The NZ Low & No Alcohol Awards celebrate the very best of Aotearoa’s brewing and distilling innovation, spotlighting New Zealand–made drinks at 0% to low ABV. From crisp beers and elegant wines to inventive RTDs, ciders and spirit alternatives, this is the stage for producers who are redefining what a great drink can be without the buzz.
Following the success of our other national competitions, (New Zealand Organic Wine Awards, Small Batch Gin Awards) this is the third awards programme we have launched, built with the same passion for championing local, independent producers and giving them a platform to shine.
Our awards are judged by real consumers, the very people who buy, share and recommend your drinks. Every entry is blind tasted and scored using a combination of quantitative ratings and qualitative feedback. The result is an honest, credible benchmark of quality that resonates with both industry and consumers.
We celebrate the best in low- and no-alcohol beverages from across Aotearoa.
Entries are welcome from producers big and small, provided they meet our ABV thresholds:
Low: up to 3.5% ABV
No: 0.5% ABV or less
Low Alcohol Wine: <10%
From crisp Sauvignon Blanc to elegant Chardonnay, delicate rosé and complex sparkling — we recognise both low-alcohol (≤3.5% ABV) and alcohol-free wines. Judging focuses on aroma, flavour, balance, varietal character, and overall drinkability.
Lagers, pilsners, pale ales, stouts, sours — any beer style is welcome, provided it meets our ABV criteria. We assess on appearance, aroma, flavour, mouthfeel, and how well the style is expressed in a low/no format.
Low- and no-alcohol ciders and pear ciders (perry) in still or sparkling form, across sweet, medium, or dry styles. Judged for aroma, flavour, balance, and varietal authenticity.Judged for aroma, flavour, balance, and varietal authenticity.
Judges look for creativity, balance, and refreshment, with an emphasis on overall quality and how well the drink delivers a satisfying, enjoyable experience from first sip to finish.
This category covers low-ABV spirits and completely alcohol-free alternatives to gin, whisky, rum, tequila and more. We assess on aroma complexity, flavour depth, mouthfeel, and how well the product replicates or re-imagines a traditional spirit experience.