Anyone who loves wine and drinks less alcohol knows the problem: many alcohol-free wines taste sweet, thin or like grape juice. Paragraph sets out to change that — with a simple rule: if the wine is not great before the alcohol is removed, it will never be great after. The Tempranillo and the Chardonnay are now available at alcfree.ch.
Who is behind Paragraph?
Paragraph Wine AG is based in Pfäffikon SZ. Founder Steve Arora, an entrepreneur and lifelong wine lover, wanted to make the wine he would want to drink himself. Head winemaker is Duncan Shouler: more than 20 years in New Zealand, Bordeaux and California, formerly Chief Winemaker at Giesen, where he helped pioneer the world’s first 0% Sauvignon Blanc. Operations are led by Spring Timlin. And from Rioja, the Muga family sits on the board — hands-on at key moments: tasting, shaping blends, validating the final profile.
Wine first, then alcohol-free: how Paragraph is made
The official motto: great wine is not defined by what is taken away, but by what remains. In four steps:
- Base wine selection: Only wines that are already complete before dealcoholisation — chosen for aroma, structure and depth. The Tempranillo comes from Spanish vineyards above 700 m with old vines (30–50 years); the base wines age for two to four years.
- Blend: Without alcohol, balance has to be built with more precision. Blending is about harmony, not imitation.
- Vacuum distillation: The alcohol is removed at low temperature. An integrated aroma recovery captures the delicate aromas and returns them to the wine.
- Bottle rest: At least two months in bottle, so texture and aromatics settle. No added flavours.
Paragraph Tempranillo: dark fruit and fine tannins
A dry red from high-altitude Spanish vineyards. On the nose dark berries, vanilla and toasted oak, developing into leather and tobacco; on the palate light to medium-bodied with fine, polished tannins. The Tempranillo was named Best Non-Alcoholic Wine at the Rolling Stone Spirit Awards 2026. 25 kcal and 2 g sugar per glass (150 ml).
Discover Paragraph Tempranillo →
Paragraph Chardonnay: stone fruit and fresh acidity
A dry white from cooler, higher sites in Southwest France, where Atlantic and Pyrenean influences preserve acidity. Peach, nectarine, brioche and a hint of toasted hazelnut; a fresh finish with crisp apple and lemon. 12 kcal and 1 g sugar per glass (150 ml).
Discover Paragraph Chardonnay →
Serving and pairing
The name says it: the first sip never tells the whole story. Give the Tempranillo some air — at 14–16 °C, ideally decanted for an hour — and serve it with grilled lamb, aged Manchego or dark chocolate. Serve the Chardonnay well chilled at 6–8 °C with grilled scallops, roast chicken with lemon and thyme, or Camembert with fresh peach. Once opened, recap tightly, refrigerate and enjoy within 2–3 days.
Give it time — the wine unfolds in the glass
Frequently asked questions
Is Paragraph alcohol-free?
Paragraph contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume — the usual threshold for alcohol-free wine.
Does it still taste like wine?
That is the whole idea: Paragraph is made from real wine and only then dealcoholised. It is lighter on the palate, but aromatic, structured and dry.
Where is Paragraph from?
The company is based in Pfäffikon SZ. The Tempranillo comes from Spain, the Chardonnay from Southwest France.
Images: © Paragraph Wine AG
