The 8 Best Low-Alcohol Wines to Buy, According to Wine Experts

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There's something romantic about sipping a nice glass of wine after a long day or popping a bottle of bubbly to celebrate life's wins. However, sometimes you don't want to deal with the negative impacts that come with drinking alcohol. That's where low-alcohol wines come in to save the day.

These easy-drinking wines tend to be crowd-pleasers and feel a little less indulgent than their boozier sisters. Over the past few years, low-alcohol wines have skyrocketed in popularity and are appearing more often on shelves at local wine shops and menus at award-winning restaurants. In fact, the market value of no- and low-alcohol wine was up nearly $3 billion from 2018 to 2021, and is only expected to grow in the coming years. Amy Mundwiler, the national wine director of Maple Hospitality Group, explains that this movement toward lighter beverages is tied to wellness trends.

"The movement towards optimal health has never been bigger," says Mundwiler. "However, at the same time, people don't want to give up what they love. Wine is intrinsically linked with many aspects of our lives and is often a part of many traditions with family, friends, and sometimes just ourselves. I personally like having a glass of Champagne while I clean my apartment— it certainly makes a tiresome chore enjoyable!"

That said, drinking too much alcohol (more than two drinks a day for men and one drink each day for women) is linked to chronic diseases, so it's a smart choice to scale back on the booze for your health. "If you're looking to lower your alcohol consumption, finding a wine with a much lower alcohol content will be good for you," Mundwiler says.

Whether you're looking to avoid a hangover, boost your health, or just want to try something new, here's everything you need to know about low-alcohol wines.

What Is Low-Alcohol Wine?

As the name suggests, low-alcohol wine has a lower alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage. Experts quickly point out that there is no official industry-wide definition of what qualifies as low-alcohol wine. Beau Rapier, the director of procurement at SommSelect, explains that as long as the ABV is below the industry standard of wine it can technically fall into the low alcohol category.

"Historically, most wines, when it's considered fully dry like a regular table wine, fall right at 12.5% alcohol," says Rapier. "These days with warming temperatures, 12.5% to 13% is probably more like the range of average alcohol in wine. So for me, anything that falls below that is going to be low alcohol."

Perrine Gallardo, sommelier and founder of Perrine's Wine Shop in Atlanta, adds that while there is no official cutoff, the industry is starting to establish more standards when it comes to low-alcohol beverages. Gallardo says, "Some of the sommelier institutes have established their own definition of low-alcohol wines using 11% ABV as the benchmark."

How Is Low-Alcohol Wine Made?

Traditionally, there are a few types of wine that naturally have lower ABV because of the methods used to make them. Gallardo explains that more sugar in the grapes contributes to increased alcohol production during the fermentation process. One way to produce low-alcohol wine is to harvest the grapes early when their sugar content is lower. Gallardo says, "These wines will go through full fermentation, and most of the sugar will be consumed by the yeast and turn into alcohol—these are dry and low-alcohol wines like vinho verde and Txakolina."

Rapier also points out that winemakers can manipulate the fermentation process in a way that limits the amount of alcohol produced, but there will be a little bit of sugar left in the wine. This often results in a slightly sweeter wine that manages to stay fuller-bodied like a riesling spätlese.

Winemakers can also use less "natural" ways, like vacuum distillation and a spinning cone, to lower the alcohol content in wine. However, many sommeliers prefer to sip on wines with low intervention and plenty of flavor.

Below, wine experts from around the country reveal the best low-alcohol wines you can buy.

2022 Gaintza "Getariako Txakolina", Txakoli, Spain

When Gallardo is craving something dry, she'll almost always turn to a glass of Txakolina. This particular bottle from Spanish Basque country has super bright acidity and fresh minerality that pairs beautifully with seafood dishes. Its natural carbonation comes from slow fermentation and little intervention. Gallardo says, "I’m a classic, meaning the less manipulated the wine is the happier I am."

Prunotto Nebbiolo Occhetti 2020

“In an era where many wines are escalating in alcohol percentages, Prunotto Occhetti Langhe's lower ABV stands as a refreshing divergence, allowing for extended enjoyment without the weightiness of a more potent wine,” says Kamal Ahmed, restaurant director for Highball at Tempo by Hilton Times Square.

“Its lower alcohol content complements its rich bouquet and palate, offering an elegant and harmonious drinking experience that pays homage to the best of Italian wine traditions,” he adds.

Stefan Rosner, Grüner Veltliner “Hauswein”

Rapier notes that certain wines grown in Germany and Austria often naturally fall in the low-alcohol category. One of his favorites happens to be this grüner veltliner coming from the Kamptal region of Austria. Rapier says, "It's not quite effervescent, but it just has a nice little prickle to it. So, it's very refreshing."

Moscato D'Asti 'Nivole' 2021

Bardia Ketabi, general manager at The Pembroke, says, “Moscato D'Asti 'Nivole' 2021 is a delightful low-alcohol wine that lends its effervescent charm to The Pembroke’s menu. This wine is a favorite for its enchanting aromas of white peach, orange blossom, and honeysuckle. On the palate, it's a symphony of ripe peach and apricot flavors, elegantly balanced by a refreshing acidity.”

He adds that it's a perfect wine to enjoy al fresco and can complement a wide range of desserts thanks to its subtle sweetness.

2020 Robert Weil Riesling Kabinett, Rheingau, Germany

Gallardo recommends seeking out this bottle for a sweeter, low-alcohol option. Made in Germany’s Rhine Valley, Robert Weil Riesling Kabinett has lush, fruity notes that are balanced by the wine's natural bright acidity.

Maximin Grunhauser Abtsberg Riesling Superior

“If you are in the market for lower-alcohol wines, then Germany is unmatched. I recommend Maximin Grunhaus Abtsberg Riesling Spatlese 2018,” says Ian Lockey, certified sommelier and beverage director of Sushi Note. “It’s a wine that will surprise you. Is there elevated sugar? Sure, but that’s not something we need to shy away from. In fact, if you are a fan of spicy food then German wines with elevated sugar are certainly your first call. Limes, herbs, and acid are the calling cards here, and those are qualities that elevate every meal.”

MV Guy de Forez, Champagne Brut Tradition

Not many people realize that Champagne happens to be one of the types of wines that are naturally lower in alcohol, often clocking in right at 12% or below. Rapier recommends this affordable option from Guy De Forez for its richly layered flavor profile of red berry fruit, rose petals, blood orange, rhubarb, white peach, and dried porcini.

Caposaldo Moscato

Nicole Haarklau, corporate director of food and beverage for Coury Hospitality, says a favorite low-alcohol wine among sommeliers and wine enthusiasts is moscato. She says, "They typically have an ABV between 5-7%, making them light and sweeter wines. Their low alcohol content allows for a refreshing and easy-drinking experience, with notes of apricot, peach, and floral aromas that make it a delightful choice for those looking for a lighter wine option."

She adds, "When exploring this category, I highly recommend Caposaldo. They have several options that are affordable, highly rated, and easy drinking. Plus, they’re great for brunch."

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