Both Zach from It's All About Wine and David and Danielle from The Corkscrew report that the number of customers requesting low-alcohol or low-calorie wine is relatively small. The nonalcoholic wine segment, while still representing less than 1% of the total wine market, is growing at a rate of 12.7% by volume. The broader nonalcoholic beverage market is expanding at about 9% annually, with low-alcohol wine benefiting from both health trends and product innovation. 

The low-alcohol and low-calorie wine market’s rapid growth is driven by a global shift toward health-conscious, moderate drinking and mindful lifestyle choices. One of the leading low-calorie wine brands is Bota Box Breeze. In 2021, sales of Breeze were 365,000 cases. By 2025, sales had nearly tripled to 980,000 cases. 

Drivers of this trend include: 

Health and wellness — consumers want to enjoy wine without the calories or higher alcohol content, especially those tracking sugar intake, calories or alcohol consumption. A standard 5-oz. (150 ml) glass of wine typically contains about 120-130 calories for most red wines, 115-125 calories for whites and 90-100 calories for dry sparkling wines. Red wines generally contain 12%-15% alcohol by volume, while white wines average 11%-13%. Dry sparkling wines typically contain 11%-12% alcohol by volume. 

Generational shift — millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, and Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, are more likely to explore low-alcohol and low-calorie options. Their choices are influenced by taste, availability and brand identity. 

Mindful drinking — the moderation movement is expanding to include wine, with many consumers replacing full-strength drinks with lighter alternatives. In fact, industry reports indicate that the volume of spirits sold has declined for four consecutive years. Moderation is also spreading to older generations. According to a Gallup poll, the share of Americans who say they drink alcohol fell to an all-time low of 54% in 2025. Simply put, Americans are drinking less. 

Affordability — people aren’t drinking as much when they’re out socializing because of how expensive it has become. One study estimated that prices for spirits in bars and restaurants have increased 29% during the past five years, exceeding the overall rate of inflation. In many U.S. cities, $20 cocktails are becoming the norm as bars try to offset higher labor and operating costs. 

I found it interesting that people using GLP-1 weight-loss medications report not only lose their appetite for food but also drink less. Consumers seeking a legal buzz also have other options these days. In states where cannabis use is legal, some consumers are choosing a THC-infused beverage instead of traditional alcoholic drinks. 

Both Zach as well as David and Danielle agree that sparkling wines are currently among the most popular lower-alcohol options. Zach estimates that roughly 60% of consumers purchasing nonalcoholic or lower-alcohol products are younger than 30. 

I asked them for some recommendations and which low-calorie or low-alcohol wines are selling best at their establishments. Both carry and recommend Osmosis wines. 

According to the winery, Osmosis wines are produced in sustainably farmed, family-owned, high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza, Argentina. The company uses a proprietary combination of reverse osmosis and vineyard-management practices to reduce alcohol and calories while maintaining flavor. The wines are naturally gluten-free, certified vegan and produced with sustainability in mind. As part of its sustainability efforts, the winery incorporates llamas into its operations. The animals graze the property, help manage vegetation and provide natural fertilizer. Their wool is also used by local weavers to make items for winery workers. 

The Corkscrew carries their Red Blend, which is made with a proprietary blend of 50% syrah, 25% bonarda, 15% malbec and 10% cabernet sauvignon. The wine offers rich berry flavors with notes of spice. It contains 9% alcohol by volume and 85 calories per serving, with no added sugar. It pairs well with salty cheeses, grilled meats, vegetables, empanadas and pasta dishes. 

Zach recommends the Osmosis DeLIGHTful Sauvignon Blanc. It contains 85 calories and zero sugar. He said he likes it because it “doesn't taste watered down like some of the other low-alcohol wines I have tried.” His store also sells 187 ml. (single pour bottles) of Mionetto Alcohol-Removed Sparkling Prosecco. He noted that nonalcoholic beers are also increasing in popularity. His favorite is the Untitled Art nonalcoholic line from Wisconsin. 

My thanks to Zach from It’s All About Wine on Wabash Ave. and David and Danielle from The Corkscrew on Chatham Rd. Both stores are owned by local Springfield merchants and emphasize personalized customer service and community support. Buy local. 

As I write this, the “feels like” temperature is over 100 degrees, making it too hot for grilling. Meanwhile, fresh sweet corn is abundant at the store. Those are two good reasons to consider using an air flyer to cook your corn. Air fryer corn on the cob is a fast, convenient and flavorful alternative to boiling or grilling, perfect for weeknight dinners or summer gatherings. It retains its natural sweetness, develops lightly charred edges and can be customized with a variety of seasonings and toppings. 

The following recipe is from LunaChef. Air fryer corn on the cob cooks to tender, juicy perfection in about 10-12 minutes at 400°F. 

Air fryer corn on the cob 

Ingredients

• 4 ears of fresh corn, husks and silk removed 
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 
• Optional: black pepper, garlic powder, paprika or herbs 
• Optional toppings: butter, Parmesan, cotija cheese, lime or chili powder for variations 

Instructions

1. Prep the corn: Remove all husks and silk. Rinse, and pat dry to prevent steaming and ensure caramelization. Cut the ears in half if needed to fit your air fryer basket. 
2. Season: Brush each ear with oil or melted butter, and sprinkle with salt and any desired seasonings. 
3. Preheat air fryer: Set to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes for even cooking. 
4. Cook: Place corn in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning.
5. Check doneness: Kernels should be plump, tender and lightly golden or blistered. Use a fork to test tenderness. 
6. Serve: Brush with additional butter or toppings while hot. Let rest 1-2 minutes before handling. 

Flavor variations

• Mexican street corn (elote): Brush with mayo, sprinkle cotija cheese, chili powder and lime juice. 
• Garlic herb butter: Mix softened butter with minced garlic, parsley and thyme. 
• Parmesan pepper: Brush with olive oil. Season with black pepper and garlic powder, and then sprinkle Parmesan.
• Sweet and smoky: Brush with honey and smoked paprika for a sweet-spicy twist. 

Tips for best results

• Avoid overcrowding the basket; air needs to circulate for even cooking. 
• Pat corn completely dry to prevent popping or uneven cooking. 
• Preheating the air fryer ensures better caramelization. 
• For softer corn, wrap in foil and cook at 380°F for 12-14 minutes. 

Storage and reheating 

• Refrigerate: Store cooked corn in an airtight container for 3-5 days. 
• Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, brushing with butter to restore juiciness. 
• Freezing: Cool completely, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3-4 months. Reheat directly in the air fryer. 

Enjoy!

About

Lincoln Land Community College offers credit programs in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management and Baking/Pastry, and non-credit cooking and food classes through LLCC Community Education.

Cooking or food questions? Email epicuriosity101@llcc.edu.