The 7-Day Wine Swap Challenge
The 7-Day Wine Swap Challenge
Replace Your Nightly Glass With Something Better
No deprivation. No judgment. Just curiosity.
For the next seven days, you'll swap your regular wine for non-alcoholic alternatives — keeping the ritual, the relaxation, and the sophistication, without the alcohol.
By the end of this week, you'll discover what it feels like to keep your evening routine without the morning grogginess, disrupted sleep, or next-day regret.
The Challenge
Every time you’d normally pour wine this week, swap it for a non-alcoholic wine instead.
The Goal
Notice the difference. Track your sleep, energy, and mood. See what changes.
The Freedom
Stick with one favorite or explore different varietals each day. Your choice.
Why Swap Wine?
For many of us, wine isn't just a drink — it's a ritual:
- The pour at the end of a long day
- The feeling of "I deserve this"
- The signal that work mode is over
- The sophisticated way to unwind
Here's the thing: You can keep all of that.
The NA wine market has transformed dramatically. Giesen 0% Sauvignon Blanc is the #1 selling premium alcohol-removed wine in the U.S., and brands are now using advanced dealcoholization technology to create wines that genuinely taste like wine — not grape juice.
Your 7-Day Wine Swap Plan
Day 1: Monday – The After-Work Wind-Down Swap
Usual habit: Pour a glass of wine the moment you get home to decompress
Your swap today:
- Option 1: Giesen 0% Sauvignon Blanc (crisp, fresh, #1 seller in U.S.)
- Option 2: Proxies "Blanc Slate" (wine alternative, complex, sommelier-approved)
- Option 3: Fre Chardonnay (California classic, oaky and buttery)
Why this works: Same glassware. Same pour. Same signal that the workday is done. But your sleep tonight? Game-changer.
Track today:
- How did the NA wine taste compared to your usual?
- Did you still get the "I'm unwinding" feeling?
- How do you feel right now vs. after regular wine?
- Set a reminder to track sleep quality tomorrow morning
Pro tip: Use a proper wine glass. The ritual matters as much as the drink.
Day 2: Tuesday – The Stress-Relief Swap
Usual habit: That glass (or two) to take the edge off after a stressful day
Your swap today:
- Option 1: Saint Viviana Sauvignon Blanc (only 10 calories, bursting with citrus and melon flavors)
- Option 2: Studio Null Prickly Red (sophisticated red blend with light carbonation, replicates high-end wine)
- Option 3: Joyus Sparkling Rosé (sweet floral aroma, perfect for stress relief)
Why this works: Wine doesn't actually reduce stress — it masks it. These options let you keep the ritual without the depressant effects on your nervous system.
Track today:
- How did you sleep last night after Day 1?
- Morning energy today (1-10):
- Did this evening feel as relaxing?
- Stress level before wine vs. an hour after (1-10):
Notice: You're unwinding without numbing.
Day 3: Wednesday – The Midweek Treat Swap
Usual habit: "Hump day" wine because "we're halfway there"
Your swap today:
- Option 1: Töst Rosé (citrusy, crisp, with hints of ginger and elderberry — budget-friendly)
- Option 2: Gruvi Dry Secco (prosecco alternative, 50 calories, semi-dry and bubbly)
- Option 3: Ariel Chardonnay (buttery, oaky, traditional Napa flavors)
Why this works: You still get your midweek reward. But tomorrow's Thursday energy? Completely different.
Track today:
- Sleep quality last night (1-10):
- How's your energy level this week vs. typical?
- Did the wine swap still feel like a "treat"?
- Skin clarity, hydration (notice any difference yet?):
Bonus observation: Check in with your digestion and bloating levels.
Day 4: Thursday – The Social/Dinner Wine Swap
Usual habit: Wine with dinner, whether alone or with others
Your swap today:
- Option 1: Giesen 0% Premium Red (Merlot blend, delicate blackberry, toasted oak finish)
- Option 2: Luminara Napa Valley Red Blend (70% Pinot Noir, 30% Zinfandel, bold black cherry, baking spices)
- Option 3: NON Wine Alternative (chic, natural wine bar vibes, sommelier-designed)
Why this works: Food pairing matters. These wines are crafted specifically to complement meals just like traditional wine.
Track today:
- Did anyone notice your wine was NA? (if dining with others)
- How present did you feel during the meal/conversation?
- How's your sleep pattern this week compared to usual?
- Energy the next morning (note the consistency):
Real talk: By Day 4, most people start noticing consistent better mornings.
Day 5: Friday – The Weekend Kickoff Swap
Usual habit: "TGIF" — bigger pour, maybe a second or third glass
Your swap today:
- Option 1: Sparkling option! Giesen 0% Sparkling Brut (fresh lemon, grapefruit, pear)
- Option 2: Sovi Wild Child Sparkling Orange Wine (bold, citrusy, adventurous)
- Option 3: Kylie Minogue Sparkling Rosé (sweet like pink Moscato, festive, 0% ABV)
Why this works: Celebration doesn't require a hangover. Sparkling = special, and you'll still wake up ready for Saturday.
Track today:
- How many glasses did you have? (NA = no limit if you want!)
- Did Friday night still feel celebratory?
- CRITICAL: Tomorrow morning, compare how you feel to a typical post-Friday hangover
This is the turning point: Most people realize the difference is massive.
Day 6: Saturday – The Weekend Leisure Swap
Usual habit: Afternoon wine, brunch mimosas, wine tasting, "day drinking"
Your swap today:
- Option 1: Prima Pavé Sparkling blend (Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer — bright citrus and melon)
- Option 2: Buzzkill Wines Sauvignon Blanc (canned, portable, 40 calories)
- Option 3: French Bloom Le Blanc (organic, vegan, certified halal, no preservatives)
Why this works: Enjoy your ENTIRE Saturday. No mid-afternoon crash. No lost productivity. No "oops, I drank too much."
Track today:
- What did you accomplish today that you might not have with a hangover?
- How do you feel at 4pm vs. your typical Saturday?
- Did you enjoy the day more or less?
- Money saved so far this week:
Game-changer moment: This is when people see what they've been missing.
Day 7: Sunday – Reflection & Your New Normal
Usual habit: Sunday wind-down wine, preparing for the week ahead
Your swap today:
- Your favorite from the week! Or try something new:
- Option 1: Wander + Found Pinot Noir (award-winning German red)
- Option 2: Thomson & Scott Noughty Chardonnay (organic, low-sugar, light and apple-forward)
- Option 3: Any sparkling or rosé you haven't tried yet
Why today matters: You've done a full week. Now reflect and decide what's next.
Final tracking:
- Overall sleep quality this week (1-10):
- Morning energy average (1-10):
- Mood stability (1-10):
- Skin/appearance:
- Money saved:
- Number of mornings that felt GOOD:
Week 1 Complete: Reflection Questions
You made it through seven full days. Now ask yourself:
- What surprised you most?
- Which NA wine tasted closest to the real thing?
- What benefits did you notice? (Sleep, energy, clarity, creativity, mornings)
- What did you miss about regular wine (be honest)?
- How much money did you save?
- What will you do differently going forward?
Your options:
- Keep swapping 100% of the time
- Swap weeknights, real wine on special occasions
- Keep NA wine stocked for "when you want the drink without the alcohol"
- Alternate based on how you want to feel tomorrow
- Go back to regular wine (that's okay too!)
The point is awareness and choice. Not rules.
There's More
below
Swap Strategies: Keep It Interesting
Want variety?
By Wine Type:
- Monday-Tuesday: Whites (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay)
- Wednesday: Rosé
- Thursday: Red with dinner
- Friday-Sunday: Sparkling for celebration mode
By Mood:
- Stressed: Rosé or sparkling (lighthearted, refreshing)
- Sophistication: Reds (Studio Null, Luminara, Giesen Red)
- Celebration: Sparkling always
- Easy drinking: Whites and wine alternatives
By Occasion:
- Solo: Your reliable favorite
- With food: Reds or food-pairing alternatives like Proxies
- Social: Sparkling or conversation-starter bottles
Weekend: Explore new brands
Most Popular & Top-Rated NA Wines (2024-2025)
Based on expert sommeliers, bottle shop owners, awards, and consumer reviews:
Best Overall NA White Wine:
Giesen 0% Sauvignon Blanc
- #1 selling premium alcohol-removed wine in the U.S., made from premium New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with aromatic expression and varietal characteristics
- Crisp, fresh, tropical notes
- Low calorie (around 13 per 100ml)
- Why it's #1: Tastes like real New Zealand Sauv Blanc
- Available: Total Wine, online, major retailers
Best NA Red Wine:
Studio Null Prickly Red
- An incredible replication of a high-end red wine using pétillant technique (light carbonation) to add sensory lift and heft
- Complex, sophisticated
- Why it's great: Holy grail NA red, won't put it down
- Available: StudioNull.com, Sobr Market (Canada)
Runner-up: Saint Viviana Cabernet Sauvignon
- Elusive dryness and tannins, juicy black cherry and current notes with hint of oakiness
- Made in Washington State
- Great structure for a NA red
Best Budget-Friendly Option:
Töst Sparkling Rosé & White
- Most budget-friendly on expert lists
- Citrusy, crisp, hints of ginger and elderberry
- 750ml bottles + singles available
- Available: Walmart, local markets, wine shops
- Why it's great: Perfect entry point, actually delicious
Best Sparkling:
Joyus Sparkling Rosé
- Offers a sweet, floral aroma that entices you to take a sip, with notes of berries and citrus flowers and fruity taste that lingers
- Top pick for brunch
- Available: Major retailers, online
Runner-up: Giesen 0% Sparkling Brut
- Fresh lemon, grapefruit, pear
- Sophisticated New Zealand sparkling
- Award-winning
Best Wine Alternative (Not Dealcoholized):
Proxies (Various flavors)
- Beloved by chefs and sommeliers for complexity and food pairing
- Shuru (aromatic sparkling rosé), Blanc Slate, Red Ember
- Not pretending to be wine, but deliciously complex
- Featured in Bon Appétit, Wine Enthusiast
- Why it's different: Created by sommeliers, pairs with food beautifully
- Available: Proxies.com, select retailers
Best for Chardonnay Lovers:
Ariel Chardonnay
- Buttery, oaky Napa flavors
- Complex: apple, pear, tropical fruit, butterscotch
- One of the first NA wines to win awards (Gold medal 1986)
- Pairs with fish, poultry, creamy pasta
- Available: Amazon, Total Wine, online
Runner-up: Giesen 0% Chardonnay
- Vibrant citrus and stone fruit
- French oak aging
- Creamy vanilla notes, silky finish
Best for Pinot Noir/Red Lovers:
Luminara Napa Valley Red Blend
- 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Zinfandel, finished in French and American oak, bold black cherry notes with subtle baking spices and smoke, decadent lingering finish
- Napa Valley distinction (big deal for NA)
- Approachable, satisfying, well-priced
- Available: Major retailers
Also try: Wander + Found Pinot Noir
- Award-winning from Germany
- Elegant, food-friendly
Best for Prosecco/Bubbles Lovers:
Gruvi Dry Secco
- 0.0% ABV (truly zero alcohol)
- 50 calories per bottle
- Semi-dry, bright, traditional prosecco taste
- Why it's great: No fermentation but still tastes like prosecco
- Available: Gruvi.co, Amazon
Best Low-Calorie Option:
Saint Viviana Sauvignon Blanc
- Only 10 calories per 8-ounce serving, surprisingly flavorful with notes of ripe orange, grapefruit and fresh melon, 2 grams of sugar
- Sour/dry (not sweet)
- Perfect for calorie-conscious wine lovers
Best for Rosé Lovers:
Giesen 0% Rosé
- Strawberry and white peach aromas
- Subtle, rounded sweetness
- 91 points, Silver Medal at IWSC
- Available: Giesen retailers nationwide
Also great: NON Wine Alternatives
- Chic, natural wine bar aesthetic
- Sommelier-designed for sophistication
Best Award-Winner:
Gruvi Sangria
- 92 Points, Non-Alcoholic Wine Of The Year at USA Wine Ratings, only company to win international gold medals in both non-alcoholic beer and wine
- Fruity, bold, 45 calories
- Available: Gruvi.co, select retailers
Best Traditional Wine Experience:
Giesen 0% Premium Red (Merlot)
- Gold medals at 2023 IWSC and Mundus Vini, 95 points at 2022 IWSC, delicate aromas of crushed blackberry and wild herbs, crushed red berries and plum with toasted oak
- Classic structure, fine tannins
- First 0% New Zealand red
Tips for Success
Make It Easy:
- Buy 2-3 different NA wines to start
- Stock your wine fridge/rack
- Use proper glassware (never skip this)
- Serve at proper temperature (chill whites, room temp reds)
Set Yourself Up:
- Tell someone you're doing this (accountability)
- Track daily (use the worksheet)
- Take before/after selfies (skin, eyes, energy)
- Track your wine spending before/after
Stay Curious:
- Notice sleep patterns
- Track morning energy
- Pay attention to skin changes
- Observe mood stability
What Others Say After 7 Days
"I didn't realize how much wine was disrupting my sleep. I'm finally sleeping through the night and waking up refreshed." — Rachel, 38
"Giesen Sauvignon Blanc tastes exactly like my favorite New Zealand wine. I'm shocked." — Emma, 42
"My skin is clearer. My energy is better. And I still got my evening ritual. This is a game-changer." — Jessica, 35
"I saved $80 this week and actually remember my Friday night. Wild." — Morgan, 31
Understanding NA Wine: Quick FAQ
Q: Why are NA wines sometimes expensive? A: Made using traditional winemaking methods plus added cost of alcohol removal using advanced equipment, high-quality grapes, fermentation, aging, then dealcoholization
Q: Do they taste like grape juice? A: Not the good ones! Modern dealcoholization preserves wine character. Brands like Giesen, Proxies, and Studio Null taste remarkably like wine.
Q: What's the difference between dealcoholized wine and wine alternatives? A: Dealcoholized wines are real wine with alcohol removed. Alternatives are crafted beverages that evoke wine using juices, teas, spices, and botanicals.
Q: Is there any alcohol in NA wine? A: Most contain less than 0.5% ABV (about the same as fruit juice). Some like Kylie Minogue Sparkling are 0.0% ABV.
Ready to Start?
What You Need:
- Pick 2-3 NA wines to start (variety recommended)
- Get proper wine glasses ready
- Download the tracking worksheet
- Set daily check-in reminders
Download Your Tracking Worksheet:
[Download the 7-Day Wine Swap Tracker →]
Includes:
- Daily tracking prompts
- Sleep & energy loggers
- Taste comparison notes
- Reflection questions
- Money saved calculator
After the Challenge
Once you've completed 7 days:
Option 1: Keep going. Try 30 days.
Option 2: Weeknight NA, special occasion regular wine.
Option 3: Stock both — choose based on how you want to feel tomorrow.
Option 4: Try the Beer Swap or Liquor Swap Challenge next.
Option 5: Mostly NA with occasional regular wine.
You have the information now. You know what it feels like. The choice is yours.
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