By Alex Viol, Sommelier & Co-Founder, Vino Zero
OK, it's official. We are celebrating SUMMER FESTIVAL SEASON!
And nowhere does it better than the UK, that's a fact. The diversity of different summer festivals on these fine shores in truly unmatched, and we just love the endless supply of new and exciting events to discover...and seeing the many ways alcohol-free wine fits into festival season in a variety of different ways.
Such as seafood, for example!
Now, we all know there are few combinations more synonymous with summer than fresh seafood and a chilled glass of wine.
Whether it's oysters enjoyed by the coast, freshly grilled fish on the barbecue, or a seafood feast shared with friends and family, seafood has an incredible ability to capture the essence of the season. Better still, it happens to be one of the most rewarding foods to pair with wine, especially those without alcohol.
And as we head into festival season, one event that particularly caught our eye is Rock Oyster Festival in Cornwall, where great food, seafood and wine sit at the heart of the experience - paired perfectly with quality music acts including Scissor Sisters, Groove Armada, Freya Riding and Sam Ryder. So much to love!
It's also exciting to see one of our favourite producer partners, Zeronimo, supporting the festival as the official non-alcoholic wine supplier and helping showcase just how far premium alcohol-free wine has come, and how important it is to show-up at big hospitality events with some of the very best AF options out there - keeping ALL revellers happy!
And Vino Zero is proud to support Zeronimo for this fantastic event.
Why Seafood and Wine Work So Well Together
Unlike rich red meats and heavily spiced dishes, most seafood preparations are naturally delicate in flavour. They tend to shine when paired with wines that offer freshness, bright acidity and subtle fruit character.
The role of the wine isn't to dominate the dish. It's to complement it.
A crisp white wine can enhance the sweetness of crab. Sparkling wine can cut through the richness of battered fish. Even a carefully chosen red wine can create a memorable pairing with richer seafood dishes such as salmon.
The result is a pairing that feels effortless, refreshing and perfectly suited to summer.
Oysters and Sparkling Wine
If there is one classic seafood pairing, it is oysters and sparkling wine.
The natural salinity of oysters works beautifully alongside the freshness, acidity and delicate bubbles found in sparkling wine. The combination feels both luxurious and refreshing, which is why it has remained one of the world's great food and wine pairings.
For those choosing an alcohol-free option, a quality sparkling wine can offer the same palate-cleansing freshness that makes this pairing so enduring.
My personal favourite? DIVIN Vigneron Edition Sparkling Chenin Blanc. Why? The beautiful natural acidity of this Loire Valley sparkling wine is unmatched, and perfect for oysters with a quirt of lemon juice...simply divine!
White Fish and Grüner Veltliner: A Sommelier's Favourite
When it comes to seafood pairings, few wines are as versatile as Grüner Veltliner.
Its combination of citrus, orchard fruit and subtle savoury notes allows it to work beautifully across a wide range of dishes, from grilled sea bass and cod to scallops, crab and prawns.
One of the reasons sommeliers and wine lovers love Grüner Veltliner is its ability to complement delicate flavours without overwhelming them. The wine brings freshness and energy to the pairing while allowing the seafood itself to remain the star of the show.
For anyone looking for a single wine to accompany a seafood feast, Zeronimo Grüner Veltliner is a wonderful place to start. Seriously, you won't be disappointed.
Grilled Salmon and Zweigelt: Breaking the Rules
Many people automatically reach for white wine when serving seafood. While that is often a great choice, some dishes can benefit from a different approach.
Salmon is a perfect example.
The richer texture and flavour of grilled salmon fillets allow them to stand up to a more structured wine, particularly one with vibrant fruit character and gentle tannins.
This is where Zeronimo Vintage Zweigelt truly shines.
With notes of red cherry, wild berries and subtle spice, it offers enough depth to complement the richness of the fish without overpowering it. Served slightly chilled on a warm summer evening, it becomes an elegant and surprisingly versatile pairing.
It's also a reminder that great food and wine pairing is often about balance rather than rules.
Festival Season, Food and Mindful Drinking
One of the things I love most about summer is the way food, music and wine naturally come together.
Festivals such as Rock Oyster have become celebrations of far more than just live music. They're an opportunity to discover great chefs, local producers, fresh seafood and memorable food experiences, all while spending time with friends and family.
It's also encouraging to see premium alcohol-free wines becoming part of that conversation. For many people, mindful drinking isn't about abstaining completely or missing out on the experience. It's about having more choice and being able to enjoy the occasion in a way that suits them.
Whether you're spending the afternoon listening to live music, enjoying oysters by the coast or sharing a meal with friends, alcohol-free wine allows you to remain fully present while still enjoying the rituals and pleasures traditionally associated with wine (they even have yoga workshops alongside food masterclasses - heaven!).
The result is a summer experience that feels every bit as enjoyable, just with a little more clarity the following morning.
A Great Way to Experiment
One of the questions we are often asked is how to explore different wine styles without committing to a full-sized bottle.
That's why we're pleased to offer both the Zeronimo Grüner Veltliner and Zeronimo Vintage Zweigelt in convenient 375ml formats.
These smaller bottles are perfect for trying something new, enjoying alongside a midweek meal, or experimenting with food pairings before investing in a larger bottle.
If you've ever been curious about pairing alcohol-free wine with seafood, they offer an ideal place to begin.
The Joy of Summer Pairing
Ultimately, great food and wine pairing isn't about following strict rules.
It's about creating memorable experiences around the table.
A platter of oysters shared with friends. Freshly grilled fish by the coast. Salmon on the barbecue as the sun begins to set. A chilled glass poured alongside good food and good company.
Whether your wine contains alcohol or not, the best pairings are the ones that encourage you to slow down, savour the moment and enjoy the flavours of the season.
This summer, whether you're attending a festival, dining by the sea or simply cooking at home, don't be afraid to experiment. Some of the most memorable pairings are often the ones you least expect.
Cheers to British Summer Festival Season!
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