The start of 2025 brings a shift in drinking habits, with a new movement called “Dry January” and its more flexible cousin “Dry-ish January.” The latter trend is gaining momentum with those seeking to reduce alcohol consumption while still enjoying the occasional glass or two.
Joining us today is Natalie MacLean who offers Canada’s most popular online wine classes at nataliemaclean.com. Welcome, Natalie!
Thanks for having me! I’m thrilled to chat about wines that have great taste without the alcoholic heft.
Tell us about the scale of these movements.
The numbers are revealing – 46% of Generation Z embraced Dry January in 2024, while around 20% of Millennials and Generation X participated. We’re seeing even more interest in “Dry-ish” or “Damp” January options, particularly low-alcohol wines. Interestingly, 94% of consumers who purchase non-alcoholic wines are also buyers of traditional wines. The worldwide market is projected to hit $45 billion Canadian this year.
Let’s start with your first wines. What do you have for us?
The St. Regis Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir are delicious, zesty alcohol-free wines from France.
St. Regis Selection Sauvignon Blanc
France
St. Regis Selection Pinot Noir
France
They’re so balanced that they could teach a yoga class. They’re also juicy and mouth-watering so pair them with lighter fare – they’ll even make carrot sticks taste good. They’re available from Amazon and other online retailers.
Others are choosing low-sugar wines. Can you tell us about the one you have for us?
Trius Sauvignon Blanc VQA
Niagara, Ontario
I have the zesty Trius Sauvignon Blanc with only 3.4 grams of sugar per litre. Wines under 5 grams per litre are considered extra dry. In liquor stores, you’ll see XD on the shelf card with information about the wine. The range goes all the way up to sweet or S with 45 grams of sugar per liter or more.
The Trius Sauvignon Blanc will wake up your senses with juicy citrus aromas and flavours. It’s perfect for seafood or field greens.
What do you have for us next?
Bottega Prosecco Rosé
Veneto, Italy
I have the Bottega Prosecco Rosé from Veneto, Italy. This sparkling wine offers lovely aromas of fresh field strawberries and watermelon. Even in the middle of winter, you’ll be transported to a summer’s day picnic. This is also a gorgeous gift wine.
The bonus is that this has only 11.5% alcohol as compared to most table wines that clock in at 13 to 14% alcohol. Some wines from warmer climates can even reach 16% to 17%.
Low-alcohol wines tend to be refreshing and zesty, since alcohol provides both body and heat. It’s like the difference in weight between whole milk and skim milk.
I’d pair this with a delicate pan-seared herb-crusted halibut, served with steamed asparagus tips and a light lemon-caper sauce that enhances the wine’s crisp acidity.
What about red wine lovers and smaller pours?
Wayne Gretzky Cabernet Merlot VQA
Niagara, Ontario
Yes, we need to rethink those fish-bowl-sized glasses that can actually hold an entire bottle of wine. Then when you’re done, you can use them for a steam facial. The size of the pour matters as much as the sugar, alcohol and caloric content. That’s why I love the half bottle size of the Wayne Gretzky Cabernet Merlot. It’s 375 ml, so it has roughly two and half glasses of wine. That’s perfect for when you and a friend may only want a glass of wine and don’t want to open a standard 750 ml bottle.
This smooth, full-bodied red wine blend from Niagara has seductive aromas of ripe dark berries and plums. Edmonton Oilers hockey legend, Wayne Gretzky, donates his proceeds from every bottle sold to the Wayne Gretzky Foundation which funds children’s hockey programs across the country, builds rinks, and donates equipment. It’s a wine that tastes good and does good for the community.
Natalie, these suggestions are fantastic! Any final words of wisdom for our viewers?
Here’s to new beginnings and better choices, without sacrificing taste or pleasure!
Thank you, Natalie! Where can we find you and these wines online?
On Instagram, you can find me posting wine reviews and tips at:
Online, my website is nataliemaclean.com.
Posted with permission of CTV.
