role in determining how acidic and sweet the non alcoholic wine will taste once it's bottled. After harvest, the grapes are sorted in bunches at the winery. At this stage, the under-ripe and/or rotten grapes are removed.

Next, the stems are removed through the use of a machine called destemmer. After this, a mechanical press is used for crushing the grapes. This enhances the wine's longevity and quality of sanitation. When non alcoholic white wines are made, the grapes are crushed and pressed quickly. This separates the grape juice from solids, seeds, and skins and also prevents the leaching of tannins and unwanted colors. When non alcoholic red wines are made, the crushing and pressing processes happen in a more gradual manner, which gives the wines their colors along with their bitter and dry taste.

Up next comes the process of fermentation, which is all about converting the grape juice's sugar content into alcohol. It's worth noting that non alcoholic wines with 0.0% ABV are bottled before the grape juice undergoes fermentation. For ensuring consistent fermentation, most winemakers add commercial yeast to the grape juice. The process continues until the entire sugar content becomes alcohol. Winemakers who make sweet wines typically stop the fermentation process to leave some sugar content in the wine.

The aging process happens next, and it intensifies the flavor of the wine. Non alcoholic white wines take a lot less time to age compared to non alcoholic red wines. It's the aging process that makes non alcoholic wines distinct from regular grape juice. Additionally, the removal of the alcohol prior to bottling makes non alcoholic wines less sweet than ordinary grape juice.

When it comes to removing the alcohol, one of two processes can be used. First, there's filtration, which is formally known as reverse osmosis. It involves forcing the wine with incredibly high pressure against a membrane. This removes the alcohol and water content from the wine until all that's left is the wine concentrate. Once both water and alcohol have been completely removed, water is added to the wine concentrate.

The other process of removing the alcohol is known as distillation. Steam is used to distill the alcohol. The wine is bottled after all the alcohol content has been distilled by the steam.

What are the best-selling non alcoholic wine brands?

Thomson & Scott Noughty Sparkling Rose

If you're looking for alcohol rose free wine, the Thomson & Scott Noughty Sparkling Rose is definitely an option to consider. The non alcoholic wine is made in the calcareous and sandy vineyards of southern Spain, and it only has 5.9 grams of sugar per 100 ml. Each glass of this wine will add no more than 18 calories.

Luminara Non-Alcoholic Napa Red Blend 2018

Napa Valley in California produces some of the juiciest grapes in the world, and their taste is what makes the Luminara Non-Alcoholic Napa Red Blend 2018 special. Even though alcohol content in this wine alternative is low, it still manages to retain the flavors and aromas of conventional wine.

Pierre Zero Merlot

Pierre Zero Merlot is a non alcoholic wine option that's ideal for those who love the taste and feel of French wines. This deep red non alcoholic wine has vanilla notes along with notes of spices and red grapes. It's one of the best non alcoholic wine options to enjoy with your favorite cheeses, spicy dishes, and red meats.

Surely Sauvignon Blanc

The Surely Sauvignon Blanc is a white wine alternative that features grapes from the Russian River Valley and Dry Creek Valley - two of Sonoma County's finest grape producers. It has notes of sweet apple and pear, along with hints of lemon and honeycomb.

Hill Street Vin (Zero) Brut Blanc

The Hill Street Vin (Zero) Brut Blanc is a sparkling non alcoholic wine that's as close to non alcoholic champagne as possible. This drink is best enjoyed when chilled, and you can either have it on its own or mix it with a non alcoholic margarita mixer.