We Tasted Over 40 Bottles of Nonalcoholic Wines to Find the Best Buys

The steady rise in popularity of booze-free beverages means you no longer have to settle for soda or water when sipping sans buzz. Whether you're stocking up for Dry January, cutting back on consumption, expecting a little one or have any other reason for nixing liquor, you can still enjoy a satisfying cup of something special. Plenty of brands offering de-alcoholized vino have popped up in recent years, so we put 'em to the test with several rounds of tastings from Test Kitchen pros. Here, find our picks: The very best nonalcoholic wines for every occasion.

But first, what is nonalcoholic wine?

Well, it's a bit of a misnomer. Many wines labeled "nonalcoholic" can actually contain trace amounts (about 0.5% ABV), just like kombucha. That's because most bottles start with a batch of regular ol' vino. Nonalcoholic wine is made by removing the alcohol from regular wine, either by vacuum distillation (during which the drink is heated until the alcohol evaporates) or reverse osmosis (a filtration system that separates out alcohol based on its molecular size). Removing alcohol changes the beverage's flavor profile, however, so producers turn to additives like sugar or botanicals to replicate the complexity and mouthfeel of alcoholic wine.

Are they successful? Not always. While the options for nonalcoholic wines are seemingly endless, they're not all delicious — many can taste closer to sweet grape juice than wine. Our picks, the best of the bunch, offer some of the tannins, acidity and overall interest that you'd find in a typical, boozy bottle. Top tip: Be sure to chill any white, rosé or sparkling wines until ice cold for the most refreshing result.

Below, you'll find the best N/A picks for pairing with finger foods, toasting to a celebratory occasion or enjoying solo after work. Cheers!