Dry January 2027

Why Dry January at Wein vom Roten Hang e.V.? 

A case for mindful enjoyment and cultural responsibility

With Dry January – the alcohol-free wine tasting, Wein vom Roten Hang e.V. aims to offer a nuanced perspective: moving beyond black-and-white thinking about alcohol towards mindful enjoyment, realistic information and cultural responsibility. Rather than a debate about abstinence that treats wine solely as a health risk, the focus is on a distinction: enjoyment in moderation, alongside high-quality alternatives for anyone who wants them.

The debate: abstinence rather than nuance

In recent years, reporting has increasingly adopted an absolute stance. Prominent figures and institutions have called more strongly for complete abstinence from alcohol, based on findings that are not entirely new: in 2023, the WHO concluded that no amount of alcohol is safe – a finding that remains disputed in the scientific community. Other studies show more nuanced results for moderate consumption of high-quality wines.

This is an understandable response to real health risks, yet it overlooks a broader, often uncomfortable context: wine is also part of our cultural heritage. In winegrowing regions, the craft means identity, tradition and livelihoods. Thousands of winegrowing families, retailers, restaurants and tourism businesses depend on a nuanced approach to wine. Ignoring this context and responding only with bans overlooks the cultural depth of these landscapes and harms people whose life’s work is rooted in viticulture. The economic situation is already difficult: climate change, market pressures and falling consumption make running many wineries increasingly challenging. What is needed, the association argues, is intelligent, realistic solutions rather than categorical messages of abstinence. Enjoyment with understanding means a mindful approach to alcohol. Wein vom Roten Hang e.V. does not see itself as opposed to modern education; on the contrary, it supports responsible alcohol consumption based on education rather than prohibition.

• Mindful enjoyment of wine means quality over quantity: An outstanding wine is enjoyed and appreciated in small amounts – for pleasure, rather than intoxication. A glass of quality wine belongs in an entirely different category from drinking in large quantities.
• Individual freedom of choice: Whether to drink wine should remain a personal decision based on individual values, health and circumstances, rather than pressure from constant media messaging.
• Understanding the craft: Tasting a high-quality wine from the Roter Hang reveals decades of expertise, natural complexity and craftsmanship. This encourages respect for the drink and often a more moderate, mindful approach.

Alcohol-free enjoyment without compromising quality

Wein vom Roten Hang e.V. also recognises an equally important point: high-quality alternatives exist and deserve to be discovered. The Roter Hang’s alcohol-free still and sparkling wines are not lesser versions; they are different and often surprisingly complex. Modern dealcoholisation techniques preserve aromas and characteristics that earlier methods could not retain. A good alcohol-free wine is a category in its own right rather than a compromise. The Roter Hang also offers a whole range of alternatives: 

• Grape juices: the pure essence of the grape – concentrated, easy to enjoy and full of flavour. More than just a drink for children, they offer enjoyment for everyone.
• Verjus (juice from unripe grapes): A culinary secret: elegant, tart and versatile. A drink for the curious and those who love flavour.
• Proxies and other innovations: The wine industry continually develops new approaches, from fermented grape nectar to creative blends that demonstrate the diversity of wine culture.

This is the central message: these alternatives do not mean going without. They offer real enjoyment – and an ideal answer to a practical question: if people want or need to drink more mindfully, is it not better for them to choose alcohol-free wine, grape juice or innovative alternatives instead of switching to soft drinks, energy drinks or industrially sweetened beverages? From a nutritional science perspective, the answer is a clear yes.

Dry January with Wein vom Roten Hang e.V. – a new approach

With Dry January – the alcohol-free wine tasting, Wein vom Roten Hang e.V. brings these perspectives together. The event is an invitation to discover, rather than a declaration of abstinence. It explores enjoyment of quality wine in moderation, gives alcohol-free wines and alternatives equal attention and respect, and shows how cultural heritage and modern awareness can enrich one another. The Roter Hang wineries welcome everyone: wine lovers and those who choose not to drink alcohol. Visitors can talk to winegrowers about production, taste, health and why good wine – and good alcohol-free drinks – are also part of a wider culture of living.

A case for nuance 

Ultimately, Dry January on the Roter Hang makes a case for nuance in a world of absolutes. Its message is that mindful drinking and the preservation of cultural heritage can coexist; that we can be informed while celebrating a variety of ways to enjoy drinks; and that taking health seriously should also involve considering livelihoods and cultural landscapes. The Roter Hang is a place where knowledge of a valued cultural heritage meets modern responsibility.