9 Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wines, Ranked - Tasting Table

"It used to be trendy for restaurants and bars to embrace booze-free offerings during Dry January. With a rising wave of sober-curious consumers, however, these items have found a permanent place on menus everywhere. Retailers, too, have shifted their selection, making room for one of my personal favorite non-alcoholic alternatives: sparking wine. Two months ago, I decided to (temporarily) embrace a sober lifestyle. Much of my inspiration came from Hilary Sheinbaum, author of "The Dry Challenge and Going Dry: A Workbook.""

"Let's be honest, though: you're going to be disappointed and more inclined to cut your challenge short if your swap is fizzy grape juice. While some alternatives are, unfortunately, more similar to Welch's than wine, others impress even expert sommeliers. Based on hours of research and personal taste testing, this guide will help you decide which non-alcoholic sparkling wines are truly toast-worthy."

"Josh Prosecco ranks highly among cheap "champagnes" with alcohol, but unfortunately, its zero-proof alternative leaves a lot to be desired. In my opinion, the nose is a smack of sugar akin to marmalade and cotton candy grapes - far from the brand's compelling descriptor of pear, citrus, and green apple. While the wine's scent isn't entirely off-putting, I found the flavor to be quite unpleasant. Any nuance is masked with a cloying artificial sweetness that borders medicinal. These qualities are a hint to the wine"

Non-alcoholic beverage options shifted from seasonal Dry January offerings to permanent positions on menus and retail shelves, including sparkling wine. A temporary sober experiment prompted updates to a home bar cart and a clear plan for celebrations and milestones. Dozens of zero-proof alternatives exist across price points. Many substitutes resemble sweet grape juice, but some non-alcoholic sparklers impress experienced sommeliers. Careful research and taste testing reveal which bottles offer complexity and balance. One reviewed example shows a sugary nose and cloying, medicinal sweetness that masks nuance and undermines overall flavor.

Read at Tasting Table