Earlsmann Vine

A health screening that flagged elevated cholesterol sent founder Simon Thornton looking for a decent alcohol-free wine, and he found the shelves stacked with sweet stuff that fell apart next to food. Earlsmann VINE, based in Tiverton, is his answer: premium non-alcoholic wine made without fermentation, aimed squarely at dry and sophisticated rather than grape juice with ambitions. The Taste of the West judges agreed, awarding Gold and Silver in 2025.

The range covers a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with apple and tropical fruit, a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with grapefruit and lime, a Grenache Blush of ripe strawberry, raspberry and green apple, and a recent Pinot Noir carrying plum, red fruit and spice through a long finish. The Gold went to the Grenache Blush, Silver to the NZ. Bottles are available direct from the online shop, with the NZ Sauvignon Blanc at £6.99.