Low alcohol wines are having a moment, and it’s easy to see why. More people are searching for the best low alcohol wines that still taste flavorful and delicious.
Whether you’re looking for a lower ABV wine to sip on a weeknight, pace yourself at a party, or simply enjoy a lighter-bodied style, you don’t have to sacrifice great taste to drink lighter. In this guide, we’ll break down what counts as low alcohol wine, why these bottles are growing in popularity, and our favorite low alcohol wines to try.
What are low alcohol wines?
Low alcohol wines are exactly what they sound like: wines with a lower alcohol by volume (ABV) than traditional bottles. Most standard wines fall between 12% and 14% ABV, while low alcohol wines typically range from 6.5% to 11% ABV. If you’re searching for lower ABV wine options, this is the sweet spot to look for on the label.
These wines are often made in lighter, fresher styles, but that doesn’t mean they lack flavor. Many low alcohol wines still offer bright fruit, crisp acidity, and balanced structure. As an added bonus, a lower alcohol percentage usually means fewer calories per glass. Check out this article if you'd like to learn more about our low calorie wines: Our Favorite Naturally Low Calorie Wines.
Why are some wines lower in alcohol?
It all comes down to the grapes and how much sugar they have when harvested. In winemaking, alcohol is created when yeast ferments sugar. So the more sugar in the grapes, the higher the alcohol potential.
Some factors that contribute to naturally low alcohol wines include:
- Cool climate vineyards: Grapes ripen slower, keeping sugar and alcohol levels lower.
- High-altitude vineyards: Less sun and cooler temps mean lighter wines.
- Sweet wines with residual sugar: Some wines are purposely made sweeter, leaving sugar behind and resulting in less alcohol.
Pretty cool, right?
Now that we have that down, let’s dive into our lower alcohol wine options that will make for delicious sips whenever you’re craving something light, refreshing and easy to enjoy.
Vinho Verde
Alcohol: 10%
Lot 205 Vinho Verde is crisp, refreshing, and slightly effervescent. It’s called “green wine” or “young wine” because it’s harvested before the grapes fully ripen, resulting in naturally lower sugar and alcohol. The cherry on top? It’s only 90 calories per serving, making it the perfect choice for a low calorie and low alcohol wine option.
Riesling
Alcohol: 10.5%
Lot 66 is an off-dry style German Riesling that is ideal for year-round enjoyment. It grows in a cooler climate, resulting in a deliciously aromatic, lower alcohol wine. At just 10.5%, you don’t have to debate coming back for a second glass.
Prosecco and Prosecco Rosé
Alcohol: 11%
If you’re a fan of bubbly, you’ll love our low alcohol sparkling wine options. Lot 50 Prosecco and Lot 197 Prosecco Rosé both come in at 11% ABV. Perfect for brunch, toasts, or just a casual week night.
Lambrusco
Alcohol: 8%
Looking for a low alcohol red wine? Lot 172 Lambrusco is a fizzy, food-friendly red that’s just 8% ABV. Pair it with cured meats, hard cheeses, or hearty pastas like lasagna. It’s bold on flavor, but light on alcohol.
Moscato d’Asti
Alcohol: 7%
For a sweeter sip, try Lot 134 Moscato d’Asti. With just 7% ABV, it’s one of the lowest alcohol wines you’ll find. Bursting with floral and fruit notes, it’s the perfect wine to pair with funky cheeses or enjoy it solo as your go-to nightcap.
Where to shop Our Low Alcohol and Low Calorie Wines
Shop our collection of Low Alcohol and Low Calorie Wines or find our these wines at a retailer location nearest to you.
Whether you’re hosting friends or just want something easy to enjoy on a weeknight, we have your back with wines that keep it light!