Less is More

Whether dry January has changed your life or you’re just looking for vintages that pack less of a punch, there’s a new crop of low- and no-alcohol wines to choose from—and they don’t sacrifice flavour.

- SARAH HELLER, MW

“What exactly is the point?” I’ve found this to be the almost universal reaction to low- and no-alcohol wine among both wine lovers and people in the wine trade. To be honest, it isn’t something I seriously considered either— until I spent many months between late 2016 and the present either pregnant or nursing. As a wine professional (and Master of Wine student for some of that time), it gave me pause.

Though pregnancy is one obvious reason someone might wish to curb their alcohol consumption, I quickly realised I wasn’t alone. The reasons are myriad, from inability to process alcohol (pretty common in southern China) to any number of health issues or religious prohibitions, as well as needing to drive, operate machinery or otherwise stay clear-headed. Maybe you just enjoyed dry January so much you’ve become “sober-curious.”