David Hodgson - ZENO
#65 No compromise with ZENO alcohol-liberated wines
Play Time:
56 Minutes
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QUICK QUOTES:
“We are not trying to imitate any traditional wines here”
“I tell people, consumers, competitions, panels, et cetera ‘stop looking for alcohol!’ If you do that, then a lot of the alcohol-free wines actually come into their own.”
Just past their two-year birthday, ZENO alcohol-liberated wines are a range of five (for now) hand-crafted wines, made “for wine enthusiasts when they choose to abstain”.
In this week’s conversation, I talk to co-founder David Hodgson about his transition from 25 years in traditional wine to launching an alcohol-free wine brand amidst the uncertainty of COVID, Brexit & a fledgling category presented to an unforgiving market.
We also touch on the inspirational philosophies behind the brand name, the growth of the non-alcoholic wine sector and ZENO’s plans for development of both a new “serious” red wine and RTD wines in a can.
It’s a great convo with lots to sink your teeth into. Pour a glass, sit back and enjoy.
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WE CHAT ABOUT
0:00 Coming up...
2:10 David's story
9:33 3 years in the making
11:51 The only growth market
15:18 From traditional wine to alcohol-free liberation
16:10 Minimising the sugar content
17:01 Spanish winemaking
19:34 The ZENO range
27:08 RnD in frustrating times
29:19 A new 'serious' red wine
29:52 Non-alcoholic red wine challenges
33:04 Dealcoholised wine market predictions
35:16 Off trade / on trade / retail
36:45 International exports
38:31 Behind the brand name
41:01 A choice of moderation
42:17 The obstacle is the way
44:08 It's not about sobriety
45:22 Not a wine imitation
49:04 Finding ZENO
51:13 The BBQ-Q
52:44 ZENO's new RTD cans
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