Zero-Proof Wines Worth Ordering at Crave

Plenty of our guests aren't drinking on a given night. You might be driving home over the bridge, heading back to the office after lunch, training for something or just taking a break. Whatever the reason, it shouldn't mean a glass of water while everyone else at the table enjoys something with dinner. That's why we keep a short list of zero-proof wines, chosen the same way as everything else we pour: they have to taste good with food. Giesen 0% Sauvignon Blanc: New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most popular styles on our regular list, so it made sense to start there. Giesen comes from New Zealand, and its 0% Sauvignon Blanc keeps the bright, citrusy character people love about the style. It's a natural match for seafood and anything with a squeeze of lemon. Giesen 0% Rosé: Dry, fresh and easy, this is the one I suggest when someone wants a glass that goes with almost anything on the table. It's an especially good lunch choice. J. Lohr Ariel 0% Chardonnay: For guests who normally reach for a California Chardonnay, this is the bottle. It brings a rounder, fuller feel than the Sauvignon Blanc, which makes it a better partner for richer dishes and creamier sauces. Good Twin NA Sparkling: Celebrations don't have to be built around alcohol. Good Twin gives you bubbles in the glass for a toast, a birthday or a Friday that simply deserves it. Why we take it seriously: A zero-proof wine should do what a regular wine does at the table: refresh your palate, balance richness and make the food taste better. That's the standard we hold these to. When you order one, you get the same attention you'd get with anything else on our list, including help picking what fits your meal. Zero-proof at lunch: Lunch is where these wines really earn their place. A weekday lunch with a colleague or an old friend feels more like an occasion with a proper glass on the table, and you can go back to your afternoon with a clear head. A glass of the Giesen Rosé or Sauvignon Blanc alongside a good sandwich or a fresh salad makes a better lunch break than most. Not sure which one you'll like? Ask your server, or ask me. Tell us what you're ordering and what you normally enjoy, and we'll point you in the right direction. Crave has been part of Mount Pleasant since 2008, and we think a good wine list should include everyone at the table. Join us for lunch or make dinner plans, and order the glass that works for your day. — Sophia