Mindful Wine Enjoyment
The start of a new year brings fresh inspiration to many aspects of life—including how we enjoy wine. Wine lovers around the globe are exploring ways to embrace moderation while deepening their passion for wine. This shift toward greater mindfulness in wine consumption reflects a broader societal trend, where more people strive to live their lives with greater awareness and intention.
Enrich Your Love for Wine Through Mindful Consumption
For wine enthusiasts, mindfulness means savoring each sip more deeply and focusing on the unique qualities in every glass. It’s about appreciating every moment and celebrating wine as part of a joyful, mindful lifestyle. But how can this be achieved? Here are some approaches to help you harmonize enjoyment and mindfulness in 2025:
Diversity and Mindfulness: New Paths for Wine Lovers
"Dry" or "Damp" – How Much Less Is More?
For years, starting the new year with a drinking pause has been a popular option for many wine enthusiasts seeking greater mindfulness. Labeled "Dry January," this completely sober start to the year is certainly a step toward more conscious consumption. For some, being part of a movement that encourages a temporary break from alcohol is highly motivating, offering new perspectives on enjoyment and lifestyle. However, a complete abstinence from wine isn’t the right path for every wine lover.
For a moderate alternative to a completely "dry" January, there’s the so-called "Damp January."
Many of us use the pause and reset of the new year to reflect on our habits and approach consumption more thoughtfully. But that doesn’t mean missing out on the taste of wine. Alcohol-free and low-alcohol wines have significantly improved in quality over recent years, providing a versatile option for those who want to enjoy wine without the effects of alcohol. For a moderate alternative to a completely "dry" January, there’s the so-called "Damp January." This approach focuses on reducing consumption rather than abstaining entirely, with an emphasis on consciously choosing low-alcohol wines or smaller quantities per occasion.
Michael Kutej, head of Hamburg’s Hanse Lounge and sommelier, offers a professional perspective on the topic:
"Every restaurateur knows the tale of Dry January. Among high-end clientele, it seems to be en vogue to avoid drinking in January. Naturally, we offer suitable alternatives to our guests during this time.
Personally, I’m less of a fan of such temporary efforts. I believe people should reflect on and mindfully manage their consumption year-round."
Planning Moments of Enjoyment
The influence of the no- and low-alcohol trends is clearly noticeable in the hospitality industry. However, for Michael Kutej, mindful enjoyment – whether with or without alcohol – takes center stage:
"The important thing is to constantly check in with yourself and ensure that you don’t rely on alcohol, that you’re not dependent on it. Only then can you truly appreciate and savor a glass of wine with all its nuances. As long as that remains the case, welcome to January and a new year full of incredible moments of enjoyment."
Quality Over Quantity
For wine enthusiasts, enhancing the quality of what’s in the glass while consciously reducing the amount consumed is another approach to mindful enjoyment. Instead of multiple glasses, we focus on one or two high-quality options, chosen with care. This way, every sip becomes a special experience.
Tools like Coravin systems are excellent for mindful enjoyment of premium wines. These systems seal wine bottles airtight, allowing individual glasses to be poured without compromising the rest of the bottle. Wine lovers can explore a variety of high-quality wines without sacrificing diversity while reducing the number of glasses consumed.
Tools like Coravin systems are excellent for mindful enjoyment of premium wines. These systems seal wine bottles airtight, allowing individual glasses to be poured without compromising the rest of the bottle. Wine lovers can explore a variety of high-quality wines without sacrificing diversity while reducing the number of glasses consumed.
How Does a Coravin System Work?
- Airtight Sealing: The Coravin system uses a special needle to pierce through the cork without removing it.
- Inert Gas Mechanism: Argon, a tasteless and odorless gas, is injected to displace the wine and prevent oxidation.
- By-the-Glass Delight: Users can pour single glasses of wine without uncorking the entire bottle.
- Extended Freshness: The remaining wine stays fresh for weeks or even months thanks to the system.
Wine Lifestyle for 2025 and Beyond
The move toward more mindful wine experiences isn’t just a trend for 2025—it’s a long-term opportunity for all wine lovers to merge enjoyment with a conscious way of living.
At its core, it’s about shaping and embracing your love for wine in a thoughtful way. Whether that means reducing the quantity you consume, becoming more aware of your drinking habits—like keeping a wine journal—or even taking a temporary break from alcoholic wine, there are a variety of approaches to help you develop a more reflective and intentional relationship with wine.
In the spirit of a guilt-free appreciation, 2025 will continue to inspire many wine enthusiasts to combine delightful moments of indulgence with a more mindful lifestyle.
At its core, it’s about shaping and embracing your love for wine in a thoughtful way. Whether that means reducing the quantity you consume, becoming more aware of your drinking habits—like keeping a wine journal—or even taking a temporary break from alcoholic wine, there are a variety of approaches to help you develop a more reflective and intentional relationship with wine.
In the spirit of a guilt-free appreciation, 2025 will continue to inspire many wine enthusiasts to combine delightful moments of indulgence with a more mindful lifestyle.
Recommendations for Mindful Wine Enjoyment
No-Alcohol
Alcohol-Free Wines on the VIER FLASCHEN Podcast
In the latest episode of the popular VIER FLASCHEN (english: Four Bottles) podcast, Michael Kutej and his co-hosts exclusively taste alcohol-free wines and share specific recommendations. Tune in starting January 17, 2025 on YouTube (podcast only in German).
In the latest episode of the popular VIER FLASCHEN (english: Four Bottles) podcast, Michael Kutej and his co-hosts exclusively taste alcohol-free wines and share specific recommendations. Tune in starting January 17, 2025 on YouTube (podcast only in German).
Sommelier Michael Kutej Recommends:
The Apple-Quince Secco from van Nahmen is a fantastic alcohol-free alternative—this sparkling option is even kid-friendly since it’s completely alcohol-free! The fine acidity, a tolerable sugar level of 12g per liter, and the tart quince aroma create harmony and excitement in the glass. A must-have at home!Available in the Pese Wein Online Shop:
Low-Alcohol
Sommelier Michael Kutej Recommends:
A light wine with low alcohol: The dry Muskateller from Michi Malat in the Kremstal region is a wonderful aperitif or a perfect companion to dishes like tarte flambée. Fresh, aromatic, and brimming with typical Austrian charm.Available in the Pese Wein Online Shop:
Sommelier Michael Kutej Recommends:
If you enjoy a glass of red wine during the colder months and are looking for one that has it all yet keeps the alcohol content low... voilà: The Pinot Noir Jubilum from Weingut Walz in Baden delivers both structure and elegance. A perfect Spätburgunder under €15 that leaves nothing to be desired.Available in the Pese Wein Online Shop:
Sommelier Michael Kutej Recommends:
A Kabinett of the highest caliber: The 2019 Abtsberg Riesling from Maximin-Grünhaus dazzles with floral and herbal notes, juicy freshness, and just 7.5% alcohol—proving why it earned 95 Parker points. An adult lemonade with an addictive quality, all for under €25!Available in the Pese Wein Online Shop:
Seite bewerten
Welcome to wine.vino.wein – the wine lover’s magazine
In our magazine you will find editorial articles and information about wine. As we are committed to the responsible use of alcoholic beverages, the content is aimed exclusively at adults and you must be at least 18 years old to visit wine.vino.wein.