Review: Lautus Savvy Red Non Alcoholic Wine
/This classic non-alcoholic red is still tops! Updated for Fall 2025.
// Find our BEST NON ALCOHOLIC RED WINES list here! //
Now that the weather is getting cooler, more people are looking for a good (dry) non-alcoholic red wine and they wouldn’t be disappointed with the Lautus Savvy Red. When we first wrote this review several years ago, the non-alcoholic wine selection was sparse especially in the red category, and this was one of the best we had tried. Now, even in 2025, this non-alcoholic red is still on par with some of the best in the field.
Lautus is a non-alcoholic wine brand and it comes in a few styles: we’ve reviewed their Sauvignon Blanc but are not fans of their rosé. The Lautus Chardonnay is one of the best non-alcoholic chardonnays that we’ve tried. So at $20/bottle, this is a repeat brand with good consistency, affordable and definitely worth purchasing.
As mentioned in our Sauvignon Blanc review, South Africa is doing great things producing non alcoholic wines from their delightful, crowd pleasing varietals. Lautus is created at Holder Vineyards in Stellenbosch, South Africa.
You’ll like this wine if….
If you’re a fan of red wines from South America, this is a similar style of body, tannins and texture.
The Lautus Savvy Red is a blend of shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and pinotage. Pinotage is actually South Africa’s signature varietal, as it was first developed there in the 1920s from a blend of pinot noir and cinsaut grapes. The hybrid was so successful, vineyards haven’t stopped planting it since. Pinotage is very high in tannins and flavour and an inky black colour, which makes it a perfect grape to use in a non-alcoholic wine blend.
Aroma
On the nose, Lautus Savvy Red has delicious notes of ripe cherry, with a very faint leathery aroma. It doesn’t overpower, which some non-alcoholic wines do in an attempt to recreate the experience of wine. Lautus introduces itself to you in an understated and elegant way.
Mouthfeel
Medium body. The mouthfeel is perfect, with the right amount of weight for a dry red wine made from these varietals. Slightly silky too. Enjoyable!
Taste
On the palate, this non-alcoholic wine is absolutely incredible. First and foremost, it’s dry. It’s actually a dry red wine, which is extremely hard to do with non-alcoholic red wine. Without being too overly dry, Lautus Savvy Red has a perfect balance of dryness and fruit making this an extremely well composed wine. Experience dictates that most, if not all, non-alcoholic red wines are generally fruit forward and lack the balance of regular wine, but this blend is perfectly balanced.
The notes that come through on the palette are delicious and mouthwatering, with blackberry, oak and a hint of tart cherry. It’s so close to the real wine experience, you might be second guessing whether this is actually non-alcoholic. Totally sippable and enjoyable without feeling like something is missing.
What to pair with Lautus Savvy Red
With the elegant structure, dryness and perfect juiciness, this non-alcoholic wine a great option for burgers especially a prime beef burger with aioli. There’s just enough tannin to complement the meat, but fruit forward enough to be enjoyable with a casual meal.
Where to buy Lautus Savvy Red Non Alcoholic Wine
In the U.S., you can find Lautus for $18/bottle at The Zero Proof.
It’s also available through Better Rhodes and Drink Bardelia.
Canada: You can find Lautus Savvy Red online from most online retailers.
