Zero Pulse
A step towards the future: France’s first dealcoholisation centre in Sauveterre-de-Guyenne
By Anthony
To begin
The first French dealcoholisation centre, established by Bordeaux Families in partnership with B&S Tech, marks a major milestone for the wine industry. Located in Sauveterre-de-Guyenne, this centre directly addresses the strong demand for "No/Low" alternatives—products that respect French winemaking culture while also addressing the carbon footprint associated with importing dealcoholisation services.
A growing need for quality alcohol-free wines
The trend towards consuming non-alcoholic beverages continues to gain momentum, particularly in the wine, beer, and spirits categories. In France, the market for dealcoholised wines is experiencing exponential demand, driven by a dual trend: on the one hand, consumers seeking alternatives that balance enjoyment with moderation, and on the other, winemakers eager to diversify their product range without losing their identity.
The dealcoholisation process involves removing alcohol from finished wine while preserving as much of its aroma and organoleptic characteristics as possible. However, until now, high-quality dealcoholisation services in France were limited, forcing many producers to rely on foreign partners. This created two issues: longer lead times and an increased environmental footprint.
Local, sustainable innovation
Bordeaux Families is a major player in the French wine industry, bringing together several wine estates from the Bordeaux region. They are recognised for their commitment to innovation and their respect for France's winemaking heritage. With the opening of their first dealcoholisation centre, they are demonstrating a commitment to adapting their offerings to new consumer trends, particularly the non-alcoholic market. B&S Tech is a company specialising in cutting-edge technologies for the wine industry. Their expertise in dealcoholisation ensures the production of high-quality non-alcoholic wines that preserve the aromas and characteristics of the original wines. With the opening of this centre in January 2024, Bordeaux Families is committed to providing a local, sustainable solution for dealcoholising wines, in partnership with B&S Tech. This centre addresses the need for French winemakers to access modern services without relying on external suppliers. The result is greater responsiveness, potentially better cost control, and—almost certainly— a reduced carbon footprint, aligning with the current "ecological momentum." The centre employs advanced technologies to ensure that the wines retain their aromas, structure, and distinctive character, while minimising alcohol content. This approach makes it possible to maintain high quality in non-alcoholic wine production without compromising the product's integrity. Bordeaux Families highlights its regional vision, centred on respecting terroirs and showcasing French winemaking expertise.
Towards an expanding No/Low market
The launch of this dealcoholisation centre reflects a rapidly evolving market. The No/Low sector continues to expand globally, driven by technological innovations and shifts in consumer habits. In France, this initiative paves the way for broader production of alcohol-free wines and reinforces France's image as a key player in this market. The flexibility of this service is expected to encourage more producers to explore this market segment.
The opening of the first French dealcoholisation centre in Sauveterre-de-Guyenne is a milestone for the wine industry. It opens up new prospects for alcohol-free wine production in France and strengthens the sector's commitment to a sustainable approach that respects the terroir. With the support of B&S Tech, Bordeaux Families is positioning France as a major player in this rapidly growing field.