Article updated July, 2023.
With an increasing number of Millennials and Gen Z’s leaning away from alcohol and a noticeable trend towards non-alcoholic beverages and low alcohol options, we thought it was time to explore the latest offerings on the shelves. The Australian wine industry has outdone itself when it comes to meeting the shifting preferences of wine drinkers by producing a range of great tasting wines that can be enjoyed without sacrificing your morning at the expense of a heavy head.
If Dry July is too small a window and you want to make a lasting shift in your drinking habits, why not give some of these low-alcohol wines a go with your next cheese platter?
Federal Government announces funding for no and low-alcohol wine research
A research grant of almost three million dollars has been offered to Australian Vintage Limited and a number of industry partners, including the University of Adelaide, as part of the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centres Program.
As a world-leader in wine production, it’s hoped Australia will be able to dominate as a producer of excellent no and low-alcohol wines, benefiting the nations economy. From a health perspective, people enjoying wine with less impacts from alcohol means far-reaching benefits as well.
Our Favourite Low Alcohol Sparkling Wines 2023
Edenvale Sparkling Cuvee
This award-winning and fruity sparkling de-alcoholised wine contains less that 0.5% alcohol, so can be enjoyed without any effects of intoxication. Available online and even from supermarkets, it’s any easy way to feel like you’re enjoying a special occasion without having to count your drinks.
Brown Brothers Prosecco Ultra Low
Victoria’s Brown Brothers is a brand that has earned it’s trust over the years as producing consistently great-tasting wine. With less than a standard drink per bottle, this prosecco has all the fun flavours that a sparkling wine should, without the fast-acting effects to the head!
Top Low Alcohol White Wine Options
Jacobs Creek Better By Half Pinto Grigio
With half the alcohol and half the calories of it’s full strength cousins, the Better By Half range are a great option if you still want to enjoy the mouth-feel and taste of alcoholic wine, but are looking for a healthier alternative.McGuigan Zero Alcohol Sauvignon Blanc
This 0.5% alcohol Sauv Blanc is light and crisp. The McGuigan Zero range are available at most large supermarkets and offer a pleasant alcohol-free, easy-drinking alternative.
Photo by Grape Things
Zero or Low Alcohol Rose Wines 2023
Squealing Pig Lower Alcohol Rose
At 5% alcohol, the Squealing Pig Rose will mean you can make the bottle last a few hours and still be able to drive home. Not too sweet, this drop will let you feel like you’re indulging, but save you from yourself as well.
Natureo 0.5% Low Alcohol Rose
This South Australian de-alcoholised wine offers the dryness that many zero options miss. It uses Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, resulting in a robust flavour.
Low Alcohol Wine Options for Red Drinkers
Wolf Blass Zero Shiraz
Red varieties have been the most challenging zero alcohol category to master, because they often end up too sweet. This Wolf Blass Zero Shiraz has received the nod of approval from many red wine lovers who are looking for a lighter alternative.
Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing Low Alcohol Pinot Noir
With an alcohol content of only 5%, this South Australian wine is one to try. Light enough to feel good about your choices, but retaining enough alcohol to actually taste like red wine, we were pleasantly surprised when we tried this option.
Getting The Most Out of Zero or Low Alcohol Wine
With heavier red varieties, such as Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine can really benefit from being aerated through a carafe. This goes for zero-alcohol wines as well.
For white wines, although they are designed to be served chilled, it’s recommended that you remove the wine from the fridge around 20 minutes before serving to get the optimum flavour experience.
Remember to read the label when you’re opting for low alcohol wine. Even alcohol reduced wine can put you over the legal limit for driving, so it’s important to take responsibility for your intake.
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