California is world-famous for its wine. Regions like the Napa Valley and Sonoma produce some of the finest bottles in the industry. But the state is also leading the charge in non-alcoholic winemaking, with brands developing sophisticated alcohol-free alternatives that don’t compromise on flavour or quality. So let’s take a look at some of the best Californian non-alcoholic wines.
Whether you’re cutting back on alcohol, or simply curious about what’s out there, these five NA wines are well worth trying.
1. Fre Alcohol-Removed Red Blend
Fre wines are crafted by the renowned Sutter Home Winery, a California-based establishment with a rich winemaking history that dates back to the late 1800s. Known for their accessible and easy-drinking wines, Sutter Home has built a strong reputation in the heart of California’s wine country. Fre is their foray into the non-alcoholic sector.
Fre’s NA Red Blend opens with flavours of dark cherries and blackberries, which are nicely complemented by a touch of vanilla. The fruit-forward profile is what you’d expect from an approachable red, and while the flavour is a little milder due to the lack of alcohol, it still delivers a solid, well-rounded experience. The interplay between fruitiness and subtle tannins is commendable for a wine in this price range.
2. Luminara Chardonnay
Luminara is a standout brand within Trinchero Family Estates, a wine company that has built a reputation over more than 50 years. Founded in 1947 by Italian immigrant Mario Trinchero, the family initially got their start producing wine in New York during the early 20th century. However, it was in California’s Napa Valley where they truly flourished. Notably, it is the first Napa Valley wine brand to offer an alcohol-removed product, marking a significant milestone in both their history and the evolution of non-alcoholic wines.
Luminara non-alcoholic Chardonnay offers a well-rounded and sophisticated flavour profile. Right from the first sip, the wine presents crisp, refreshing green apple notes, complemented by a touch of tropical fruit, such as pineapple or mango. A subtle underpinning of oak balances these fruity flavours beautifully. This adds a layer of richness without overwhelming the freshness of the fruit. What stands out about this Chardonnay is its ability to retain the essence of the varietal, even in its non-alcoholic form. The absence of alcohol allows the wine’s natural flavours to shine through more clearly.
3. Funky Monkey Blanc de Blancs
Funky Monkey was established in 2008 in the picturesque Napa Valley, California, a region renowned for its rich winemaking history and diverse terroir. The winery’s vineyards span across the valley, taking full advantage of the region’s varied microclimates and soils, which allows them to harvest at the optimal time for ripeness.
The mouthfeel of Funky Monkey Blanc de Blancs is one of its strongest attributes. It’s lively and effervescent, much like a traditional sparkling wine, and the absence of alcohol is barely noticeable. The bubbles provide a gentle fizz that gives the wine a clean, refreshing texture on the palate. The mouthfeel is crisp, which makes it incredibly drinkable, especially when served chilled.
4. Surely Blanc
Surely is a relatively new player in the alcohol-free wine space, but they’ve quickly gained attention for their focus on high-quality, California-grown wines. Their Blanc is a crisp, Sauvignon Blanc-style white. It is fermented in-house, and then subjected to the spinning cone method to remove the alcohol. To enhance the flavour profile, they incorporate what they call “natural ingredients, botanicals, and teas”.
In terms of taste, Surely Blanc is medium-bodied and dry, with a fruit-forward character. The citrus notes of grapefruit and lime hit the palate first, followed by a refreshing burst of pear and apple. The wine’s bright acidity really shines through, offering a crisp, clean flavour that’s characteristic of Sauvignon Blanc. There’s a slight addition of passion fruit, which adds a tropical flair to the mix, and in the background, I picked up a hint of juniper – a unique note that sets this wine apart from a traditional Sauvignon Blanc.
5. Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon
No list of Californian non-alcoholic wines would be complete without Ariel. This brand has been producing alcohol-free wines since 1985, and their Cabernet Sauvignon remains one of the most respected in the category. It’s made from grapes harvested from the J Lohr certified sustainable vineyard in their home state. They use traditional winemaking methods. The wine is also fermented and aged in oak barrels before the alcohol is carefully removed. This ensures it retains the bold characteristics of a classic Cabernet.
On the palate, Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon has a solid structure. The dark fruit flavours of blackcurrant and blackberry are prominent. They’re followed by hints of cherry and plum that bring a certain sweetness to the wine. These fruit elements are complemented by that subtle touch of oak. The tannins are present but not overpowering, and the acidity is crisp
Californian non-alcoholic wines: in a great state
Californian non-alcoholic wines are part of the state’s thriving drinking scene. Whether you’re after a bold red, a crisp white, or a celebratory sparkling wine, these five options prove that alcohol-free doesn’t mean flavour-free. The next time you’re in the mood for a high-quality glass of wine without the alcohol, these Californian picks are well worth exploring.
Image credit: Julian Myles