The Danger of Alcohol-Free Wine: Myth or Reality?

Alcohol-Free Wine: A Rising Trend

Alcohol-free wine is winning over more and more people who are looking for healthier ways to enjoy a drink. We all have our reasons for skipping alcohol — whether for health, religion, or simply because we’re not in the mood.

But one question comes up a lot: Is alcohol-free wine dangerous?
Let’s separate fact from fiction.

What Exactly Is Alcohol-Free Wine?

It’s not just grape juice. Some alcohol-free wines are blends of juice and added flavors — sometimes artificial.

Others start out as real wine, made through traditional fermentation, with the alcohol removed afterward. This is done using techniques like vacuum distillation or membrane filtration.

The result? Less than 0.5% alcohol (sometimes 0%, depending on the brand), with an effort to preserve tannins, aromas, and structure — with varying degrees of success.

 

Is Alcohol-Free Wine Dangerous?

1. Almost No Alcohol
Good news: with alcohol-free wine, there’s no risk to your liver, no addiction issues, and none of the cancer risks linked to alcohol. So no — it’s not dangerous for your health, at least not because of alcohol.

💡 Note: Some drinks labeled “alcohol-free” can contain up to 1.2% ABV. That’s negligible for most adults, but always check the label — especially if you’re pregnant.

2. Watch the Sugar
Sugar can be a downside. When alcohol is removed, wines often lose some roundness and flavor. Some brands add sugar to make up for it. The result? Between 5 and 7 grams per glass — sometimes more than regular wine.

👉 It’s not harmful in itself, but if you’re watching your sugar intake or managing diabetes, check the label carefully.

3. Additives and Flavorings
To recover the aromas lost during dealcoholization, some brands add artificial flavorings, acidifiers, or preservatives. Not necessarily harmful, but it does move away from the natural approach that more and more consumers are seeking. Don’t hesitate to scan these products with apps like Yuka!

Who Is Alcohol-Free Wine For?

It’s a great option if you enjoy the rituals of wine — stemmed glasses, food pairings, tasting moments — without the effects of alcohol. It can be recommended:

• During pregnancy

• Before driving

• For athletes

• While on medication

• Or simply out of curiosity

But be aware: not all alcohol-free wines are created equal.

What If We Took It a Step Further?

Alcohol-free wine is still a processed product. It starts as regular wine, then gets modified afterward. The dealcoholization process is often energy-intensive and can sometimes involve chemical treatments.

So here’s a fair question:
Why go through the “alcohol” stage at all to create a true alcohol-free alternative?
What if we designed a drink to be alcohol-free — from the very beginning?

That’s exactly what we do at Jardins.

 

Jardins: A Natural, Gastronomic Alternative

At Jardins, we don’t remove alcohol — we never add it to begin with.
Our drinks are crafted from the start without fermentation or dealcoholization.

We create organic, low-sugar sparkling blends from fruits, herbs, and flowers.
The goal? To offer a real tasting experience — with complexity, aromatic depth, and elegance — reminiscent of wine or Champagne, but without compromising on naturalness.

Perfect for:

• Apéritifs

• Food pairings

• Alcohol-free celebrations

 

Pleasure, Without Compromise

In short:

• Alcohol-free wine isn’t dangerous.

• But keep an eye on sugar and additives.

• And today, there are more natural, creative, and modern alternatives — like those from Jardins.

Because saying no to alcohol doesn’t mean saying no to gastronomy or to togetherness.

Ready for a new ritual to share?
Discover Jardins’ sparkling drinks: organic, complex, elegant — crafted for a new way to raise a glass.