Born in the United Kingdom in 2013 at the instigation of the organization Alcohol Change UK, Dry January, literally translated as “Sober January”, is part of a public health movement aimed at raising awareness of the effects of alcohol consumption . The objective: not to consume alcohol during the entire month of January.
A growing initiative in France
Introduced in 2019 in France by a collective of associations and health professionals, Dry January quickly found a favorable response. In 2025, the sixth edition in France, 12% of French people plan to participate for the first time. Since its launch, Dry January has mobilized 19% of French people, and among them, two thirds have managed to abstain from alcohol for the entire month. Even more positive result: 47% of participants ultimately reduced their alcohol consumption after Dry January. Supported by awareness of public health issues linked to alcohol, Dry January is an opportunity to reassess our relationship with alcohol but also to explore alternatives, like alcohol-free wines and others. dealcoholized drinks.
The rise of alcohol-free wines
Today, 25% of French people say they have already consumed non-alcoholic wine. The enthusiasm is particularly strong among the younger generations. 18-34 year olds represent 41% of Dry January participants but also 55% of alcohol-free wine consumers. A true non-alcoholic alternative for wine lovers, alcohol-free wines are produced by traditional alcoholic fermentation, then dealcoholized by processes such as distillation, vacuum evaporation or nanofiltration. Their production is strictly regulated: the addition of water or external flavors is prohibited, and they must bear the words “dealcoholized” on the label.
