Industry leaders discuss how innovation, advanced dealcoholisation technology and premium winemaking are shaping the future of alcohol-free wine.
Valencia, Spain, July 28, 2026 - The conversation around No & Low wine has changed.
For years, the focus was on consumer moderation trends and the technical challenge of removing alcohol. Today, the discussion has moved beyond whether alcohol-free wine is possible to a more important question: how can producers create premium alcohol-free wines that deliver the quality, authenticity and enjoyment consumers expect from traditional wine?
That question was at the heart of a recent webinar hosted by the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) in partnership with Solos Technology, a leader in advanced wine dealcoholisation technology. Moderated by IWSC judge Iren Erem, the discussion brought together Christian Nett (Weingut Bergdolt-Reif & Nett), Katja Bernegger (Zeronimo), Rachel Martin (Oceano Wines) and Claudia Geyer, Co-founder and CTO of Solos Technology. Together, they explored how the category is evolving, from winemaking and dealcoholisation technology to consumer expectations, education and future market opportunities.
Although each speaker approached the topic from a different perspective, they shared a common ambition: raising the standard of premium alcohol-free wine.
The webinar explores one of the biggest developments shaping the wine industry today: how exceptional winemaking and advanced dealcoholisation technology work together to create premium No & Low wines.
The panel discusses why quality begins in the vineyard, but also why preserving aroma, varietal character and wine identity depends on using technology designed specifically for premium wine. Rather than replacing craftsmanship, modern wine dealcoholisation technology is helping producers protect the qualities that make each wine unique while opening new opportunities for innovation and consumer choice.
The discussion also examines how changing consumer expectations are driving higher standards across the category and why more wineries are exploring alcohol-free wine as part of their long-term portfolio strategy.
Beyond production, the webinar looks at the broader evolution of the No & Low wine category.
Topics include consumer education, international recognition through competitions such as the IWSC, collaboration between producers and technology providers, and the growing role of premium alcohol-free wine within the global wine industry.
Whether you're a producer exploring wine dealcoholisation, a winemaker interested in premium alcohol-free wine production, or a wine professional following developments in the No & Low sector, the discussion offers valuable perspectives on where the category is heading and the innovations shaping its future.
No article can capture the depth of the discussion.
Watch the full webinar below to hear directly from Christian Nett, Katja Bernegger, Rachel Martin, Claudia Geyer and moderator Iren Erem as they share their experiences and discuss the future of premium alcohol-free wine, advanced dealcoholisation technology and the continued evolution of the No & Low wine category.
As Official Sponsor of the International Bulk Wine & Spirits Show in the United States (2026) and London (2027), Solos reinforces its commitment to advancing premium No/Low beverages through innovation, education and industry collaboration.
Valencia, Spain, July 14, 2026 - Solos Technology is proud to announce its partnership with the International Bulk Wine & Spirits Show (IBWSS) as Official Sponsor of the 2026 US edition and the 2027 London edition. The sponsorship reflects Solos' commitment to supporting the continued growth of the premium No/Low category across two strategic markets.
IBWSS brings together producers, importers, distributors, retailers and industry experts to explore the future of wine and spirits. Through its conference programme and networking opportunities, the event has become one of the industry's leading platforms for knowledge sharing and innovation.
As part of the 2026 programme in San Francisco, Matthew Hughes, General Manager of Solos, will present Beyond Proof: Crafting Authenticity and Creating Value in NoLo Wines & Spirits Through Innovation. During the session, he will explore how producers can preserve authentic aroma and create premium No/Low beverages that deliver outstanding sensory quality.
"Premium No/Low products require more than good technology. They require a shared commitment to quality across the industry," said Claudia, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at Solos Technology. "We're proud to support an event that brings producers, retailers and innovators together to help move the category forward."
Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network and Founder of IBWSS, added: "IBWSS was created to bring together the businesses shaping the future of the beverage industry, and we're delighted to welcome Solos Technology as an Official Sponsor. Their commitment to innovation and category education aligns closely with our mission of supporting the continued growth of premium No/Low beverages."
Earlier this year, Solos also partnered with IBWSS on an educational webinar focused on premium non-alcoholic spirits, reinforcing the shared commitment of both organisations to advancing quality and innovation across the category.
About Prodalim Group
Prodalim Group, headquartered in Rotterdam, Netherlands, is a global leader in juice and beverage ingredient solutions. With 35+ years of expertise, Prodalim drives innovation, customization, and sustainability for trend-aligned products like sports drinks, fortified waters, NoLo wines, and dairy alternatives. Serving 300+ customers in 60+ countries, Prodalim fosters growth through integrated supply chains, advanced R&D, and natural ingredients. prodalim.com.
About Solos Technology
Solos Technology provides premium dealcoholization, aroma recovery, product development, and private label solutions for No- and Low-Alcohol beverages. Working across wine, beer, spirits, and RTDs, Solos supports brands from concept to scalable market-ready production through a combination of proprietary technology and formulation expertise. Solos Technology is part of the Prodalim Group, a global leader in beverage innovation and ingredient solutions. Learn more at www.solos-technology.com/contact or contact [email protected].
About the International Bulk Wine & Spirits Show (IBWSS)
The International Bulk Wine & Spirits Show (IBWSS) is a leading trade event dedicated to the bulk wine, bulk spirits and private label industry. Organized by Beverage Trade Network, IBWSS brings together producers, suppliers, importers, distributors, retailers and industry professionals to explore market trends, commercial opportunities and innovation across the global beverage sector. Through its conference programme, exhibition and networking events, IBWSS provides a platform for knowledge sharing and business development in key international markets, with annual editions in the United States and the United Kingdom.
For more information, visit www.ibwsshow.com
Based on insights from the Rack & Riddle and Solos white paper, "Alcohol-Removed Wine: Why Sparkling Is the Winning Format."
The no- and low-alcohol category continues to gain momentum as consumers seek greater flexibility in how and when they consume alcohol. While wine remains deeply embedded in social culture, consumer behaviour is evolving. Increasingly, people are choosing products that allow them to participate in social occasions while aligning with wellness goals, moderation habits, and changing lifestyles.
Against this backdrop, Rack & Riddle and Solos recently released a joint white paper exploring why alcohol-removed sparkling wine is emerging as one of the most promising segments within the category. The findings point to a broader opportunity for wine brands looking to expand their portfolios and connect with consumers across a wider range of occasions.
One of the biggest shifts in the beverage industry is that consumers are not necessarily drinking less. Instead, they are making different choices depending on the occasion.
A consumer may enjoy a traditional sparkling wine during a celebration, choose an alcohol-removed alternative during the week, and alternate between the two throughout the year. This behaviour is particularly common among younger consumers, who increasingly view moderation as part of a balanced lifestyle rather than an all-or-nothing decision.
For wine brands, this creates an opportunity to engage consumers in moments where alcohol may not be the preferred choice. Rather than replacing existing products, alcohol-removed wines can complement a portfolio and help brands remain relevant across more consumption occasions.
Not every wine style responds equally well to alcohol removal. Sparkling wine offers several characteristics that make it particularly well positioned within the category.
Its natural acidity helps maintain freshness and structure, while carbonation contributes texture, aromatic lift, and overall drinkability. These qualities help preserve the sensory experience consumers expect from sparkling wine, even after alcohol has been removed.
Sparkling wine also benefits from a strong connection to celebration, social gatherings, and shared experiences. As more consumers seek alcohol-free alternatives for these occasions, alcohol-removed sparkling wines allow them to participate fully in the ritual without sacrificing the experience.
For brands considering entry into the category, these advantages make sparkling wine a compelling starting point.
For many years, quality represented one of the biggest challenges facing alcohol-removed wine. Early products often struggled to maintain aroma, balance, and mouthfeel, leading many consumers to perceive the category as a compromise.
Today, advances in dealcoholization and aroma recovery technology are changing that perception.
One of the key innovations driving this evolution is Solos' patented Aroma Recovery System (ARS). Designed to capture, preserve, and restore the wine's original aroma compounds throughout the dealcoholization process, ARS helps producers maintain the character and sensory profile of the original wine.
When combined with Rack & Riddle's expertise in sparkling winemaking, these technological advances are helping redefine what consumers can expect from alcohol-removed sparkling wine. As quality continues to improve, brands have a greater opportunity to enter the category with confidence and deliver products that meet consumer expectations.
The rise of alcohol-removed sparkling wine is not about replacing traditional wine. It is about expanding the ways consumers can engage with a brand.
For wine producers, alcohol-removed offerings can help reach moderation-minded consumers, strengthen brand loyalty, and create incremental growth opportunities without disrupting core products. They can also provide a way to engage younger consumers whose purchasing habits are shaping the future of the category.
As consumer expectations continue to evolve, brands that offer both traditional and alcohol-removed options may be better positioned to remain relevant across a broader range of occasions and preferences.
Alcohol-removed wine is becoming an increasingly important part of the beverage landscape. Driven by changing consumer behaviour, improving technology, and growing demand for choice, the category is creating new opportunities for wine brands willing to innovate.
For producers evaluating future growth opportunities, alcohol-removed sparkling wine offers a combination of strong consumer appeal, technical feasibility, and occasion relevance that is difficult to ignore.
For a deeper look at the market trends, technology developments, and production considerations shaping this category, download the Rack & Riddle and Solos white paper, Alcohol-Removed Wine: Why Sparkling Is the Winning Format.
