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/
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Hashtags

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