#65. No Compromise with ZENO Alcohol-Liberated Wines

Send me a message 🤗Just past their two-year birthday, ZENO alcohol-liberated wines are a range of five (for now) hand-crafted wines, made “for wine enthusiasts when they choose to abstain”.In this week’s conversation, I talk to co-founder David Hodgson about his transition from 25 years in traditional wine to launching an alcohol-free wine brand amidst the uncertainty of COVID, Brexit & a fledgling category presented to an unforgiving market.We also touch on the inspirational philosophies behind the brand name, the growth of the non-alcoholic wine sector and ZENO’s plans for the development of both a new “serious” red wine and RTD wines in a can.It’s a great convo with lots to sink your teeth into. Pour a glass, sit back and enjoy.==========================================WE CHAT ABOUT0:00 Coming up...2:10 David's story9:33 3 years in the making11:51 The only growth market15:18 From traditional wine to alcohol-free liberation16:10 Minimising the sugar content17:01 Spanish winemaking19:34 The ZENO range27:08 RnD in frustrating times29:19 A new 'serious' red wine29:52 Non-alcoholic red wine challenges33:04 Dealcoholised wine market predictions35:16 Off trade / on trade / retail36:45 International exports38:31 Behind the brand name41:01 A choice of moderation42:17 The obstacle is the way44:08 It's not about sobriety45:22 Not a wine imitation49:04 Finding ZENO51:13 The BBQ-Q52:44 ZENO's new RTD cans==========================================TRY ZENO*  //  @DRINKZENO  //  ZENOWINE.COM==========================================WE ALSO TALK ABOUT:KORE DRINKSLUCKY SAINT IPA*DRY DRINKER* (10% off with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE)WISE BARTENDER* (10% off with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE)THE ALCOHOL-FREE COCLUB SODAAMATHUS==========================================BEST EPISODE TO CHECK OUT NEXT#53 Creating a household legacy with NoughtyAF wines & Amanda Thomson========================================== ===🌱 Ready for real change in the way you drink? - https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset===🗝️ Become a Vault member to get access to the moderation tools that actually help - https://mindfuldrinking.substack.com/s/the-vault===✏️ Come hang out with me on Substack - https://mindfuldrinking.substack.com/===❓ Take the Midlife Drinking Triggers Quiz - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/68dd33385bb4a20015996a13===*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a commission that helps me keep the show going. Thank you.