Alcohol-free is no longer an alternative — it’s becoming part of the experience.
Last Tuesday I was invited to a tasting at Bedrinks, a key company in Ibiza’s Horeca ecosystem, specialized in beverage distribution across the island.
The focus of the presentation immediately caught my attention: alcohol-free wines by Richard Juhlin.
This is a category I’ve been following closely — not only from a wine perspective, but from behind the bar, where the demand for non-alcoholic options continues to grow.
The tasting took place at Bedrinks’ shop in Puerto de Ibiza — a space that feels both professional and connected to the industry.
Events like this are more than tastings. They are meeting points.
The presentation was led by Fredrik Olin, Export & Travel Retail Manager at Galatea.
Beyond explaining the technical side — history, production methods, and positioning — what stood out was his openness to feedback.
The tasting was dynamic. Conversational. Built around real impressions.
We explored four expressions:
The Blanc de Blancs Brut (Chardonnay) was balanced and structured, with dry character, citrus notes, and subtle yeast presence. The bubbles sat somewhere between Prosecco and Champagne — more aligned with Cava — which made sense given the tank method used.
The Chardonnay showed clear varietal identity. Notes of butter and light oak came through, with a balanced but not overly deep profile — honest and well executed.
The Sauvignon Blanc was, for me, the standout. A real surprise. Tropical fruit, freshness, and that crisp structure typical of the grape were all present. Clean, expressive, and very convincing.
The Sparkling Rosé (Pinot Noir) brought a different dimension, more fruit-driven, with a softer and approachable profile.
TLB Take
This category is not about replacing alcohol. It’s about expanding the experience.
There is a growing audience that either chooses not to drink or simply can’t — but still wants to be part of the moment.
And that’s where things get interesting.
Because hospitality is not about alcohol.
It’s about how people feel.
From a bar perspective, this opens a huge door — especially when thinking about mocktails and non-alcoholic pairings.
If the base product improves, the possibilities multiply.
What I saw in this tasting is that we are getting closer to that point.
The future of drinking is not less — it’s broader.
Tasting Notes
Blanc de Blancs Brut (Sparkling – Chardonnay)
- Appearance: Pale straw with green reflections, medium intensity.
- Nose: Fresh and lifted. Notes of green apple, citrus peel, and a subtle yeast character reminiscent of brioche.
- Palate: Dry, clean, and structured. Crisp acidity with citrus-driven freshness and light orchard fruit. The mousse is elegant, with medium-sized bubbles — sitting stylistically between Prosecco and Cava.
- Finish: Refreshing and linear, with a gentle yeasty touch.
- TLB Take: A solid sparkling option that holds structure and dryness — key elements often missing in alcohol-free wines. Works well as an aperitivo or welcome drink.
Chardonnay (Still)
- Appearance: Light gold with soft yellow hues.
- Nose: Expressive for a non-alcoholic wine. Notes of butter, light oak influence, and ripe apple.
- Palate: Balanced and approachable. Medium body with soft texture, showing classic Chardonnay elements without excessive weight. The alcohol removal slightly shortens depth but maintains varietal identity.
- Finish: Smooth, with gentle creamy notes and moderate persistence.
- TLB Take: Honest and recognizable Chardonnay profile. A good bridge for guests transitioning into alcohol-free options.
Sauvignon Blanc (Still)
- Appearance: Pale straw, bright and clean.
- Nose: Aromatic and vibrant. Tropical fruits, citrus, and fresh herbal notes typical of Sauvignon Blanc.
- Palate: Crisp, lively, and refreshing. Clear expression of the grape with good acidity and structure. The balance between fruit and freshness is particularly well achieved.
- Finish: Clean, zesty, and mouthwatering.
- TLB Take: The standout of the tasting. Convincing, expressive, and very usable in both wine service and non-alcoholic pairings.
Sparkling Rosé (Pinot Noir)
- Appearance: Soft pink with salmon tones, bright and appealing.
- Nose: Fruit-forward with notes of red berries — strawberry and raspberry — with a light floral touch.
- Palate: Fresh and approachable. Soft mousse with a fruit-driven profile and balanced acidity. Less structured than the Blanc de Blancs but more playful.
- Finish: Light, slightly sweet impression with fresh red fruit lingering.
- TLB Take: Easy to drink and guest-friendly. Works very well for daytime service, brunch, or relaxed settings.
In alcohol-free wines, structure, acidity, and varietal expression become the key pillars — as alcohol is no longer there to carry the body.