On Sunday, January 26, the WAYANA team gathered for an event we had been eagerly anticipating: a comparative tasting of alcoholic and alcohol-free wines. The turnout for this event was noticeably lower than our previous tastings, which took us by surprise.

There were two main reasons for our surprise. First, the fact that wine lovers in our country seemed indifferent to what is arguably the most radical alternative ever proposed in the wine world. Second, despite “alcohol-free wine” being one of the most frequently asked questions we receive via email and phone, there was minimal interest in experiencing it firsthand. This situation could be summed up with the old saying: “Its reputation is greater than its reality.”

It is important to note that the correct term for this category is “de-alcoholized wine”, rather than “alcohol-free wine.” Unlike other beverages that can be produced without alcohol from the beginning, wine is first fully vinified like any traditional wine. Only after this process is the alcohol removed using different methods while attempting to preserve its other taste and aroma components.

Looking at the evolution of de-alcoholized wine, we see a significant improvement. Initially, low-quality wines were used for this purpose, but today, we are witnessing the emergence of premium examples. Market research shows that bottle prices range widely, from €7 to €100, depending on quality and branding.

Third Set: LUSSORY alcohol-free Merlot vs. Firuze Merlot (Uçmakdere)

• First Set: FRE alcohol-free Muscat vs. Kavaklıdere Muscat
• Second Set: FRE alcohol-free White Zinfandel vs. Karnas White Zinfandel (Bodrum): FRE White Zinfandel (de-alkolize) vs. Karnas White Zinfandel
• Üçüncü set: LUSSORY Merlot (de-alkolize) vs. Uçmakdere Firuze Merlot
• Dördüncü set: Fourth Set: JOYOUS alcohol-free Cabernet Sauvignon vs. Kayalıtepe Cabernet Sauvignon (Asmadan winery)

Additionally, we included a Hardaliye, a non-alcoholic beverage made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.

Key Takeaways from the Participants

The biggest insight we gained from this tasting was the participants’ reactions. The unanimous conclusion was that de-alcoholized wines are not a replacement for traditional wines but instead represent a new beverage category that some would consider consuming under the right circumstances.

Among the four grape varieties, Muscat stood out for its aromatic character, while Cabernet Sauvignon maintained a relatively stronger structure compared to the other two de-alcoholized options.

Participants also pointed out situations where they might opt for a de-alcoholized wine, such as when taking medication or driving, where alcohol consumption is not advisable. This led to a discussion on how de-alcoholized wines should be evaluated beyond just religious considerations and seen as a practical alternative in certain contexts.

Looking Ahead: A Growing Category

De-alcoholized wine is still an evolving category, and we are observing a growing global trend toward lower-alcohol and alcohol-free alternatives. As consumer preferences shift, we believe that wine, in both its classic and alternative forms, should find its place in this changing landscape.

At WAYANA, we are always excited to embrace innovation. Hopefully, one day, we will have a dedicated “De-Alcoholized Wines” section on our menu, offering our guests a new and evolving tasting experience. alkole yönelik farkındalığın arttığı ve alkolsüz alternatiflere olan ilginin yükseldiği açıkça görülüyor. Biz de bu değişen tüketici beklentileri arasında şarabın hem özgün hem de farklılaşmış formlarıyla yer almasını destekliyoruz. Eğer bu trend ülkemizde de güçlenirse, WAYANA Menüsüne ‘De-Alkolize Şaraplar’ başlıklı özel bir bölüm eklemekten mutluluk duyarız!