About Modern Drinking

I’m a 65-year-old Canadian woman who, after a lifetime of enjoying wine with food, friends, and family, decided to give up alcohol for health reasons. I’ve always loved the ritual—a good meal just isn’t complete for me without something special in my glass. But when drinking alcohol was no longer the right choice, I wanted an alternative that actually felt like wine—not just grape juice pretending to be something it’s not.

Honestly, I don’t miss the buzz. What I do miss is the ease of walking into any LCBO and finding shelf after shelf of possibilities. Now, finding a non-alcoholic wine option—never mind a good one—often feels like a treasure hunt. Most liquor stores don’t stock NA wine, and if they do, there’s usually just one lonely bottle waiting on a dusty shelf.

What’s surprised me most? Every once in a while, I pour a glass of NA wine and realize: this actually feels like wine. There are more choices out there than I expected, and they’re getting better all the time—though I admit, it’s still a bit hit-or-miss.

Wine has always been part of my favourite memories—opening a bottle with loved ones, lingering over a meal I’ve made (I’m an avid home cook), and savouring the moment. The glass in my hand is part of that picture, and having an NA option lets me keep the ritual I love.

I’m not a sommelier, a wine judge, or an expert of any kind. I’m just someone curious to see what’s possible without alcohol—someone who wants to get her money’s worth and avoid disappointment. This whole website is a learning experience for me, starting from scratch and sharing what I find along the way. Like many in Canada, I can’t find much NA wine locally, so I’m exploring online and through this community.

If you feel like trying something new, or you’re just as adventurous (even in small ways!)—welcome. I’m always up for learning, whether it’s in the kitchen or the world of non-alcoholic wine.

Let’s see what we can discover together.

Michele