In this episode of the Non-Alcoholic Wine Celebrities podcast, Erika Eklundh shares her perspective as a founder in the non-alcoholic wine alternative space. We discuss how centuries-old drinking traditions are evolving, why more consumers are choosing alcohol-free options, and how non-alcoholic wine alternatives are reshaping social drinking and wine pairing. The conversation also explores global consumer trends, changing expectations around alcohol, and what the future of drinking looks like for brands in this fast-growing category.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ignacio Sánchez-Recarte, Secretary General of CEEV, the organization representing the interests of European wine companies. Few people understand EU wine regulation more deeply, and Ignacio brings rare clarity to a fast-evolving space: the legal status of de-alcoholized wine, labeling requirements, and what producers must prepare for as Europe updates its rules.

We cover the tension between tradition and innovation, the growing market for 0.0–0.5% wines, and why the sector must develop a positive, modern narrative if it wants to stay culturally relevant.

Whether you're a winery exploring NA production, a brand entering Europe, or a retailer navigating compliance, this episode is required listening.

In this episode we cover:

• What CEEV is and how it represents the European wine industry
• Why the EU finally recognized “de-alcoholized wine” as a legal wine category
• The 0.5% threshold: why it matters and what producers need to know
• The regulatory grey areas still unresolved and what’s coming in the next Wine Package
• How labeling and communication rules will affect NA brands
• Shifts in consumer preferences toward healthier and lower-alcohol options
• The steady decline of wine consumption in traditional markets
• How the industry can create a stronger cultural narrative around wine (alcoholic and NA)
• Key guidance for founders entering the non-alcoholic wine space today
• Why 2026 could be the breakout year for high-quality de-alcoholized wines in Europe

About Dr. Ignacio Sánchez-Recarte

Ignacio is the Secretary General of CEEV (Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins), the body representing EU wine companies across regulatory, trade, and policy discussions. With decades of experience in wine law and EU institutions, he is one of the leading voices shaping how European regulations evolve including the emerging framework for de-alcoholized wines.

Links mentioned

▸ CEEV – Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins: https://www.ceev.eu
▸ Non-Alcoholic Wine Celebrities podcast: https://podcast.vin00s.com

Connect with Vin00s

▸ Website: https://vin00s.com
▸ Newsletter (The Non-Alcoholic Wine Selection): https://vin00s.short.gy/newsletter
▸ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vin00s/
▸ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myvin00s/

Hashtags

#nonalcoholicwine #dealcoholizedwine #ceev #euwinelaw #vin00s #wineinnovation #wineindustry

Non-Alcoholic Wine Celebrities – Episode with Rachel Martin (Oceano Zero & AFNA Wine Certified)

In this episode I sit down with Rachel Martin, founder & CEO of Oceano Wines and creator of Oceano Zero, one of the first truly luxury non-alcoholic wine collections.

Rachel has more than 20 years in fine wine, from planting vineyards in Virginia to studying at the University of Bordeaux School of Oenology. Today she is also the co-founder and program author of AFNA Wine Certified™ at AFicioNAdo™, the world’s first professional certification dedicated to alcohol-free and non-alcoholic adult beverages.

We talk about how innovation, education and premiumization are reshaping non-alcoholic wine – and why low and no-alcohol wines might end up saving some grape growers.

In this episode we cover:

- Rachel’s journey from family estate winery to launching Oceano Zero
- Why she saw a gap for luxury non-alcoholic wine after doing market research at Boisson
- Pricing a $55 dealcoholised Pinot Noir and finding the right customer
- The idea behind 3.5% ABV ultra-low Syrah and the regulatory grey zone between 0.5% and 7%
- How she navigates TTB + FDA rules, ingredients and nutrition labelling
- The story behind AFNA Wine Certified™ and what the curriculum actually covers
- Why trade education is key if restaurants want to serve NA wine drinkers properly
- “Zebra striping”: alternating alcoholic and NA drinks in the same occasion
- Her predictions for 2026: restaurant lists, hybrid wineries and what it all means for grape growers

About Rachel Martin
Rachel Martin is a wine producer, founder of Oceano Wines and Oceano Zero, and co-founder and author of AFNA Wine Certified™ at AFicioNAdo™. She has a background in viticulture, oenology and sensory science and previously authored the petition that established the Middleburg Virginia AVA.

Links mentioned
▸ Oceano Wines / Oceano Zero: https://oceanowines.com/oceano-zero/
▸ Oceano Zero waitlist: https://oceanowines.com/oceano-zero/waiting-list/
▸ AFNA Wine Certified™ (AFicioNAdo): https://www.alcoholfreeaficionados.com
▸ Non-Alcoholic Wine Celebrities podcast: https://podcast.vin00s.com

Connect with Vin00s
▸ Website: https://vin00s.com

▸ Newsletter (The Non-Alcoholic Wine Selection): https://vin00s.short.gy/newsletter
▸ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vin00s/
▸ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myvin00s/

#nonalcoholicwine #nowine #oceanozero #rachelmartin #afnawinecertified #vin00s