Out with the old and in with the new! We’re heading into 2026 with a totally blank slate, and honestly, a little refresh is always refreshing! After 15 years, even the best vintage needs a bit of a facelift, don’t you think?
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Refreshed for 2026: New Non-Alc Wines from the World’s Most Famous Wine Family
A few weeks ago, I got a text from an “unknown sender” that read:
Good morning, What’s cooking? Can I send you some wines from my new non-alc project????? What’s your address?
As a single parent to 10-year-old twin girls, there was no way I was sending my address to a random number. I replied with a cautious, "Please send me an email." Much to my surprise—and later, my embarrassment—I realized I was texting with the Robb Report’s "rock star winemaker," Rob Mondavi Jr.
It turns out, if the Mondavis are going Zero Proof, there is official "proof" to the "Wine NO" trend we’ve been seeing. We aren't just imagining the shift; the data shows our relationship with the bottle has fundamentally changed over the last few years.
The Great Shift: Pre vs. Post-Pandemic
The "lockdown lushes" of 2020 weren't just a meme. According to the Annals of Internal Medicine, heavy alcohol use in the U.S. jumped by 20% during the height of the pandemic as people used it to cope with stress and isolation.
However, as we move through 2026, the pendulum has swung back with force:
The Decline: Recent Gallup data shows that U.S. alcohol consumption has fallen to 54%, down significantly from 67% in 2022.
The Market: While traditional wine sales have faced headwinds, the non-alcoholic wine market has exploded. It is projected to reach over $2.2 billion globally this year, driven by a "sober curious" movement that isn't just for Dry January anymore—it's a year-round lifestyle.
A Sip of The Dry Life
Whether the "lockdown lushes" have dried up or switched to gummies, our five-year post-pandemic "hangover habits" have evolved. Personally, I’ve dabbled in the dry life, going months without a sip. While I’m "all wet" again now, I’m increasingly interested in limiting my libations and ABV. Let’s face it: at a certain age, the morning after hits differently than it used to.
That’s why I’m excited to introduce our first Sip Tip of 2026. This isn't just grape juice; it's a sophisticated, dealcoholized expression of Napa heritage.
Without further ado, I give you Isabel by Isabel Mondavi—all the complexity and "bite" of a world-class vintage, with none of the buzz.
Sip Tip 2026: All the Bite, None of the Buzz When the most famous family in Napa decides to go zero-proof, you listen. Rob Mondavi Jr.’s latest project, Isabel by Isabel Mondavi, is the definitive "proof" that the non-alcoholic trend has officially grown up. Unlike the sugary "grape juice" alternatives of the past, these are fully fermented California wines that have had the alcohol gently lifted away—preserving the soul, structure, and tannins of a classic vintage. Whether you’re looking to cut back or just want to survive your 6:00 AM alarm, the Isabel Cabernet and Chardonnay offer a world-class experience without the post-pandemic hangover.
If Rob Mondavi Jr. is the "rock star" behind the scenes, then these two bottles are the headliners. Here is your tasting guide for the Isabel by Isabel Mondavi signature duo.
The 2026 Sip Tip: The Isabel Tasting Guide
Non-Alcoholic Cabernet Sauvignon
This isn't your average "juice-box" red. It’s crafted to mirror the depth of a traditional Napa Cab, specifically designed to stand up to a hearty meal.
The Vibe: Bold, sophisticated, and "expressive."
Tasting Notes: Expect a rich profile of black tart cherry and mocha. Because it was aged in wood before dealcoholization, you’ll get those essential hints of toasty oak and fine tannins that provide the "grip" red wine drinkers crave.
Best Paired With: Rob Mondavi Jr.’s personal recommendation is a classic tomato sauce with a hint of umami (think anchovy paste and herbs). The wine’s acidity perfectly complements the brightness of the tomatoes.
Non-Alcoholic Chardonnay
Isabel Mondavi has always preferred wines that "complement rather than compete" with food, and this Chardonnay hits that elegant middle ground.
The Vibe: Bright, crisp, and surprisingly textured.
Tasting Notes: It leads with high-toned fruit like green apple, pineapple, and Meyer lemon. There’s a beautiful "electric" acidity here, balanced by a subtle, creamy texture—the result of the original wine undergoing partial malolactic fermentation. You’ll find a faint earthy herbal streak and a touch of French vanilla on the finish.
Best Paired With: Roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a sharp-cheddar charcuterie board.
Why It’s Different
According to Rob, most non-alcoholic wines feel "thin" because alcohol provides body. The Mondavi approach uses high-quality California grapes and a precise dealcoholization process that keeps the "soul" of the wine intact. As Rob says, they "make wine, beautifully, and then allow it to transform."
Because these wines are fully fermented and aged before the alcohol is gently removed, they retain the structural "bite" that usually goes missing in non-alc alternatives.
The Man, The Myth, The Michael
While Rob Jr. and Isabel are leading this new charge, we have to talk about their Dad, the man who helped HIS Dad build the mountain: Michael Mondavi.
A true legend who grew up with a winery as his "jungle gym" and the cellar master as his babysitter! In 1966, he and his father, Robert Mondavi, started their world-famous Robert Mondavi Winery with just three employees. Michael was the winemaker for those first eight years, helping put Napa Valley on the global map.
Stay tuned, because we’re going to dive into more of my favorite bottles very soon! But first, we’re heading into the Wine Oh cellar to uncork one of our older vintages!
Sip Stories Circa 2013: Meet Michael Mondavi
“Look in the mirror and do what makes you happy.” - Michael Mondavi