We live in unusual times, and one peculiar development that is now taking the wine world by storm is the rise of NoLo wines—those with no or low alcohol content. As the definitions around these terms vary widely, there’s currently no universally accepted terminology. For instance, in the U.S., "non-alcoholic wine" is classified as having less than 0.5% alcohol by volume, while "alcohol-free" is under 0.05% abv. Low-alcohol wines have even broader definitions, so checking the label for the actual abv is recommended.
Despite a general decline in global wine sales, the market for no-alcohol wines is thriving. Sales in this category are expected to grow by 7% annually until 2028 and even by 10.4% by 2034. The statistics are striking, with an 88% increase in sales recorded between 2021 and 2024.
This trend reflects a significant shift that extends beyond mere market fluctuations. As preferences evolve, more consumers are gravitating towards these alternatives—whether due to health consciousness or lifestyle choices. The allure of NoLo wines suggests that they are not just a passing trend but likely here to stay, continuously reshaping the landscape of winemaking and consumption.
For continued insights into the NoLo trend and the intricacies of wine culture, you can explore related articles from Andrew Jefford, including discussions on the potential of emerging wine regions like Germany and the diverse qualities of Chenin.