Christmas time is all about that mistletoe and wine.
And thankfully, you can still enjoy all the festive frivolities this December, no matter the ABV of the wine in your glass.
Here are a few I'll be enjoying that bring something different to the table:
Muri
After hearing so much about this brand, I was nervous to finally give it a try. I just hate it when something gets so hyped up, only to disappoint in real life. But there was no such disappointment here. Muri is unique, captivating, and delectably morish!
I tried both the unparalleled Uzume: Strawberry, Tomato & Smoked Vanilla - which is a lively sparkling number, dark pink and vibrant, with layers of flavour; and the Four Horsemen, a surprising little red made in collaboration with the renowned Four Horsemen restaurant in Brooklyn, New York. Advised to be served chilled and made with ice-clarified tomato water, lacto-fermented beetroot and sour cherry wine–it's different, but it works!
NON
Another wine that comes at you from left field, NON is an Australian brand inspired by gastronomy and crafted without rules.
The available range in Australia is larger than here in the UK, but what we do get is 'bloody ripper!'
With palate-exploding flavour combinations like Stewed Cherry & Coffee, Toasted Cinamon & Yuzu, and Salted raspberry & Chamomile these wines not only taste amazing but bring something unique to the table to dust off the cobwebs of yet another lime and soda when you're choosing to drink less.
My personal recommendation goes to the Salted raspberry & Chamomile, although all three are well worth a try.
I spoke to NON founder Aaron Trotman on ep#43 of the Low No Drinker Podcast
Available from uk.non.world
Wednesday's Domaine
I've been a fan of WD since meeting founder Luke Hemsley at a festival in the summer of 2023. I tried his wines and was relieved to have finally found a red I could recommend to people who tell me they are still struggling to find something that hits the spot,
Sanguine has the bite and the chew you'd want but, of course, with none of the booze. It isn't a 100% like-for-like of a full-bodied red, but once you realise that you're better off not playing that comparison game, you'll come to recognise Wednesday's Domaine as an excellent alternative for all of your wine moments.
Now with a range of six (Luke only had three when we met), WD has got your Christmas wine order covered.
Want to know why this wine might not be for you? Find out in ep#9 of the Low No Drinker Podcast.
Available from Amazon*
Eisberg Mulled Wine
Oh baby, it's cold outside. And if you're looking for a mulled wine to warm you up, alcohol-free wine retailer Eisberg has re-released their festive-inspired mulled wine so you can feel right at home.
Just heat it up, add your chosen sugar and spice and all things nice, et voila! A classic warming Christmas experience without the lightheadedness that comes from drinking alcohol in the cold.
Want to know more? Check out episode #50 of the Low No Drinker Podcast, where I talk all things Eisberg with UK Manager Dan Harwood.
Available from Amazon*
Oddbird
This is a wine with a story. Moa Gürbüzer was a family therapist who became inspired to create an alcohol-free brand after witnessing the alcohol-related hardships that so many of her clients experienced. Now 12 years on, Oddbord is "Scandinavia's premier producer of wines, beers, and spirits—all liberated from alcohol."
I first tried Oddbird when visiting London's Club Soda for the first time, and the excitement with which the then bar manager presented it was palpable. A smooth and delightful wine. Unfortunately, you can't get the full range here in the UK as yet, but Amazon has a few great options to start with, including this Sparkling Rose.
Available from Amazon*
Bolle
I've made no secret of my adoration for this brand, and their sparkling white Blanc de Blanc, in particular, is just divine. Think apple orchards, pears, and a swift summer breeze that takes you away on a flight of fancy, no matter how brisk it may be this winter.
I simply can't recommend this celebratory wine enough!
You can hear more about Bolle in episode #39 of the Low No Drinker Podcast.
Available from Amazon*
Wild Idol
Wild Idol is another sparkling wine brand bringing something special to low/no drinkers. Served at such prestigious sporting events as Wimbledon, Ascot and Lords, this Sparkling White and Rose brand is nothing to be sniffed at.
In fact, we used a bottle for the grandest of celebrations recently as a way to 'wet the baby's head' and welcome my new nephew to the world. Who says that every major life event has to be marked with booze?!
You can hear more about Wild Idol in episode #48 of the Low No Drinker Podcast.
There you have it. Seven low/no wines to enjoy this Christmas or any time throughout the year (well, maybe except for the mulled wine). What would you add to the list?
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