July is the perfect time to enjoy a refreshing drink over ice. But who says it has to be full strength? Enter Acquired Taste, a rising star in Ontario’s non-alcoholic wine and spirits market.

Acquired Taste offers a fabulous selection of non-alcoholic wines and spirits, catering to the growing demand for sober drinking options. Their products can be found at bottle shops, wine bars, and restaurant lists across Toronto.

With their recent online marketplace launch, non-alcoholic enthusiasts can conveniently purchase their newfound favourites directly from Acquired Taste. Stocking your bar cart with premium non-alcoholic beverages has never been easier. So, let’s dive deeper into the new player in town, Acquired Taste, and explore the standout offerings in their collection.

 The Origin Story

Acquired Taste was founded by Roxanne Voidonicolas, who firmly believes that enjoyment and socializing don’t require alcohol. Since starting Acquired Taste, Roxanne has organized Dry Supper Club outings and dinner events, celebrating the familiar pleasures of great food and drinks—minus the alcohol.

Her work focuses on the cherished rituals surrounding alcohol: meeting with friends, clinking glasses, swirling beverages, and perfect pairings—all without the ABV content. This approach ensures that no one feels like they’re missing out. The truth is, whether you’re committed to a sober lifestyle or not, taking a break from alcohol or simply exploring new options, reducing or eliminating alcohol can be beneficial.

As a lover of wine and beverages, Roxanne doesn’t advocate for abandoning the joy traditionally found in alcoholic spaces. Instead, she promotes a shift in perspective, showing that great times and memorable experiences can still be had with non-alcoholic alternatives.

What to Try From Acquired Taste 

The Sparkling Wines of Prima Pavé

Prima Pavé was dreamed up by wine lovers Dejou and Marco Marano, who bring years of experience from top wineries and legendary vintners. The idea for Prima Pavé took shape when Dejou, a sparkling wine enthusiast, was pregnant and craving a sophisticated, alcohol-free option. Partnering with a skilled winemaker in Northern Italy, the Maranos crafted a stunning collection of alcohol-free sparkling wines.

Acquired Taste offers three exceptional products from Prima Pavé:

• Blanc de Blancs: A lively and juicy sparkling wine blending Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gewürztraminer. It’s fresh, mineral, and finishes dry.
• Rosé Brut: Fresh and vibrant with vivid fruit flavours, floral notes, and a crisp, complex finish.
• Grand Cuvée: Made from Chardonnay, this sparkling wine mirrors the elegance of Franciacorta with its racy acidity, bready notes, and a long, dry finish.

And yes—every one of these sparkling wines is completely alcohol-free! 

The Non-Alc, Non-Wine World of NON

NON wines offer stylish, alcohol-free alternatives for wine lovers. Founded by Aaron Trotman, a foodie and serial entrepreneur, NON redefines the drink scene with bold, minimalist flavours. Each bottle features a unique blend of floral notes, tannins, salinity, and acidity for a rich, complex taste experience. What sets NON apart is that their non-wines aren’t dealcoholized—they contain no actual wine at all.

Acquired Taste offers three exciting NON-creations to try:

• NON 1 Salted Raspberry & Chamomile: A refreshing blend of raspberries, chamomile tea, Murray River salt, and verjus, offering a sweet and salty twist on rosé.
• NON 3 Toasted Cinnamon & Yuzu: A bright, tart white wine alternative with yuzu and whole oranges, delivering a complex and easy-to-love flavour.
• NON 7 Stewed Cherry & Coffee: A bold and memorable red with rich dark fruit and spicy coffee notes, perfect for those seeking something different.

The Sans Alcoholic World Of JNPR Spirits

New to the list of offerings by Acquired Taste is French non-alcoholic spirits brand JNPR. The line of gin alternatives, vermouth, and Amari were created to offer the taste and complexity of spirits— without the alcohol or excessive sugar. Taking inspiration from all the non-alcoholic options in the U.S. that use natural ingredients, founder Valerie de Sutter partnered with renowned bartender Flavio Angiolillo to develop alcohol-free products based on the maceration and distillation of fruits and spices in copper stills. 

Acquired Taste offers three JNPR products that are exclusively available in Canada: 

• JNPR 1 n°2 Ginger & Spices: Perfect for spicy gin and tonics, Moscow Mules, and Mojitos and filled with notes of Cardamom aroma, with ginger and Jamaican pepper flavours and a hint of chilli.
• VRMH n°1: Great for Italian classics: Americano, Negroni, and Manhattan. Made from dealcoholized white wine (0.0%) and botanical infusions including absinthe and spices.
• BTTR n°1: All the trappings of a classic Italian Amaro, without any of the alcohol. Enjoy on the rocks, with tonic, or in a Negroni.

Explore everything non-alc and delicious this summer at Acquired Taste.