It's not a trend - no and low alcohol is here to stay

I have never been a huge drinker, but I do enjoy a social drink. Wine especially has been a big part of our family culture growing up in an Italian household. Wine represents a very important component of the Italian tradition. History, nature, landscape and cultural traditions can be condensed into a simple glass of wine. It was always featured at the dinner table, where we ate, every night, together as a family - a tradition now as a parent we have in our household. And wine was always enjoyed as an accompaniment to food - so moderation was key.

As an adult, I love wine, the ceremony of drinking and enjoying it at the dinner table and in celebration when connecting with others - but never too much.

Last year, I tried some non-alcoholic versions - and they were quite frankly...terrible. However, this year, I decided to change my attitude towards no and low alcohol wines having found many alcoholic wines wouldn't suit me - giving me a headache or making me sleepy - what a party pooper! 

So, in June this year, I bought some more low and non-alcohol wines and tried them again with a new attitude - if it's the ceremony of having a glass of wine with a meal, holding the beautiful glassware that I love - then reframe and try these no and low alcohol wines again.

Whilst they take a bit of getting used to, the wines are getting much better (and of course there are much better no and low alcohol craft beers and spirits available), I am still enjoying the ceremony of having a glass of wine but without feeling rubbish. According to the National Wine Conference held in Bendigo last week, no and low alcohol wines are here to stay. Xennials are opting for no and low alcohol beverage options and perhaps we could all take a tip or two from our younger generations. 

So I have three asks:

1. That Australian wineries get on board and use your amazing agriculture and scientific minds to continue to innovate and improve the selection and taste of no and low alcohol wines. They are still profit drivers and won't damage your brand, they will enhance. it (I think my bottle of no alcohol Four Pillars Gin cost the near as much as the alcoholic variety).

2. That no or low alcohol options are included on more bars and restaurant menus - it's great to see this happening including Australia's first no alcohol bar in Melbourne in Brunswick Aces. Additionally, I would love to see these offered at conferences please (so venues remember to offer these in your drink packages) and

3. Let's lose the attitude towards no and low alcohol drinkers. You are not less of a man if you choose this option and it doesn't mean that you had a drinking problem you are trying to curb, so leave your judgey mcjudge at home. Some of us still want to have more than water as an option (and no I don't want a soft drink) and want to be able to clink our glasses in cheers without the headache!

Cheers to that!