What do you think of the non-alcoholic drinks trend? Non-alcoholic wine and sparkling wine are becoming increasingly popular - and not just during Lent or in January, when many people reconsider their consumption.

Refreshing oneself completely or at least more often without alcohol reflects the current lifestyle awareness. While alcohol-free beer is already established as an everyday drink, alcohol-free wine is still somewhat in the background, but is well on the way to changing this. Here's a look at the figures: In 2022, non-alcoholic wine only accounted for around one per cent of total wine consumption in Germany, while non-alcoholic sparkling wine had already reached five per cent, according to the German Wine Institute (DWI).

Meanwhile, demand for non-alcoholic wine is growing rapidly. An increase of 18 per cent last year is testament to the Eurovino trade fair in Karlsruhe. In response, winegrowers and wine producers are continuously expanding their range of alcohol-free wines. There are many reasons for giving up alcohol: health, diet, medication or simply the desire to experience the evening clearly and consciously.

Alcohol-free enjoyment? That's why!

In addition to offering drinks without alcohol, there is also an emerging trend towards alcohol-free parties, which are organised under the motto „Sober Curiosity“. Cities such as Freiburg are pioneers of this movement, offering a new way of celebrating without alcohol.

Despite a decline in alcohol consumption among young people, alcohol remains the number one drug in Germany. All consumption is associated with health risks. The Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA) recommends that women should not drink more than around 0.125 litres of wine per day and men should not drink more than twice that amount - in addition, alcohol should be completely avoided on at least two days.

Non-alcoholic wine and sparkling wine show that enjoyment does not necessarily have to go hand in hand with alcohol. They offer a healthy alternative that allows you to toast to life without alcohol. Perhaps it's time for us to rethink our drinking habits and give this growing trend more space in our lives.

The original article from SWR3 can be found here: https://www.swr3.de/aktuell/nachrichten/wein-sekt-ohne-alkohol-alkoholfrei-100.html

...and non-alcoholic wines & sparkling wines can of course be found here: https://baehr-alkoholfrei.de/shop/