Low ABV And Non-Alcoholic Wine: The New Rosé For Summer?

The classic summer wines for garden parties or balmy evenings on the patio are rosé or maybe a bottle of something sparkling. However, this season, a new contender is coming to the fore: low alcohol by volume (ABV) wines and non-alcoholic wines. 

Here’s a look at why online wine merchants are leading this growing trend and why it works so well for summer.

What are low and non-alcoholic wines?

Once seen as niche options, low and non-alcoholic wines are now catching the attention of the more discerning wine drinker. As more people become mindful about their weekly alcoholic unit limits, or  simply want to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to go after a long night, these options are becoming increasingly popular.

Low ABV wines are typically under 12 per cent proof, and are often produced in cooler regions such as Germany or the Loire Valley. The longer ripening times means that the grapes are less sugary and more acidic, and the result is a light dry wine that is fresh and crisp without the high alcoholic content.

Non-alcoholic wines are also evolving in taste and quality, thanks to innovative techniques such as vacuum distillation or reverse osmosis. This means that the alcohol is removed after the fermentation process, so the character and complexity of the wine is preserved. It’s a huge improvement on older one-dimensional and overly sweet non-alcoholic wines.

Perfect for summer sipping

Summer 2025 is turning out to be a real scorcher, maybe a little too warm for some. This makes low and non-alcoholic wines all the more appealing: stronger wines can easily leave you feeling rather dry-mouthed and dehydrated. Non-alcoholic wines are ideal for lunchtime picnics when you might need to drive or do some work later in the day. 

Versatile for food pairings 

Crisp low-ABV whites and alcohol-free sparkling rosés are brilliant with seafood, salads, and grilled vegetables. A good non-alcoholic red with soft tannins can pair very well lightly chilled with charcuterie or flame-grilled dishes. 

This gives your guests more options as summer social gatherings: drivers don’t have to rely on soft drinks, and those who are mindful of their units or don’t drink for health reasons can still enjoy a satisfyingly sophisticated drink. 

Reflecting changing lifestyles

At one time, low or no alcohol wines were a compromise that didn’t always seem worth bothering with: this has all now changed to reflect modern lifestyles where drinkers want to stay more present or simply avoid a hangover the next day. The bottles are luxurious and elegant, and do not look out of place on a stylish dinner table or in a gift box.  

There will always be a place for regular wines, which are always going to be in high demand. However, low and non-alcoholic options are more than a fad: they are a reflection of evolving tastes, improved production and presentation techniques and changing perceptions about health and wellbeing.