Quelles boissons sans alcool pour remplacer le vin à table ?

Non-alcoholic alternatives to wine at the table

For a long time, food and wine pairings have been seen as the ultimate expression of culinary sophistication and French savoir-faire. But this tradition, as deeply rooted as it is, no longer holds a monopoly on elegance. In France and beyond, more and more fine dining restaurants are now exploring a new path: non-alcoholic pairings, also known as Soft Pairings.

Originating in the Nordic countries, particularly Denmark, this concept has gradually won over the most creative kitchens. Chefs now challenge themselves to offer a tasting experience that is just as rich and balanced as one enjoyed with wine.

So if top chefs are embracing it, why not you? Today, we invite you to discover which non-alcoholic drinks can replace a glass of wine at dinner and how to pair them with your dishes.

Why are food and non-alcoholic drink pairings so popular?

It’s no secret that alcohol consumption in France has been declining for several decades, and wine is no exception. While it was common in the 1960s to drink three to four glasses of wine a day, the current average is one glass or less. This shift reflects a growing awareness of health and well-being, with more and more people choosing to limit their intake, particularly at lunch.

In this context, food and non-alcoholic drink pairings emerge as an innovative solution. They offer refined pairings without alcohol that can complement a meal while meeting the evolving expectations of diners. Restaurants can thus continue to provide a full gastronomic experience, even when guests choose not to drink alcohol.

But non-alcoholic pairings are not just a response to declining alcohol consumption. They also allow diners to explore new flavors and add subtle nuances to each dish. By making meals more inclusive and accessible, they transform an ordinary dinner into a memorable experience, where everyone can enjoy themselves, with or without alcohol.

flute de pétillant sans alcool qui trinquent ensemble

What non-alcoholic alternatives are available?

Non-alcoholic wines are an easy way to get close to the flavors of traditional wine, but they can sometimes be disappointing.

Non-alcoholic red wines:

Made from classic grape varieties such as Merlot or Pinot Noir, these wines often retain red fruit notes like cherry. The non-alcoholic Pinot Noir, considered the most versatile, pairs beautifully with both rustic and refined dishes, such as duck breast or mushroom risotto.

Non-alcoholic white wines:

Non-alcoholic white wine stands out for its freshness and fruity notes. Like traditional white wines, the alcohol-free versions offer different nuances depending on the grape variety, providing a range of tasting experiences. The Chardonnay, rich and complex with zesty notes, pairs perfectly with fish and seafood dishes, such as sea bass fillet, grilled sea bream, or sautéed shrimp.

Non-alcoholic rosé wines:

For festive occasions, non-alcoholic rosé is a perfect companion. Even without alcohol, it retains the fruity and floral aromas typical of rosé, with notes of orange blossom and raspberry. Made from grape varieties like Grenache and Cinsault, it pairs ideally with appetizers and starters.

Non-alcoholic rosé goes particularly well with light, summery dishes, such as a Niçoise salad, salmon tartare, or platters of charcuterie and mild cheeses.

Non-alcoholic sparkling wines:

Sparkling wines are the new champagnes. Whether frothy or creamy, they charm with their fine bubbles and effervescence. A reliable choice to accompany your aperitifs.

While non-alcoholic wines don’t always fully replicate the wine experience, there are now many alcohol-free alternatives that take a different approach while offering real aromatic complexity. Non-alcoholic aperitifs, sparkling drinks, iced teas, herbal infusions… these options can perfectly complement a meal and, in some cases, bring even more subtle flavors. We’ve even put together an article with easy recipes to try at home:

La suggestion des chefs pour un accord sans alcool sublimer

OSCO is an organic non-alcoholic aperitif brand that is reinventing the art of the aperitif with three unique creations:

- L’Original

- Le Rouge Ardent

- L’Éclat Brut

Made with verjus, a juice from grapes harvested before full ripeness, our aperitifs are then blended with aromatic herbs and spices to offer a unique tasting experience that is both complex and natural.

To fully enjoy our aperitifs and sparkling drinks, discover our food and drink pairings designed to enhance every flavor note.

L'ÉCLAT BRUT

Orchard fruits, fig leaf, and elderflower

Title

Fresh goat cheese crostinis with honey and

The creamy, slightly tangy flavor of the goat cheese pairs beautifully with the lively character of L’Éclat Brut. The honey and lemon highlight its floral and fruity notes, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and freshness.

Citrus Sea Bream Tartare

The raw sea bream, finely diced, is paired with fresh citrus juice, accented with lime zest, a few pomegranate seeds, and a drizzle of olive oil. The freshness of the fish and the citrusy acidity are perfectly complemented by the fine bubbles and fruity liveliness of L’Éclat Brut.

Roasted Vegetables with Za'atar and Tahini Sauce

Seasonal vegetables roasted in the oven, seasoned with za’atar, and served with a tahini sauce. This dish highlights the same fresh, herbal, and slightly tangy notes as L’Éclat Brut, creating a seamless flavor connection between the plate and the glass.

L'ORIGINAL

Rosemary, fennel, anise, and fig

Title

Potato, Onion, and Fennel Tian with Rosemary

Potatoes, onions, and fennel roasted in the oven and infused with fresh rosemary become tender and flavorful. The natural sweetness of the vegetables highlights the freshness of L’Original, while the fennel adds a subtle aniseed note that echoes the drink’s

Sea Bass Ceviche with Citrus and Rosemary

A natural pairing of land and sea. The raw sea bass, marinated in orange, lemon, and rosemary, perfectly complements the herbal and slightly bitter notes of the cocktail. The contrast between the fish’s delicate sweetness and the vegetal freshness of L’Original creates a refreshing harmony.

Roast Chicken Supreme with Caramelized Figs and Parsnip Purée

The richness of the parsnip and the sweetness of the roasted figs balance the subtle bitterness of L’Original. The rosemary and anise notes in the drink are echoed in the seasoning of the chicken.

L'Original est produit en France, certifié bio et il est issu du savoir-faire viticole. Frais, complexe, avec une belle longueur en bouche et des notes méridionales, cet apéritif sans alcool exprime toute la richesse aromatique du Sud.

LE ROUGE ARDENT

Cherry, gentian, spices, and ginger

Title

Red Tuna Tataki with Raspberries and Lemon-Infused Olive Oil

The red tuna tataki is elevated by a light marinade of fresh raspberries and lemon-infused olive oil. The warm, spicy notes of Le Rouge Ardent create a subtle contrast with the tartness of the raspberries, highlighting the full aromatic complexity of both the dish and the drink.

Ossau-Iraty Cheese with Red Onion Chutney

Ossau-Iraty, the iconic cheese from Southwest France, pairs perfectly with the sweet and spiced flavors of the chutney. This combination highlights the prune and spice notes of Le Rouge Ardent while offering a pleasing aromatic roundness.

Dark Chocolate Fondant

A dessert that extends the aromatic richness of Le Rouge Ardent. The dark chocolate enhances the deep red fruit and spice notes.

With these non-alcoholic food and drink pairing ideas, you’re ready to impress your guests and turn your meals into memorable experiences. Pairing food with non-alcoholic drinks is, above all, a creative endeavor, and experimentation is highly encouraged. Try, explore, and let your imagination run free—because the best pairings are often the most unexpected.

Discover the allure of OSCO’s non-alcoholic aperitifs