Red is the hardest wine to make alcohol-free — strip the booze and you usually strip the body with it. FRE (by California’s Sutter Home) gets closer than most by starting with proper premium-vineyard wine and removing the alcohol on a spinning cone column, the gentle low-temperature method that preserves aroma.
The result leads with ripe black cherry and grape, a little smoke and spice, and enough weight to stand up to food — which is where AF reds live or die. Half the calories of regular wine, under 0.5% ABV, and stocked at Waitrose so you do not have to order it specially.
Full tasting notes and our member ratings below.
Where to Buy in the UK
FRE Red Blend is stocked at Waitrose for around £3.55, and also available through specialist retailers including Laithwaite’s, Virgin Wines, Wise Bartender, The Alcohol Free Co and Dry Drinker. We could not confirm a Tesco listing.
Storage
Store like a normal bottle of wine – upright or on its side in a cool, dark spot. Once opened, keep it in the fridge and drink within 3-5 days, as it will oxidise at a similar rate to alcoholic wine.
If you’re building out an alcohol-free wine shelf, our Elton John Zero Blanc de Blancs review covers the white/sparkling side of the same category.
Compliance note: This article is published by The Clear Head, a UK lifestyle site for people who don’t drink, are drinking less, or are sober curious. We aim to provide honest, practical information without promoting any particular brand or approach to alcohol.
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