Is This Wine — or Should We Bin It?

The EU is planning to introduce standardised terms for alcohol-free and low-alcohol wines*. “0.0%”, “alcohol-free” and “alcohol light” are the new proposed categories — and while that kind of labelling has long been standard for beer, it’s now causing collective panic in the wine world. Rightfully so?

Let’s be real: alcohol-free wine is here. And it’s here to stay.

What has worked for non-alcoholic beer for decades is now about to be applied to wine. The new EU proposal brings clarity to a messy topic — and yes, it’s also a bit of a provocation. Because for the first time, alcohol-free wine is officially recognised as part of the wine world. A small step for the EU, a giant leap for the wine industry. Or is it?

Here’s what the new labels mean:

• 0.0%: truly alcohol-free, lower than 0.05%ABV
• Alcohol-free: up to 0.5% ABV, similar to what we already see in beer
• Alcohol light: contains more than 0.5% ABV but at least 30% less than the original strength before dealcoholisation — a tricky one (more on that in a minute)

The Big Outcry: Can We Even Call It Wine?

The resistance is strongest in traditional wine countries like Italy, France, and Austria. The word “wine” carries weight — history, culture, craftsmanship — and yes, alcohol. Now the idea that a dealcoholised product could share the same label? For many, that’s heresy.

Critics call it a “watering down” of wine. I see it as an opening up. In the end, the real question is simple: Does it taste good or not? And if it does — why shouldn’t it have a seat at the wine table?

5 Reasons Why This Standardisation Actually Makes Sense

1. The category is finally growing up

Alcohol-free wine is no longer a compromise. No longer a soft drink in disguise. It’s a category of its own, with its own identity. Ignore it if you want, but there’s something interesting happening here.

2. More clarity for everyone

Producers know what they can label. Retailers know what they’re selling. Consumers know what they’re drinking. Win-win-win.

3. Cultural inclusion instead of elitist exclusion

Inclusion shouldn’t stop at wheelchair access. In the wine world, it means taking religious, health-based or conscious decisions seriously — even when there’s no alcohol in the glass.

4. Innovation gets a push

When the rules are clear, startups invest, wineries get creative, and new technologies are developed. The category grows — and that’s a good thing.

5. Alcohol-free ≠ boring

If you still think alcohol-free wine is just for pregnant people or designated drivers, you’ve been sleeping on the trend. The category is growing fast — with or without a nameplate debate.

And Now? Here Comes the Catch: “Alcohol Light”

Alongside “0.0%” and “alcohol-free”, the EU is proposing a third label: alcohol light. And this one raises a few eyebrows:

• A “light wine” can (if the original wine had 15% ABV) still contain up to 10.5% alcohol — that’s more than most beers or even a spritz.
• At the same time, the word “light” sounds innocent — even healthy.
• This could mislead consumers, especially those actively seeking to reduce their alcohol intake.

Here’s where we need nuance. “Reduced alcohol” would be a more transparent label. And we need tighter definitions — not just for wine, but for cider, beer, and all drinks in this space. I do believe the EU will get this right — eventually.

Conclusion: This Isn’t a Threat — It’s a Knighthood.

Alcohol-free wine is not a joke. It’s not a trend. It’s not a scandal. It’s an evolution — and the EU regulation is long overdue.

Clarity, transparency, inclusion — this is what helps the category grow. And those who embrace it now will be the ones who benefit, both culturally and commercially.

Because wine is more than alcohol.
Wine is craft, pleasure, storytelling.
And all of that still exists — even without the buzz.

*Source: euronews.com (accessed 12 April 2025)