Non-alcoholic alternative to wine launches countrywide

The Western Cape is traditionally known for its fine wines, but as tourism and business engagements with different countries are increasing, passionate social entrepreneurs Silvana Dantu and Shareen Parker realised that the focus of our drinking culture needed to change.

The two women have spent the past four years developing a sophisticated alternative to wine. Zari is 100% alcohol free, has no artificial colourants or added sugar, is made from the Cape muscat seedless cultivar, which is naturally sweet and refreshing and has a pronounced sweet floral aroma - the muscat bouquet is unmistakable and the taste is crisp, fresh and fruity. Zari is created for the discerning palate, for adults seeking a great tasting, ethical, healthy drink.

For too long, people who don't drink wine for health or religious reasons have been offered a choice of water or an inferior fizzy drink. Most of the grape juices on the market are made from blends and concentrates, but Zari is in a class of its own.

Very superior grape juice

The terroir and the grape varietals that make our wines world class also have the potential to provide us with a very superior grape juice. The quest for the perfect sparkling grape juice lasted more than a year, and went to vineyards across South Africa, from the Orange River to the Western Cape before a producers' agreement with the Van Loveren Wine Estate was set up.

The inspiration for the name comes from the gold or silver thread that is woven into the most luxurious of Indian or Middle Eastern fabrics.

Zari is proof that a drink for a discerning palate need not cost the earth. The convenient screw top, 750ml bottle retails for R29 and the Bubbly costs R59.

Zari is also available at Spar and soon in Makro in South Africa and Lulu stores in the Dubai.