Have you had really bad non-alcoholic wine? You’re not alone. They’re usually overly sweet products that miss the mark.
Enter Acid League’s Proxies, a wine alternative that blends juices, teas, spices, bitters and more to create a balance between sweetness and acidity that has body. The result is a high-quality alternative that wine lovers can embrace.
In this Proxies wine review, we’re going to talk about what makes Acid League’s products special. We’ll tell you about their most popular offerings, what’s worth your money, and what to avoid. Let’s jump in.
Are Acid League Proxies Right For You?
There are dozens of reasons to seek wine alternatives. And a dozen more to choose Proxies. You’ll probably enjoy Proxies if:
- You are a regular wine drinker looking to take a break from drinking (e.g. Dry January or Sober October).
- You enjoy wine with a meal, but need to reduce alcohol intake. (Acid League Proxies are especially crafted to pair with food.)
- You are on a quest to be healthier, including cutting alcohol servings and/or calories.
- You enjoy well-crafted, complex wine replacements.
- You have tried other non-alcoholic wines and been disappointed by those products.
- You enjoy hosting, but want to offer guests alternatives to alcohol.
- You enjoy being social, but want to have alternatives to alcohol.
On the other hand, you may not enjoy Acid League Proxies if:
- You expect wine replacements to be exactly like the real thing. (Sorry, they’re not there yet.)
- You prefer dealcoholized wine (e.g. Surely) rather than crafted wine replacements.
- You expect to pay $15 or less for a decent wine replacement.
- You do not enjoy complex wines that have a diverse flavor profile.
Acid League Proxies can be the perfect fit for those looking for a unique, non-alcoholic experience. With the right expectations, thanks to the detailed tasting notes and food pairings, you might find something new and exciting to amplify your alcohol-free lifestyle.
Acid League Proxies Wine Reviews
I have enjoyed every Proxies wine I’ve tried, with one exception (see below). But some stand out in the crowd. I have ordered the reviews from best to least impressive. Just keep in mind I tend to drink reds and roses more than whites, which might matter.
Glow (Sparkling Rosé): 9.5/10
The Pour Test:
Glow is a beautiful deep-pink with alluring grape and berry smells. There’s also green apple notes and some ginger, with a touch of spice.
The Taste Test:
This is SO good. It might be their best. It’s mildly tart, almost like kombucha but less acidic. The rhubarb and sauvignon blanc make it bright and refreshing, with gentle carbonation. If you’re into sparkling wines, you have to try this one.
Red Ember (Bold Red): 9.5/10
The Pour Test:
Red Ember is a jam-colored red that smells like dark fruit and pepper spice. The smell hints that there’s something bold in the wine glass.
The Taste Test:
VERY impressive! Probably the best non-alcoholic red wine I’ve tried so far. Most NA reds are too sweet and not complex. This one is big and bold (for NA wine), with a complex blend of fruit and spice. Great pairing with burgers and steaks.
Pink Salt: 9/10
The Pour Test:
Light fruit smell, with subtle tart (verjus) notes. There’s a little funk or earthiness, maybe from the sage.
The Taste Test:
This is REALLY good. Subtle sweetness with gentle tartness. Better than the other flat rosé (Zephyr). A must have for your next dinner party, especially if you’re serving seafood or a cheese spread.
Zephyr (Rosé): 8.5/10
The Pour Test:
The Zephyr from Acid League Proxies is a fruity rosé. It has a pinker hue than typical rosés. There’s a strong strawberry smell up front and a tart verjus smell. Maybe hints of lemon, but it’s subtle.
The Taste Test:
This is pretty good! The taste is tart and acidic with a hint of vinegar, yet light and refreshing. The bright apple lingers on the finish. I do get a little spice in the middle, but it’s gentle. The flavor is nice, but the tart acidity might get old after a couple glasses.
Red Clay: 3/10 (hard pass)
The Pour Test:
Pours a light purple color, translucent but cloudy. The fruit smells are lighter on this one, more earthy than anything. Definitely a less appealing smell than the Red Ember.
The Taste Test: Overall 3/10
Did I stumble onto a bad batch? This isn’t good. It’s billed as “tart” and “juicy” and it’s neither. But it tastes more like dirt. (Maybe that’s where “clay” comes from?) What comes through most is the black tea flavors. I wouldn’t buy it again. But it’s the only one I haven’t enjoyed. Nobody’s perfect.
Biggest Con of Acid League Proxies: Prices
We’re used to paying $15, $20, or even $25 for traditional wine. And those wine bottles have alcohol! Most Wine Proxies are between $26-29. So you’re splurging to pour an NA wine glass. It’s probably worth it because these are high-quality crafted wines. Plus, it’s for your health.
There’s another thing: You can’t buy single bottles directly at drinkproxies.com. Just 4-packs or more. This means spending at least $100 after shipping.
For your first purchase, I recommend buying at Boisson. You can get single bottles to try a few. When you know what you like, graduate to buying boxes direct from Acid League.
Acid League Proxies Brand History
Acid League formed in 2019 as a craft vinegar producer. They launched Proxies in 2021. They wanted to craft each Proxies wine bottle with layered blends of juices, teas, spices, and bitters, balancing fruit with acidity and body. The blends are designed to pair well with food.
Today, Acid League Proxies boasts a diverse line-up of whites, reds, rosés, and sparkling wines. Proxies has also caught the attention of sommeliers and are starting to be offered in some Canadian and American restaurants.
How to buy Proxies Wine
We recommend you buy Proxies from Boisson, a highly reliable NA retailer. Boisson has a great selection of Proxies, always has stock, and good pricing. (Boisson’s prices are often higher, so this is a nice exception.) BONUS: You can get 10% off your first purchase by giving them your email. DOUBLE BONUS: They have TONS of other great products, like NA beer and NA spirits.
You can also buy Proxies direct at DrinkProxies.com. BUT, they don’t offer singles and you’ll spend at least $100 (after shipping). TIP: once you have tried a few and know what you like, sign up for the wine club subscription.
What to do now
Pick two or three styles and grab a bottle of each from Boisson. PRO TIP: Make one of them a sparkling wine. Acid League does a great job with those. The reds are also excellent.
With the exception of Red Clay, you really can’t go wrong. I sincerely believe these are some of the best wine alternatives out there. You won’t be disappointed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Proxies taste like wine?
Not really. And they aren’t supposed to. Rather than imitating the flavors of wine, Acid League Proxies have unique flavors that replicate the vibe with it’s own taste profile. In fact, they’re considered “wine replacements” more than “non-alcoholic wine.”
Non-alcoholic wine is usually produced by dealcoholizing wine. Proxies aren’t dealcoholized. They’re made by blending juices, verjus, teas, and spices. So treating Proxies like “wine” isn’t the right approach; instead, they should be appreciated for their unique flavors.
What can you pair with Proxies?
When it comes to pairing Acid League Wine Proxies with food, the possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas:
- Sauvage, with its apples, verjus, spruce, and cedar, will bring out the flavor of richer dishes like barbecue or game.
- Blanc Slate’s crisp zest, spice, and dry finish pair well with seafood plates, spicy Asian dishes, and grilled veggies.
- Zephyr’s fruity rosé flavor profile has a touch of lemon zest and spice, which pairs well with pesto dishes, oysters, lobster, and goat cheese.
- Pastiche’s rich sweetness is balanced with peppercorn and cloves, making it great with stinky cheeses and pizza.
- Red Ember’s bold red flavor profile pairs well with steaks, tomato-based pastas, and hearty stews.
- Red Clay’s tart and tannic complexity goes great with roasted chicken, beef burgers, and nice charcuterie spreads.
- Velvet
- Pink Salt’s mix of fruit, zest, salt, and pepper pair nicely with pesto, shellfish, salmon, and goat cheese.
No matter your meal, Proxies has a delicious non-alcoholic option to pair with it.
Why drink non-alcoholic wine?
Non-alcoholic wine is increasingly popular thanks to the rise of sober-curious and mindful drinking lifestyles. There are many advantages to choosing non-alcoholic wines:
- Less sugar, which helps you keep your sugar intake down.
- Less calories, which helps with weight management.
- No alcohol, helping you to avoid any morning-after effects and other health risks.
- You can be mindful while being social, having an alternative to alcohol that isn’t water.
Is non-alcoholic wine good for you?
There are several direct benefits of non-alcoholic wine. Those benefits include:
- Lower blood pressure.
- Improved cardiovascular health.
- Healthier cholesterol levels.
- Lower sugar, carbs, and calories than regular wine.
- Reduced oxidative stress, due to polyphenols (the “red wine effect”).
- Assisting with diabetes management.
There are also indirect benefits of NOT drinking traditional wine:
- Better sleep.
- No hangovers.
- Increased energy and vitality.
- Lower risk of cancer.
- And much more.
To be fair, the direct benefits are arguable. Also, remember that Acid League Wine Proxies are not dealcoholized wine—they are crafted with other ingredients like teas, spices, and apple cider vinegar. Arguments aside, the benefits of not drinking alcohol are very real.
Why do Proxies taste like vinegar?
In short, because vinegar is often an ingredient in Acid League Wine Proxies. Acid League uses specially crafted vinegars and verjus to build the acidic side of the taste profile. There are also other ingredients like grapes, tea, and other fruits that deliver a tangy and acidic flavor. Ultimately, the combination of these ingredients is what gives Proxies the vinegary taste.