3 Myths About Alcohol-Free Wine (and What’s Actually True)
Alcohol-free wine still raises eyebrows.
For some, it’s associated with disappointment.
For others, it feels like a compromise — something you endure during Dry January rather than enjoy.
But the truth is, alcohol-free wine has evolved quietly and significantly over the past few years. Much of the scepticism surrounding it is based on outdated experiences rather than today’s reality.
Let’s take a closer look at three of the most common myths about alcohol-free wine — and what’s actually true.
Myth #1: “Alcohol-free wine tastes like juice.”
This is by far the most persistent assumption — and it’s understandable.
In the past, many alcohol-free wines were overly sweet, flat, or one-dimensional. But those bottles don’t represent the category anymore.
High-quality alcohol-free wine always starts as real wine.
Grapes are harvested, fermented, and vinified just like traditional wine. Only after fermentation is complete is the alcohol removed, using carefully controlled techniques designed to preserve aroma, acidity, and structure.
When alcohol-free wine tastes like juice, it’s usually because:
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the base wine lacked character to begin with, or
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the alcohol removal process stripped away too much complexity.
Modern producers focus on balance rather than sweetness, freshness rather than flavouring. When done properly, alcohol-free wine tastes recognisably wine-like — not like grape juice in disguise.
Myth #2: “Alcohol-free wine is for people who don’t like wine.”
In reality, it’s often the opposite.
Many people who choose alcohol-free wine during Dry January still care deeply about:
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flavour and texture
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food pairing
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balance and acidity
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the ritual of opening a bottle and pouring a proper glass
They simply don’t want alcohol — whether temporarily or long-term.
Alcohol-free wine isn’t about avoiding wine.
It’s about keeping the experience, without the effects of alcohol.
That’s why wine lovers tend to be the most critical — and also the most surprised when they discover alcohol-free bottles made with intention and skill.
Myth #3: “All alcohol-free wine is basically the same.”
Just like traditional wine, alcohol-free wine varies widely.
Differences come from:
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grape varieties
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wine style (still, sparkling, white, red, rosé)
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production methods
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the quality of the original wine
Some alcohol-free wines are light and refreshing, designed for casual moments.
Others show tension, depth, and structure — especially when paired with food.
Treating alcohol-free wine as a single, uniform category overlooks the craftsmanship behind the bottle. The best examples deserve the same consideration as their alcoholic counterparts.
So, is alcohol-free wine worth trying?
If your only reference point is a disappointing bottle from years ago, scepticism makes sense.
But the category has moved on — quietly and deliberately.
For many people today, alcohol-free wine has become:
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a weekday alternative
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a social option without compromise
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a way to moderate without feeling deprived
Dry January doesn’t have to feel like restriction.
It can be an opportunity to rethink how — and why — you drink.
Our approach at Dis&Dis
At Dis&Dis, we taste extensively before selecting any alcohol-free wine.
We look for bottles that respect the character of wine — not substitutes that rely on sweetness or flavouring to mask the absence of alcohol.
If you’re curious to explore what alcohol-free wine can be today, we recommend starting with a small, thoughtful selection rather than trying everything at once.
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