My verdict on No & Low, plus two wine events you’ll want in your diary.
My honest take on non-alcoholic wine and what I’ve actually enjoyed.
So, what are my thoughts after a month of Sober October?
Botivo is still, in my view, the best product on the market, I absolutely love it. But this month I also fell for Everleaf, a beautifully made non-alcoholic spirit. My favourite of the range is Marine: bright, coastal and refreshing and when I was at The Avery Bar in the City, I actually ordered it instead of a gin and tonic.
When it comes to the best non-alcoholic wine options, sparkling is still the standout. I’ve yet to find a still no- or low-alcohol wine that truly satisfies. There are some clever, thoughtful products emerging, but do they really fulfil that wine craving? Honestly, no.
More often than not, I’d rather just skip a drink. I find myself asking, is it worth the calories? If I’m in the pub, I’d rather stick to a vodka, soda and lime.
And perhaps that’s the shift we need to make when talking about no- and low-alcohol wines. Don’t ask, does it taste like wine? Start with does it taste better than Ribena?
Highlights from Sober October
🍇 ZENO, Alcohol-liberated, not alcohol-free. Grown-up, balanced, and delicious. 4/5 bottles.
🍊 BOTIVO, Bitter, bright, beautifully refreshing. The one I’ll always keep in my fridge.
🌊 EVERLEAF, Tried all three: Forest (too sweet), Mountain (pretty), Marine (perfection).
🍾 FUTURE CHÂTEAU, Proper wine at 5% ABV. Tuesday night just got an upgrade.
Upcoming events 🍷
🥂 Pensions & Prosecco, Tuesday 18th November, Rostrum, London
A fizz-cal evening with journalist Katie Binns and me, designed to demystify pensions all while tasting a line-up of Proseccos wines, from supermarket standouts to celebrity bottles.
Expect practical insights, a good laugh, and (of course) plenty of Prosecco.
Upcoming events 🍷
🍷 Wing Woman Wine Club, Classic French Whites (Muscadet to Burgundy) - Monday 3rd November from 6:30-7:00pm
Our next FREE online session is coming up, a relaxed, practical hour to help you feel more confident reading French wine lists and ordering in restaurants.
Join the club, pour a glass, and learn the stories behind France’s most famous whites.
Catch up on my Platinum Magazine column
South Africa is still a best kept secret in wine. Some of the most exciting bottles on the shelves come from the Cape and they offer serious value. Two things make the region special for producers - diverse soils and the unique climate which shaped by two oceans, the cool Atlantic and the warm Indian which brings dry heat, fresh air, and intense sunlight.
Read the full piece on my website now.
Read last months Platinum Magazine
In print this month 📖
The new issue of Platinum Magazine is out now, featuring Cherie Spriggs of Nyetimber one of England’s most talented sparkling winemakers, originally from Canada and Vanya Cullen of Cullen Wines in Margaret River, whose Cabernet Sauvignons can rival the best of Bordeaux.
Vanya is a true advocate of biodynamic and sustainable winemaking, and one of the most inspiring women in wine today.
You can pick up the new Platinum in stores now, and last month’s edition is now live on my website.In print this month 📖
Buy December's Platinum Magazine
Get in touch, email:
elizabeth@elizabethandwine.com
Thanks
Elizabeth
Elizabeth & Wine
📞 07850 855818
✉️ elizabeth@elizabethandwine.com
I create unforgettable events, wine tastings and experiences for you and your guests.