Awards are more than trophies. They reflect changing consumer expectations and signal where an industry is headed.
This week, those expectations were made clear when Zeronimo was named Best Non-Alcoholic Wine in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards 2026. Following a nomination by a panel of wine and beverage experts, readers across the United States voted Zeronimo to the top of a highly competitive field, ahead of some of the most established names in the premium alcohol-free wine category.
For the Zeronimo team, this recognition is a testament to their unwavering commitment to quality. Founded by Austrian winemakers Katja Bernegger and Patrick Bayer, the brand has challenged the perception that alcohol-free wine requires compromise. Instead, Zeronimo begins with exceptional wines, including Leonis Blend, crafted from a wine awarded 98 points, and Century Blend, produced from a wine aged for 22 years, demonstrating that outstanding alcohol-free wines start with outstanding wines. Combined with meticulous craftsmanship and a relentless focus on excellence, this philosophy has enabled Zeronimo to create alcohol-free wines that stand alongside the very best.
"This award is a wonderful recognition of our team's dedication to crafting exceptional alcohol-free wines," said Katja Bernegger, Co-Founder of Zeronimo. "From the very beginning, our goal has been to show that removing alcohol should never mean compromising on quality. We are grateful to everyone who voted for us and proud to share this milestone with partners like Solos, who have supported our vision from the start."
At Solos, we are proud to be part of that journey. Through our collaboration with Zeronimo and our advanced dealcoholization technology, we have had the privilege of supporting the creation of premium alcohol-free wines that preserve the character, aroma and complexity of the original wine. Partnerships like this are at the heart of our mission to help wineries produce exceptional dealcoholized wines without compromising quality.
This award is not only a remarkable achievement for Zeronimo. It is another clear sign that the alcohol-free wine category has entered a new era. Consumers are no longer looking simply for an alternative to wine. They are looking for exceptional wines, regardless of alcohol content.
"Seeing Zeronimo receive this recognition is incredibly rewarding," said Claudia Geyer, Founder & CTO of Solos. "Our collaboration has always been driven by a shared commitment to quality and innovation. Awards like this show what is possible when exceptional winemaking and advanced dealcoholization technology come together."
As demand for premium alcohol-free wines continues to grow, achievements like this highlight what is possible through collaboration, innovation and an uncompromising commitment to quality. We congratulate Katja, Patrick and the entire Zeronimo team on this well-deserved achievement and look forward to continuing our collaboration as the premium alcohol-free wine category reaches new heights.
Industry leaders discuss how innovation, advanced dealcoholisation technology and premium winemaking are shaping the future of alcohol-free wine.
Valencia, Spain, July 28, 2026 - The conversation around No & Low wine has changed.
For years, the focus was on consumer moderation trends and the technical challenge of removing alcohol. Today, the discussion has moved beyond whether alcohol-free wine is possible to a more important question: how can producers create premium alcohol-free wines that deliver the quality, authenticity and enjoyment consumers expect from traditional wine?
That question was at the heart of a recent webinar hosted by the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) in partnership with Solos Technology, a leader in advanced wine dealcoholisation technology. Moderated by IWSC judge Iren Erem, the discussion brought together Christian Nett (Weingut Bergdolt-Reif & Nett), Katja Bernegger (Zeronimo), Rachel Martin (Oceano Wines) and Claudia Geyer, Co-founder and CTO of Solos Technology. Together, they explored how the category is evolving, from winemaking and dealcoholisation technology to consumer expectations, education and future market opportunities.
Although each speaker approached the topic from a different perspective, they shared a common ambition: raising the standard of premium alcohol-free wine.
The webinar explores one of the biggest developments shaping the wine industry today: how exceptional winemaking and advanced dealcoholisation technology work together to create premium No & Low wines.
The panel discusses why quality begins in the vineyard, but also why preserving aroma, varietal character and wine identity depends on using technology designed specifically for premium wine. Rather than replacing craftsmanship, modern wine dealcoholisation technology is helping producers protect the qualities that make each wine unique while opening new opportunities for innovation and consumer choice.
The discussion also examines how changing consumer expectations are driving higher standards across the category and why more wineries are exploring alcohol-free wine as part of their long-term portfolio strategy.
Beyond production, the webinar looks at the broader evolution of the No & Low wine category.
Topics include consumer education, international recognition through competitions such as the IWSC, collaboration between producers and technology providers, and the growing role of premium alcohol-free wine within the global wine industry.
Whether you're a producer exploring wine dealcoholisation, a winemaker interested in premium alcohol-free wine production, or a wine professional following developments in the No & Low sector, the discussion offers valuable perspectives on where the category is heading and the innovations shaping its future.
No article can capture the depth of the discussion.
Watch the full webinar below to hear directly from Christian Nett, Katja Bernegger, Rachel Martin, Claudia Geyer and moderator Iren Erem as they share their experiences and discuss the future of premium alcohol-free wine, advanced dealcoholisation technology and the continued evolution of the No & Low wine category.
As Official Sponsor of the International Bulk Wine & Spirits Show in the United States (2026) and London (2027), Solos reinforces its commitment to advancing premium No/Low beverages through innovation, education and industry collaboration.
Valencia, Spain, July 14, 2026 - Solos Technology is proud to announce its partnership with the International Bulk Wine & Spirits Show (IBWSS) as Official Sponsor of the 2026 US edition and the 2027 London edition. The sponsorship reflects Solos' commitment to supporting the continued growth of the premium No/Low category across two strategic markets.
IBWSS brings together producers, importers, distributors, retailers and industry experts to explore the future of wine and spirits. Through its conference programme and networking opportunities, the event has become one of the industry's leading platforms for knowledge sharing and innovation.
As part of the 2026 programme in San Francisco, Matthew Hughes, General Manager of Solos, will present Beyond Proof: Crafting Authenticity and Creating Value in NoLo Wines & Spirits Through Innovation. During the session, he will explore how producers can preserve authentic aroma and create premium No/Low beverages that deliver outstanding sensory quality.
"Premium No/Low products require more than good technology. They require a shared commitment to quality across the industry," said Claudia, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at Solos Technology. "We're proud to support an event that brings producers, retailers and innovators together to help move the category forward."
Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network and Founder of IBWSS, added: "IBWSS was created to bring together the businesses shaping the future of the beverage industry, and we're delighted to welcome Solos Technology as an Official Sponsor. Their commitment to innovation and category education aligns closely with our mission of supporting the continued growth of premium No/Low beverages."
Earlier this year, Solos also partnered with IBWSS on an educational webinar focused on premium non-alcoholic spirits, reinforcing the shared commitment of both organisations to advancing quality and innovation across the category.
About Prodalim Group
Prodalim Group, headquartered in Rotterdam, Netherlands, is a global leader in juice and beverage ingredient solutions. With 35+ years of expertise, Prodalim drives innovation, customization, and sustainability for trend-aligned products like sports drinks, fortified waters, NoLo wines, and dairy alternatives. Serving 300+ customers in 60+ countries, Prodalim fosters growth through integrated supply chains, advanced R&D, and natural ingredients. prodalim.com.
About Solos Technology
Solos Technology provides premium dealcoholization, aroma recovery, product development, and private label solutions for No- and Low-Alcohol beverages. Working across wine, beer, spirits, and RTDs, Solos supports brands from concept to scalable market-ready production through a combination of proprietary technology and formulation expertise. Solos Technology is part of the Prodalim Group, a global leader in beverage innovation and ingredient solutions. Learn more at www.solos-technology.com/contact or contact [email protected].
About the International Bulk Wine & Spirits Show (IBWSS)
The International Bulk Wine & Spirits Show (IBWSS) is a leading trade event dedicated to the bulk wine, bulk spirits and private label industry. Organized by Beverage Trade Network, IBWSS brings together producers, suppliers, importers, distributors, retailers and industry professionals to explore market trends, commercial opportunities and innovation across the global beverage sector. Through its conference programme, exhibition and networking events, IBWSS provides a platform for knowledge sharing and business development in key international markets, with annual editions in the United States and the United Kingdom.
For more information, visit www.ibwsshow.com
