Posted on 02/25/2026 1:49:22 AM PST by Libloather
As nearly half of U.S. adults say they’re actively trying to drink less, the non-alcoholic aisle has become crowded with options that promise ritual without consequence.
The problem is that many of them taste like cough syrup or some other kind of compromise. Wine, in particular, has historically struggled in this category. As a professional product tester, I can attest to my own disenchantment with non-alcoholic wine, to the point that I’ve covered it maybe once before.
You can remove the alcohol, but can you preserve structure, aroma and the layered character that makes wine worth pouring in the first place?
Missing Thorn is betting that you can. Co-crafted by award-winning actual winemaker Aaron Pott and Napa Valley vintner Stephanie Honig, the brand approaches dealcoholized wine as a continuation of tradition rather than a shortcut around it just to hit current trends.
Both founders built their careers in serious wine, so this pivot came about as an acknowledgement of the current cultural shift. Younger consumers aren’t rejecting the ceremony, beauty, and real benefits of wine; they’re rejecting the all-or-nothing nature of alcohol itself.
As a budding vitner myself, I also believe wine should be defined by its purpose — connection, flavor, presence at the table — not just ABV. Missing Thorn uses traditional winemaking techniques first, then (gently) removes the alcohol to preserve aromatics and structure. The goal is to maintain the depth, tannin profile, acidity, and textural cues that make a Bordeaux hold up as a Bordeaux should, and a Riesling feel lifted and bright rather than sugary and flat.
The lineup spans five expressions, each positioned as a premium alternative rather than some kind of placeholder.
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
The consumption of alcohol isn’t good for ANYONE!
NOTHING good comes from drinking alcohol.
Give it up today. If you find that you CAN’T, then get help right away.
Just like smoking, there is zero reason to do it unless you are addicted.
Beer drinkers, there are MANY NA beers to choose from. Some are VERY GOOD. I’m SURE you can find one you like.
” In 2025, over 200 companies were tracked producing non-alcoholic brands, marking a 134% increase since 2021.”
Ew. You never said 'good'. Haven't had one in ages. Maybe they've up the game but, with prices these days, I reach for the best stuff I can. From Germany. But I see your point.
“The drink to get a buzz crowd is moving toward the THC products”
If you’re not careful with the THC drinks, you can get seizures.
Hubby overdid it and ER doc said it is happening more often.
People in recovery or proactively abstinent because they are genetically addicted to alcohol think they are not as good as Jesus.
Just sayin.'
I “hear” what you did there.
Not enough said. The Bible doesn’t make clear if the juice of the vine is fermented. If it was nonfermented, is that a deal breaker for you? No alcohol, you’ll pass on Heaven? Is it that important?
Is God going to admit holy rollers in Heaven? On the off chance the juice of the vine was nonfermented AND God admits holy rollers, are you going to rethink spending eternity in Heaven?
Because it's retarded to think it wasn't. It's not "juice of the vine". It's wine.
If it was nonfermented, is that a deal breaker for you? No alcohol, you’ll pass on Heaven?
Now you're just beclowning yourself.
Is it that important?
The alcohol content of wine is not important to Jesus.
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