Ariel Non-Alcoholic Cabernet

Ariel Non-Alcoholic Cabernet is a dealcoholized Cabernet Sauvignon (under 0.5% ABV, 750ml) produced by Ariel Vineyards on California's Central Coast. In 1986, this wine made history by winning a Gold Medal at the Los Angeles County Fair wine competition — judged blind against conventional wines containing alcohol. It remains one of the longest-running and most recognized non-alcoholic red wines on the market.

Quick Facts: ABV: <0.5%  |  Origin: Monterey County & Paso Robles, California  |  Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Producer: Ariel Vineyards (J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines)

Production & Heritage

Ariel Vineyards operates under the ownership of J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, a respected California producer with deep roots in Monterey County and Paso Robles. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are fermented in stainless steel cooperage on the skins at temperatures above 75°F to extract color, tannin, and flavor, after which a portion of the wine moves into oak barrels for extended aging. The critical step follows: a spinning cone column — a technology that preserves delicate wine aromas and flavors at low temperatures — strips the alcohol, and the captured wine essences are then reintroduced to the dealcoholized base along with unfermented grape juice. This multi-stage approach aims to retain varietal character that simpler dealcoholization methods often sacrifice.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark berry fruit — primarily black currant and cherry — leads the nose, followed by a wave of bittersweet chocolate and a subtle blueberry undertone. The oak aging contributes a mild, rounded quality without heavy wood influence.

Taste: The entry is fruit-forward with ripe black cherry and currant, settling into a mid-palate of velvety chocolate and soft blueberry. Gentle tannins provide enough grip to give the wine a recognizable Cabernet Sauvignon structure, while the overall profile stays dry rather than sweet — a common pitfall among non-alcoholic reds.

Finish: Medium in length with lingering dark fruit and a clean, dry fade. The tannins remain present but soft, closing without bitterness or residual sweetness.

How to Drink Ariel Cabernet

Serve slightly below room temperature, around 60–65°F, to highlight the fruit and tannin balance. A standard Bordeaux-style glass helps concentrate the aromas. For mixed drinks, Ariel Cabernet works in a Non-Alcoholic Sangria — the dark berry profile holds up alongside citrus and spice. It also stands in well for a Virgin Mulled Wine during cooler months, where warming spices complement the chocolate and cherry character. A Non-Alcoholic Wine Spritzer with sparkling water and a squeeze of orange keeps things light and refreshing.

Best For

• Dry January participants who want a wine that actually tastes like Cabernet Sauvignon
• Hosting dinner parties where some guests prefer to avoid alcohol
• Pregnant or nursing individuals seeking a genuine wine experience without alcohol
• Pairing with a steak dinner when you want the food-wine ritual without the ABV

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ariel Cabernet taste like? Ariel Cabernet leads with black currant and dark cherry, supported by chocolate notes and gentle tannins, finishing dry rather than sweet. The oak aging gives it a rounder, more structured profile than many dealcoholized reds.

How does Ariel Cabernet compare to Fre Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are California-produced dealcoholized Cabernet Sauvignons under 0.5% ABV, but Ariel uses a spinning cone column for dealcoholization and includes partial oak aging, which tends to produce a drier, more tannic result. Fre, produced by Sutter Home, is more widely distributed and often noted as slightly softer and fruitier in style.

Is Ariel Cabernet good for sipping on its own? Yes — the dry finish, moderate tannin, and dark fruit character make it one of the more convincing non-alcoholic reds for drinking neat. Serving it at the proper temperature (60–65°F) significantly improves the experience.

Where is Ariel Cabernet made? Ariel Cabernet is produced by Ariel Vineyards, a label owned by J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, using Cabernet Sauvignon grapes sourced from Monterey County and Paso Robles on California's Central Coast.

What foods pair well with Ariel Cabernet? Grilled red meats benefit from the wine's tannin and dark fruit, while aged cheddar or Gouda amplify its chocolate undertones. Mushroom risotto matches the earthy richness, dark chocolate desserts echo the cocoa notes, and herb-crusted lamb brings out the berry and spice elements.

What sizes does Ariel Cabernet come in? Ariel Non-Alcoholic Cabernet is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Ariel Cabernet worth the price? Ariel Cabernet positions in the mid-range tier of non-alcoholic wines, priced above basic grocery-store NA options but below premium European dealcoholized labels. Its oak aging, spinning cone technology, and proven track record — including that 1986 Gold Medal — justify the positioning for drinkers who want genuine varietal character without alcohol.

Why Ariel Cabernet?

Few non-alcoholic wines carry the pedigree of Ariel Cabernet. Winning gold against full-strength wines at the 1986 Los Angeles County Fair established credibility that most NA brands still chase decades later. The spinning cone column dealcoholization — combined with actual oak barrel aging before alcohol removal — produces a dry, tannic red that reads as Cabernet Sauvignon rather than glorified grape juice. Backed by J. Lohr's winemaking infrastructure and sourcing from two of California's strongest Cabernet regions, Ariel Cabernet remains a benchmark in the non-alcoholic wine category.