With the silly season upon us, more are turning to try their hand at consuming less, non or low alcohol products. This perfectly timed first release is made by John Stokes of Wood Park Wines (who has the ability to craft incredibly age-worthy wines) and by Kathy Walsh (with 30 years in wine distribution). King Valley Shiraz grapes from north-eastern Victoria. ‘Developed in collaboration with a renowned rosé producer from Provence’ and using a ‘proprietary halted-fermentation process’ where alcohol never forms. It’s also vegan, gluten free, contains no additives, and (naturally) lower in calories.

LONO, Zero Alcohol, Rosé, Shiraz, King Valley, 2025 

Colour deeper than the bottle image suggests: medium rare salmon hue. Light red summer fruits, with cranberry, a hint of peach tea, citrus leaf and watermelon rind (the wet inside part). Pleasant slippery peach cheek presence (that attempts to fill the physical void left by not having alcohol), with light cherry and raspberry flavours, finished with a little acidity for freshness. One of the better alc free wines I’ve tried. Serve cold and have no fear of driving.

RRP: $25
Alc: less than 0.5%
Rating: 87/100

Wine sample courtesy of LONO Beverages