EU Legalizes Alcohol-Free Wine

Members of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee voted on Wednesday to adopt a report clarifying new rules for the wine sector. The decision, made with 43 votes in favor, none against, and two abstentions, aims to update and simplify how wine is labeled and marketed across the European Union. The committee’s report addresses several challenges faced by wine producers and seeks to open new market opportunities.

One of the main changes concerns labeling for wines with low or no alcohol content. Under the proposed rules, wine products containing less than 0.05% alcohol by volume could be labeled as “alcohol-free,” provided they also display “0.0%” on the label. For wines with an alcohol content equal to or above 0.5%, but at least 30% lower than the typical strength for their category, the label would need to state “reduced alcohol.” These changes are intended to give consumers clearer information and allow producers more flexibility in marketing their products.

The Agriculture Committee’s decision is part of a broader legislative package known as the “wine package.” This package amends three existing EU laws: the Common Market Organisation Regulation, the CAP Strategic Plans Regulation, and the Aromatised Wine Products Regulation. The European Commission first presented this package on March 28, 2025, following recommendations from a High-Level Group on Wine Policy. The group advised aligning wine production more closely with consumer demand, improving resilience to market and climate challenges, and helping producers take advantage of new business opportunities.

The next step in the legislative process will be for the Agriculture Committee to begin negotiations with EU member states on the final version of the law. The committee’s mandate for these talks will be announced at a plenary session scheduled for November 12-13, 2025. If approved by the full Parliament, formal negotiations with the Council are expected to start at a trilogue meeting on December 4.

Wine producers across Europe have been watching these developments closely. Many see clearer labeling rules as a way to reach new customers who are interested in low- or no-alcohol options. At the same time, some traditional producers have expressed concerns about how these changes might affect perceptions of quality and authenticity in European wines.

The legislative process is still ongoing, and final details may change as talks continue between Parliament, member states, and the European Commission. However, Wednesday’s vote marks a significant step toward updating EU wine regulations to reflect changing consumer preferences and market conditions.