The Soul of Wine: Why We Fell in Love with the Winemaking Process — and Chose to Leave the Alcohol Behind

There’s something undeniably sacred about wine, not just the taste, but the process. The earth, the weather, the seasons, the soil … it all plays a part. Wine is not just a drink. It’s a story of time, nature, and love. And the more I’ve learned about how wine is made, the more I’ve fallen in love with it, so much so that I want to share the magic with everyone, even those who choose not to drink alcohol.

So, let’s begin where it all starts: in the soil.

The Art of Growing Grapes

Before there’s ever a bottle or a celebration, there are grapevines. Each grape begins as a seed planted deep in the earth, in carefully chosen soil that has often been nurtured for generations. Most vines are planted in the spring and take around 3–4 years to bear fruit that’s ready for winemaking. But they aren’t rushed. They’re pruned, protected, and cared for through the seasons.

Everything matters:
The sunshine. The rainfall. The wind. The temperature. The terroir (that magical French word for the character the land gives to the grape). Every grape tells the story of where it’s grown.

Harvest Time: A Generational Tradition

Grapes are typically harvested once they reach the ideal balance of sugar, acidity, and ripeness — often in late summer to early fall. In traditional wine regions, families have harvested grapes for generations, sometimes by hand, keeping the tradition alive with joy and reverence.

The picking itself is precise. Too early and the wine can taste sharp or sour. Too late and it may become overly sweet or lose its structure. The timing is everything.

From Grape to Wine: A Beautiful Transformation

Once picked, grapes are gently pressed. The juice is separated from the skins and then fermented — usually with natural or added yeast, which converts the grape sugars into alcohol. That’s the classic winemaking process. It can take weeks or even years to fully develop the wine’s flavor profile depending on the varietal, aging process, and desired outcome.

But here’s where our journey with Glimmer takes a turn.

De-Alcoholized Wine: Same Artistry, New Purpose

Most people think de-alcoholized wine is just “grape juice.” It’s not. Glimmer begins with traditionally fermented wine, crafted by expert winemakers. Only after the wine is fully made do we remove the alcohol through a gentle, low-temperature vacuum distillation process. This method preserves the nuanced flavors, aroma, and essence of the wine, without the alcohol.

The result? A sparkling wine that feels just as celebratory, indulgent, and beautiful, but inclusive and health-conscious.

Why We Chose to Leave the Alcohol Behind

Alcohol is a deeply personal topic. For many, it’s tied to joy, community, and celebration. But for others, it brings harm, exclusion, or discomfort. Whether due to health conditions, medications, pregnancy, personal choices, or healing journeys, not everyone wants — or can have — alcohol.

We created Glimmer from that understanding.

We didn’t want to sell something that didn’t align with our values. We wanted to create a better option. Something rooted in the soul of winemaking, but free from the risks of alcohol.

Let’s be honest — alcohol is not a vitamin. It’s not essential. It’s something we’ve culturally attached to celebration, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe for everyone. And more and more people are waking up to that.

Glimmer: The Future of REFRESHMENTS

For us, Glimmer is the new soft drink. It’s what we pop open when we’re celebrating a birthday, gathering with family, toasting to good news, or just unwinding at dinner. It’s light, crisp, and vibrant — and it feels good.

Our original Glimmer Blanc de Blancs is timeless. Made from Chardonnay grapes, it’s elegant and refreshing with notes of citrus and green apple — and none of the alcohol. We drink it daily and feel better because of it.

Whether you’re sober-curious, taking a break, celebrating a milestone, or just want something delicious without compromise — Glimmer is here for you.

Honouring the Craft, Redefining the Ritual

The beauty of wine doesn’t disappear without alcohol. In fact, we believe it becomes even more inclusive, even more meaningful. Glimmer is rooted in tradition, crafted with love, and designed for joy.

So next time you raise a glass — may it be for your health, your happiness, and the glow you carry within.

Cheers to the sweet life. ✨