Whether you're after a completely alcohol-free option or an alcohol-light drink, below are a range of wines to suit all your lighter drinking needs.
From sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, and chardonnay to a blend of grenache shiraz mataro, two pinot noir wines, a shiraz, and of course a couple of sparkling options – here are 10 lighter wines to try.
NV Ara Zero Sauvignon Blanc
This refreshing alcohol-free wine shows classic Marlborough sauvignon blanc notes of tropical fruit and grapefruit. Layers of passionfruit and pineapple fill the palate, creating a delicious balance between fruit sweetness, juicy texture and a crisp finish. Enjoy for its lighter style and low calories.Senior winemaker Jeremy Tod says: Ara Zero Sauvignon Blanc is an award-winning, no-alcohol wine from Marlborough in New Zealand. First, we craft premium full-strength sauvignon blanc wine, then using our own spinning cone technology, we gently remove the alcohol, leaving behind a full-flavoured Marlborough sauvignon blanc that is low in calories. This wine is certified vegan with the Vegetarian Society, UK.
H. What makes this wine a great drink for the warmer months?
JT. I think there’s no other wine on earth that tastes like sauvignon blanc from Marlborough – fruit purity, crispness, fresh flavour – and Ara Zero Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is no different. Expect classic sauvignon aromas of blackcurrant with a hint of fresh herbs. Grapefruit and tropical notes with layers of passionfruit and pineapple on the palate – perfect for summer!
Best enjoyed: The Ara is best served chilled. Pair it with salad or a creamy lemon asparagus pasta.
RRP $20 | Drink to 2026 | arawines.co.nz
NV Edenvale Premium Reserve Selection Grenache Shiraz Mataro
Intense aromas of violet, pastille raspberry, strawberries and cream with subtle hints of vanilla, orange zest, charcuterie, and sweet spice. The firm acidity draws out the length and cuts through the fruit sweetness to yield a wine that is light- to medium-bodied and incredibly flavourful.Winemaker Aaron Milne says: This is Edenvale’s first venture into premium region winemaking, selecting and fermenting fruit in small batches to put together a limited-release blend. Each blend component displays itself nicely, and the promise of the base wine is delivered through the de-alcoholisation process with generous fruit intensity. We're very excited to see how this wine develops in bottle.
H. What makes this wine a great drink for the warmer months?
AM. Being a lighter, acid-driven red, this wine can be served slightly chilled to provide a refreshing break over the warm summer months. The flavours are bright and hedonic and provide simple pleasure while still carrying complexity to interest the serious non-alc drinkers.
Best enjoyed: Serve slightly chilled over the summer months. The GSM should be enjoyed when you're lounging under an umbrella by the pool, or at a garden party with friends, paired with canapés or a charcuterie board.
RRP $22.99 | Drink to 2025 | Shop this wine | edenvale.com.au
Tread Softly Pinot Grigio
Light but aromatic cues of lemon, apple, and pear. A fresh and vibrant wine with flavours that flow effortlessly to fill the palate and finish long, pure and refreshing with cleansing acidity.Corey Ryan says: Tread Softly is naturally lighter in alcohol wine. It is Sustainable Wine Growing certified, and we plant a native tree for every six bottles sold. So far, the brand has planted over 1.6 million trees (and counting) in the Tread Softly Forest.
H. What makes this wine a great drink for the warmer months?
CR. Hot summer days have wine lovers seeking a refreshing drop. Our pinot grigio is light, crisp, fresh and pairs well with our favourite summertime foods.
Best enjoyed: Serve chilled and pair with miso/pork ramen noodles or with a fresh Asian crunchy noodle salad.
RRP $15.99 | Drink now | treadsoftly.com
2022 Plus and Minus Shiraz
Classic shiraz aromas highlighted by dark berries, hints of chocolate and vanilla with hints of oak. The palate delivers vibrant dark fruits, a touch of sweetness to fill out the mid-palate and a thin weave of tannins before ending with medium concentration.Winemaker Corey Ryan says: Plus and Minus is a contemporary range of wines developed to be richer in antioxidants, minus the alcohol. These zero-alcohol wines have been handmade without the use of any artificial sweeteners but do see the addition of grape skin extract (GSE) during the winemaking process.
H. What makes this wine a great drink for the warmer months?
CR. Warmer months are social months, which usually means lunches, dinners, and catching up with friends. Plus and Minus’s zero-alcohol shiraz enables consumers to have inclusive experiences with friends and family, by enjoying a nice glass of wine – just alcohol free!
Best enjoyed: Enjoy a nice glass, served at room temperature or chilled for those hot summer days. Pair the shiraz with a summer barbecue or lasagne served with rocket and pear salad.
RRP $14.99 | Drink now | fourthwavewine.com.au
In The Middle Pinot Noir
A light, vibrant crimson in the glass, the palate is lively with a core of supple red berry flavours accompanied by subtle spice notes. Soft and light mouthfeel, nice acidity, and fine tannins. A moderate wine to enjoy with many dishes and occasions.
Winemaker Corey Ryan says: It’s not too much, but more than enough – it’s ‘In The Middle’. Light, approachable and the perfect balance of flavour with fantastic drinkability. We can see this wine being a team favourite.H. What makes this wine a great drink for the warmer months?
CR. Many people love the flavour of wine but the relatively high alcohol content compared to beer and mixed drinks can limit the occasions for where it's consumed. The In the Middle Pinot Noir allows wine lovers to consider a glass with lunch or at a casual social occasion as a lighter choice.
Best enjoyed: This wine can be enjoyed in the middle of the day, for lunch, at the park or beach, at a party, dinner, birthday, barbecue and many other occasions! Enjoy this pinot noir at room temperature, and chilled in the warmer months. Serve with pan-fried salmon and a summer salad of greens, goats cheese and dill.
RRP $15.99 | Drink to 2028 | fourthwavewine.com.au
NV Giesen 0% Sparkling Brut
The aroma is pure and inviting with fresh lemon and grapefruit notes, along with pear and blossom. The palate is light and playful, with refreshing citrus and pure stonefruit flavours. The persistent bubbles elevate this wine and bring wonderful energy and excitement to the palate, leaving the wine with a crisp dry finish.Chief winemaker Duncan Shouler says: The Giesen 0% Sparkling Brut from New Zealand is the newest addition to the Giesen 0% range. It offers a sophisticated and refreshing alternative to traditional sparkling wines – without compromising on taste or quality. Our expert, award-winning winemakers specialise in producing no- and low-alcohol wines, and their aim is to produce premium wines that are true to style – this means a drier style, no-alcohol sparkling wine. And you won’t find excessive sweetness here! With only 14 calories per 100ml serving, the Giesen 0% Sparkling Brut is one of the lowest-calorie sparkling wines available.
H. What makes this wine a great drink for the warmer months?
DS. Giesen 0% Sparkling Brut is a fresh, crisp, invigorating non-alcoholic sparkling wine, with lower sugar content and vibrant fruit-driven flavours. The perfect refreshing summer accessory without the alcohol. If you enjoy making cocktails check out some of our Giesen 0% Sparkling Brut alcohol-free cocktail recipes.
Best enjoyed: Serve chilled and paired with fresh oysters, salmon sushi or prosciutto e melone.
RRP $18 | Drink to 2026 | Shop this wine | giesen.co.nz
NV McGuigan Zero Chardonnay
Attractive aromas of white peach combine with subtle influences of vanilla and oak. The palate is driven by stone fruit and honey melon flavours with toasty oak ensuring a well-rounded, generous finish.Lead winemaker Amy Blackburn says: Post fermentation, McGuigan Zero uses the latest spinning cone technology, working at low temperatures to gently remove the alcohol, ensuring the wines maintain their delicate fruit flavours. McGuigan Zero wines are all grape derived, with no artificial sweeteners or additives used in the process ensuring our alcohol-free wine is of the highest quality possible.
H. What makes this wine a great drink for the warmer months?
AB. The tropical fruits provide a smooth, yet refreshing wine for warmer months. Its light and lively profile make it a perfect choice for sunny days and outdoor gatherings.
Best enjoyed: A versatile chardonnay that pairs perfectly with creamy risottos, a rich pasta carbonara or lemon-roasted chicken.
RRP $13 | Drink now | Shop this wine | mcguiganwines.com.au
NV McGuigan Zero Sauvignon Blanc
Generous aromas of gooseberry and citrus fruits, with a subtle grassy tone. This refreshing full flavoured sauvignon blanc delivers flavours of passionfruit and lime whilst finishing clean and crisp.Lead winemaker Amy Blackburn says: McGuigan Zero Sauvignon Blanc is our hero wine. Our cutting-edge spinning cone technology and winemaking process allows us to preserve the vibrant, zesty flavours that define sauvignon blanc. It’s the perfect choice for those who want a full-flavoured taste, without the alcohol.
H. What makes this wine a great drink for the warmer months?
AB. The refreshing citrus notes and crisp acidity of this wine make it an ideal choice for warmer months. The Zero Sauvignon Blanc offers a light and vibrant alternative, which pairs well with summer dishes and outdoor activities.
Best enjoyed: With a crisp, zesty kick, this sauvignon blanc is perfect for sunny, summer occasions. Pair it with fresh seafood, or light, summer salads.
RRP $13 | Drink now | Shop this wine | mcguiganwines.com.au
NV Not Guilty Prosecco
Pale straw with green hues. Clean, fresh lime with hint of elderflower aromas. Fresh and fruity wine with lively bubbles and a zesty finish. ALC less than 0.5 per cent.Lead winemaker Amy Blackburn says: Australian Vintage, parent company of Not Guilty, has over 15+ years experience and a team of dedicated winemakers overseeing its no and low (NoLo) alcohol program. The Not Guilty Prosecco Zero is a delicious, full flavoured and refreshing Prosecco that does not compromise on taste, yet has less than 0.5 per cent alcohol by volume (ABV).
H. What makes this wine a great drink for the warmer months?
AB. The Not Guilty Prosecco is a refreshing and fruit-flavoured Prosecco that is perfect for the summer months. It's bursting with flavour and bubbles, and with less than 0.5 per cent ABV, you can sip on Not Guilty Prosecco all day long.
Best enjoyed: Not Guilty Prosecco is best served chilled and in a flute to enhance the aromas and taste. It can also be used in your favourite mocktails at barbecues and celebrations with friends. Not Guilty is all about having guilt-free fun.
RRP $15 | Drink to 2025 | notguiltyzero.com
2022 Tempus Two Lighten Up Pinot Noir
An enchanting profile of strawberries and vanilla collide harmoniously supported by an elegant, subtle spice. A fruit driven wine, rounded out with soft tannins and a hint of acid at the end of the palate.Winemaker Brooke Edson says: Lighten Up is a refreshing, mid-strength wine range with lower calories and lower alcohol (6.8 per cent). Tempus Two’s Lighten Up is the perfect drop for wine consumers who want to stay in the moment longer. The palate is generous with flavours of juicy blackcurrant and preserved raspberry that dominate the subtlety of strawberry notes as the wine finishes with an elegant spice. This pinot noir has just 83 calories per glass and four standard drinks per bottle.
H. What makes this wine a great drink for the warmer months?
BE. The Tempus Two Lighten Up Pinot Noir is the perfect summer companion, boasting a mid-strength profile that refreshes the palate. Its light and crisp character invites you to savour the moment, making it an ideal choice to embrace the season and enhance those summer sessions.
Best enjoyed: Enjoy a bottle of Lighten Up at an afternoon picnic, long lunch, sporting event, birthday dinner or work function. Pair the pinot noir with soft cheese, spicy food and pizza.
RRP $20 | Drink to 2029 | tempuswines.com.au
