I Thought Champagne Was Over for Me. I Was Wrong.

Wotcha!

Earlier this year, Christina Kimbrough and I decided to do a newsletter swap. I’d write a piece for her newsletter, and she’d write one for mine.

So, while I’m pulling every known back muscle digging and preparing a cornhole court at our vacation rental, Christina will be sitting in the ModSub seat to bring us her thoughts on two fabulous sparkling wines from BOLLE.

All yours, Christina…

Cheers,

Myles

In this week’s edition:

NAN
New NA Drink News

WINE
Chistina Kimbrough
• BOLLE - Blanc de Blancs
• BOLLE - Sparkling Rosé

Read time: 5 minutes 41 seconds

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BEER: San Diego brewery, Pure Project Brewing debut their first non-alcoholic beers: Grounded and Sunnis. (Link)

SPIRITS: Trekkie fans can their orders in for the new Star Trek Wines “Synthenol” non-alcoholic gin and non-alcoholic tequila. (Link)

BEER: Next month Coors 0.0% rolls out in the Northeast. The rest of us have to wait for next year to see it in stores. (Link)

COCKTAILS: If you are in the Southwest you’ll able to find Busty Lush’s brand new MOMOSA line at Walmart. The rest of us can check out the Limoncello Spritz, Guava Bellini and Italian Spritz over on the Busty Lush web site. (Link)

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BEER: On the other side of the pond, The UK’s Lucky Saint introduce Lime and Sea Salt Lager. (Link)

CIDER: Staying in the UK, Thatchers launches Blood Orange 0.0%. (Link)

WINE

Christina Kimbrough is the founder of Free Life LLC, a social enterprise in Hampton Roads, Virginia, creating alcohol-free experiences through elevated events, a mobile bar and curated non-alcoholic beverages.

I have been sober for over six years, and if I’m being real, even up until about three years ago, I thought my days of drinking champagne and wine and enjoying anything that felt like an elevated night out were just done. Back then, there really weren’t many options, especially in the champagne category, so it felt like part of the deal I made when I got sober was that I could have a better life, but not that life.

Because I’ve always been someone who loves getting dressed up, going somewhere with a little energy to it, holding a proper glass of something sparkling—that feeling that says this moment matters. And when I stopped drinking, I assumed that part of my identity didn’t get to come with me, like it belonged to a version of me that no longer existed.

This is exactly why I care so much about what’s happening in the non-alcoholic space now, because it’s not just about drinks, it’s about access, inclusion, and realizing you don’t actually have to sit on the sidelines of your own life just because you don’t drink. You can still participate, still celebrate, still have something in your hand that feels intentional and adult and worth the moment, you’re just choosing something different.

So, I want to share two of my favorite non-alcoholic champagnes right now: BOLLE Blanc de Blancs and their Rosé.

Let’s just say, this is not juice pretending to be champagne—the thing people usually wonder but don’t ask.

The Blanc de Blancs is dry and crisp with bright citrus right up front—think lemon, green apple, a little bit of that mineral edge that gives it structure. The bubbles are actually fine and light in a way that feels closer to champagne than soda, which is where a lot of these miss.

The Rosé is a little softer but still dry, with subtle strawberry and raspberry notes that don’t tip into sweet. It has enough acidity to keep it balanced so you’re not drinking something that feels like a mocktail in disguise. Both are made using traditional wine methods and then dealcoholized, which is why they have actual depth to them, not just carbonation and hope.

Continued below.

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CHRISTINA KIMBROUGH CONTINUED

This is usually where non-alcoholic wines fall apart, because they either go too sweet or taste thin and unfinished, and BOLLE somehow avoids both of those problems.

What I’ve seen, both personally and through Free Life, is that people like this because it feels adult, fits into real moments like dinners, weddings and celebrations and it gives you that ritual of pouring something into a glass without feeling like you’re making a compromise. It also helps that it looks right. This might sound superficial, but much of social life is visual and shared and this design meets the moment instead of standing out awkwardly.

BOLLE has been gaining traction in the non-alcoholic wine space as a premium option. It consistently shows up in curated tastings and selections that focus on elevated alternatives. This means it isn't trying to shout for attention, it quietly performs well, leading people to choose it repeatedly.

If you’re someone who misses champagne but not alcohol, or you want something that still feels elevated when you go out or host people, or you’re sober, sober-curious, or just trying to drink less but don’t want to feel like you’re opting out of the experience, this is one of the closest true replacements I’ve found.

What surprised me most isn’t just that drinks like this exist now, it’s what they represent. There was a time when choosing not to drink meant you were automatically on the outside of certain moments, like the toast, the celebration or the energy of the room.

Now it just means you’re choosing how you want to show up: fully present, clear, still included, still part of it, still holding something in your hand that feels like it belongs there.

How Bolle describes Blanc de Blancs: This is the bottle you open just because you enjoy it. Bright, lively bubbles with fresh citrus and a subtle toasty warmth, it drinks like champagne, just without the alcohol. Crisp enough to feel celebratory, smooth enough to have multiple glasses.

Perfect with takeaway sushi, a quiet night in, lunch with friends or whenever you want a proper glass of wine with your food.

91 points from Wine Enthusiast. Multi-time Gold Medal winner. Forbes Best Non-Alcoholic Wine. Served at 50+ Michelin restaurants worldwide.

How Bolle describes Rosé: This is the bottle that makes any day feel like summer. Bright summer berries, a hint of something floral, and fine bubbles that feel like the real thing. Dry, fresh, and easy to drink, the kind of wine that empties faster than you planned.

Perfect for: brunch that goes long, friends coming over, garden parties, or any time you want the table to feel more alive.

93 points from Wine Enthusiast, the highest score ever given to a non-alcoholic wine. Multi-time Best of Show winner. Served at 50+ Michelin restaurants worldwide.

Visit Christina Kimbrough at Free Life, LLC.

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