Raise your glass to Sober October

By Mary Malik

We’ve been on a roll lately with the idea of going sober. Let’s stay in that lane with another popular challenge you may want to consider. Have you heard about “Sober October?”

“In recent months, the Northern Ohio Wine Guild (NOWG) has been examining the various non-alcoholic wines available,” Jim Sperk of NOWG says. “What better time to try some of the NA wines than when you’re abstaining from alcohol? Like Dry January, Sober October is a challenge to refrain from alcohol during that month. Those who choose to accept the challenge may partake in of some of the NA substitutes. Is it cheating? Maybe just a little.”

Jim says that two results of NOWG’s contest comparing NA wines vs. regular wines that we discussed last month in Mimi were particularly interesting. First, 51% of casual drinkers couldn’t tell the difference between two samples.

“That’s almost a coin toss,” Jim says. “When it came to pairing wine with food, however, all the judges—novice or veteran—agreed that the NA wines were lacking. Why?”

Jim explains that it’s because wine in its natural state is food. NA wine is something else. It starts as wine but goes through an unnatural, industrial-like process to remove most of the alcohol.

“While NA wines are touted as the next ‘in’ thing that seem to be a healthy alternative to alcoholic beverages, they fall in the same category as e-bikes,” Jim says. “E-bikes have gotten more people into cycling but not necessarily exercise. With added processes for NA wines and added power generation for e-bikes, neither is helping the environment.”

Sober October is a noble endeavor that can reap some health benefits and offers the opportunity to raise funds for cancer research. Perhaps wine drinkers should consider reducing their wine intake next month by trying the NA options or abstaining altogether.

“But if you’re considering a fine Italian meal, you may be disappointed substituting an NA wine for a fine Super Tuscan,” Jim says. “Whether we’re talking wine or bicycles, sometimes there’s just no substitute for the real thing.”

For information about the Northern Ohio Wine Guild, contact Jim Sperk at tinymoonwines@usa.net.