A Winemakers Foray Into Non-Alcoholic Wine

Written by BOOM Brand Partner: Chris Fedor, Founder, City & Country Urban Winery

As a winemaker, my life has always revolved around the delicate balance of vineyard, varietals, weather, and the magic that happens when grapes transform into wine, known as fermentation. For a little over a decade, my focus was solely on crafting the finest alcoholic vintages, chasing that perfect expression of terroir and vintage. But lately, there's a new, equally fascinating frontier that has captured my attention: non-alcoholic wine. And let me tell you, it's not just a trend; it's a revolution in how we think about enjoyment and inclusivity.

It's clear that the world has constantly changing consumer preferences. We're seeing a significant shift towards health and wellness, with more and more people actively seeking to reduce or eliminate their alcohol intake. This isn't just about "Dry January" anymore; it's a sustained lifestyle choice for many. Young professionals, health-conscious individuals, pregnant women, designated drivers, and those simply looking for mental clarity are all part of this growing demographic. They want to participate in social occasions, enjoy the ritual of a beautiful glass of wine, and appreciate complex flavours without the alcoholic effects.

The data speaks volumes: non-alcoholic wine sales are surging, with projections for continued robust growth. What's most exciting for me as a winemaker is that these consumers aren't settling for glorified grape juice. They're demanding quality, nuance, and a product that truly mirrors the experience of traditional wine. They're looking for good drinks without alcohol, and they want them to taste better than ever before. Entering the non-alcoholic wine market isn't just about having a great product; it's about smart positioning. We've learned, slowly, that it's crucial to integrate these offerings seamlessly into our brand narrative. Non-alcoholic wines shouldn't be relegated to a forgotten corner; they deserve pride of place alongside their alcoholic counterparts.

The art & science of dealcoholization is where the real challenge and excitement lies for me as a winemaker. Crafting a truly exceptional non-alcoholic wine isn't simply about removing alcohol; it's about preserving the soul of the wine. All non-alcoholic wines start as traditional wines, undergoing the full fermentation process to develop complexity, aroma, and flavour. The magic happens at the very end, when the alcohol is carefully removed.

The method we choose to use is reverse osmosis filtration. This is an intricate process where wine is passed through extremely fine membranes under high pressure, separating alcohol and water from the concentrated wine. Some water is then added back after the alcohol has been removed. This method offers great control and can be effective in preserving flavours. Alcohol, as we know, contributes significantly to a wine's body, and how flavours are perceived. Without it, wines can sometimes feel thinner or lose their aromatic intensity. The biggest hurdle is filling that "hole" left by the alcohol. We're constantly experimenting with techniques to compensate, typically by blending in additional grape juice to give it more palatability, carefully balancing PH & acidity, or longer time with oak.

The industry is now able to produce non-alcoholic wines that are increasingly indistinguishable from their alcoholic counterparts in terms of aroma, flavour, and complexity. Even sparkling non-alcoholic wines, in particular, benefit from the added mouthfeel provided by carbonation, which helps fill some of that textural void.

My journey into non-alcoholic winemaking is an ongoing one, filled with innovation and a deep commitment to quality. As a winemaker, it's incredibly rewarding to craft beverages that allow everyone to partake in the joy and ritual of wine, regardless of their alcohol preferences. The vine less traveled is proving to be a truly fruitful path, and I'm excited to see where it leads us next.

City & Country Winery is Alberta’s first and only urban winery—a hidden gem that blends modern winemaking with warm hospitality. This locally owned winery offers an inviting atmosphere perfect for tastings, gatherings, or simply slowing down with a great glass of wine.

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Whether you’re exploring exciting non‑alcoholic options or savoring a classic vintage, BOOM Members save online and in‑store at City & Country Urban Winery.

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