Wine Enthusiast Launches NoLow Tasting Program for Non-Alcoholic and Low-Alcohol Beverages

Wine Enthusiast, a leading authority on wine, spirits, and beverage lifestyle, has launched a dedicated No/Low Alcohol Tasting Program to address the growing demand for high-quality non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages. The initiative reflects the company's commitment to supporting the evolving beverage industry and recognizing the efforts of producers driving innovation in this space.

According to the press release, the US non-alcoholic retail market crossed $1 billion by the end of 2025. This surge in consumer preference for no/low alcohol options has prompted Wine Enthusiast to expand its review capabilities. The new NoLow program will feature a 5-Star Rating System tailored specifically for non-alcoholic and low-ABV wines, spirits, and ready-to-drink beverages. This system is designed to evaluate products based on their unique characteristics, as these beverages are produced using distinct methods such as dealcoholization or custom blending.

Abe Zarate, Kara Newman, and Cheron Cowan are the key figures spearheading the NoLow Tasting Program. Zarate, Wine Director at New York City’s Crane Club, has also led wine programs at Corkbuzz, Intersect by Lexus, and Contento. In 2024, he was named one of Wine Enthusiast’s Future 40 Tastemakers, known on Instagram as @sober_somm. Newman, a writer-at-large and veteran spirits reviewer for Wine Enthusiast, has contributed to publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Food & Wine. She is also the author of several popular cocktail books. Cowan, an Advanced Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, reviews American wines from the Midwest and the East Coast for Wine Enthusiast.

All NoLow products will adhere to Wine Enthusiast’s rigorous, independent blind-tasting protocol. However, these beverages are produced using methods that cannot be directly compared to classically fermented or distilled products. To properly evaluate these products, Wine Enthusiast has introduced a tailored 5-Star Rating System. The ratings are as follows: - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding; category-defining. - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ Exceptional and original. - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Well-crafted and highly recommended. - ⭐️⭐️⭐️½ Enjoyable and approachable. - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dependable choice for broad appeal.

Reviews will consider factors such as balance, flavor, aroma, texture, and overall drinking experience. Products will be evaluated within the context of their respective category. In addition to being reviewed, select products will also be included in new annual NoLow Top Lists that highlight standout beverages.

Samples can be submitted via the Wine Enthusiast Ratings Platform (WERP) for a fee of $95 per SKU, which guarantees a blind-tasted star rating and written review. Low-alcohol products between 0.5% and 10% ABV are eligible for the NoLow program when they are produced and marketed specifically as low-alcohol alternatives. Traditional alcoholic beverages that naturally fall within this ABV range should continue to be evaluated through Wine Enthusiast’s existing 100-point scale.

The launch of the NoLow Tasting Program underscores Wine Enthusiast’s dedication to staying ahead of industry trends and providing consumers with reliable information to navigate the evolving world of drinks.