When I asked the owner of my local wine shop whether he would recommend any non-alcoholic wines on the market, he responded with one name only: Navarro. Navarro Vineyards' alcohol-free beverages are actually grape juices, rather than de-alcoholized wine, but unlike the grape juices you find in most grocery stores, these are hand-crafted from varietal grapes in Mendocino County.
Navarro Vineyards' Ted Bennett and Deborah Cahn began making grape juices for their children over 30 years ago at their Philo, California, winery, and earned a following among visiting kids, designated drivers, adults abstaining from alcohol, and restaurants like Chez Panisse. Made from quickly pressed, chilled, and filtered Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay grapes, the juices are prevented from fermenting and have no trace of alcohol.
Sampling the juices, I enjoyed the complexity of the Pinot Noir, lingering over the cherry, blackberry, and cinnamon notes in a way one could never do with plain old Welch's. I found it a little sweet to serve with dinner but the jammy flavor was a nice complement to creamy cheese. Even sweeter was the Gewürztraminer grape juice, which has notes of lychee and rose. I preferred it cut with sparkling water, and this would be lovely with a light brunch or dessert. The Gewürztraminer would also make a fantastic granita.
In addition to the drinking juices, Navarro makes an outstanding verjus from unripe grapes. With its tart, green apple flavor, Verjus is typically used in cooking, but it can also be mixed with sparkling water to make a refreshing "vintner's lemonade."
Buy it: Non-Alcoholic Beverages, $11 at Navarro Vineyards
Related: 12 Noon to Midnight: A Non-Alcoholic Wine Substitute
Apartment Therapy Media makes every effort to test and review products fairly and transparently. The views expressed in this review are the personal views of the reviewer and this particular product review was not sponsored or paid for in any way by the manufacturer or an agent working on their behalf. However, the manufacturer did give us the product for testing and review purposes.
(Images: Emily Ho)
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I drank the Gewürztraminer at my wedding! We served wine, as well, but I don't drink alcohol. I always get a spritzer at Greens Restaurant in SF (where I got married).
Fascinating! I love the flavor of wine (sweet ones are my favorites), but I'm not big on the alcohol content, so I'll have to look into these. Great tip!
Completely agree with this. They are special.
We tried the Navarro Vineyards Gewürztraminer Grape Juice at the recommendation of our waiter at the Farmhouse Inn Restaurant and fell in love. We've bought it by the case since. It really is a treat.
Love the Navarro Vineyards Grape Juices. My family does not drink but enjoys having something festive to highlight a special occasion. Navarro Vineyards Grape Juices has filled that spot perfectly.
I have been purchasing from Navarro Vineyards for the last two years. My family doesn't drink alcohol but we definitely enjoy these grape juices. I always have a few bottles stashed away for a special occasion. The wines are affordable but the shipping costs can add up (I live in NJ). But it's good to know that every spring (going on now), the vineyard has 1 penny shipping. I always take advantage of this and buy a case of their wine. Trust me, it's good!
Not only that, but their wines are wonderful as well!