Wine Enthusiast launches NoLow tasting program with 5-star ratings

Wine Enthusiast has launched a dedicated blind-tasting and rating program for no- and low-alcohol wines, spirits and RTDs as demand grows for non-alcoholic drinks. The new system gives the category its own 5-star scale, separate from the brand’s traditional 100-point ratings.

Why it matters: - Wine Enthusiast is creating a separate review lane for a fast-growing beverage category that does not fit traditional wine and spirits scoring. - The new program gives shoppers a clearer way to compare no- and low-alcohol products on their own terms. - It also gives producers a formal review platform as the category expands.

What happened: - Wine Enthusiast launched its NoLow rating system and blind-tasting program on Oct. 1, 2026. - The program covers no- and low-alcohol wines, spirits and ready-to-drink beverages. - The company is using a new 5-star scale instead of its standard 100-point system for these products.

The details: - The NoLow scale rates products from five stars to three stars: - 5 stars: Outstanding; category-defining. - 4.5 stars: Exceptional and original. - 4 stars: Well-crafted and highly recommended. - 3.5 stars: Enjoyable and approachable. - 3 stars: Dependable choice for broad appeal. - Reviews will assess balance, flavor, aroma, texture and overall drinking experience. - Products will be judged within their own category, not against traditionally fermented or distilled beverages. - Wine Enthusiast said the traditional 100-point system accounts for ageability, alcohol balance and other traits tied to classic alcoholic beverages. - NoLow drinks are made through different methods, including dealcoholization and custom blending, and are designed for immediate consumption. - Selected products will also appear on annual NoLow Top Lists. - Samples can be submitted through the Wine Enthusiast Ratings Platform for $95 per SKU. - That submission guarantees a blind-tasted star rating and written review. - Low-alcohol products between 0.5% and 10% ABV qualify if they are produced and marketed specifically as low-alcohol alternatives. - Traditional alcoholic beverages that naturally fall within that ABV range will continue to be reviewed under the existing 100-point scale. - Wine Enthusiast said U.S. non-alcoholic retail sales passed $1 billion by the end of 2025. - The company said the NoLow launch reflects its commitment to adapting with the beverage industry and supporting innovation in the space. - For submission guidelines or upcoming ratings, visit Wine Enthusiast or email submissionssupport@wineenthusiast.com.

Between the lines: - The new scorecard signals that Wine Enthusiast sees no- and low-alcohol drinks as a distinct category, not a subset of standard wine or spirits reviews. - A separate rating framework may help normalize the category for consumers while giving brands a more relevant benchmark. - The blind-tasting format is intended to support credibility in a market where quality can vary widely.

What's next: - Wine Enthusiast will begin reviewing eligible NoLow submissions and publishing ratings through the new program. - The brand’s annual NoLow Top Lists will surface standout products over time. - The tasting program is led by Abe Zarate for NoLow wine, Kara Newman for NoLow spirits and Cheron Cowan for NoLow RTDs and other products.

The bottom line: - Wine Enthusiast is betting that no- and low-alcohol drinks need their own rules, and its new 5-star system is designed to make the category easier to judge and easier to buy.