Listen the last time I was pregnant it was easy giving up the sauce. For starters I hadn't discovered the amazing-ness that is boxed wine. Call me young and dumb. Secondly, I didn't have a two-year-old in the throes of potty-training. Call me insane.
This time around I have really been craving a little droplet of the good stuff here and there. I know some people say it's OK to indulge in a half a glass or so every once in a while but I'm not that girl. I'd hate to think that if Baby Dew #2 came out with a third nipple it was because mama was tossing back an occasional glass of Crisp White.
Ain't happening.
So...on New Years Eve my dear friend supplied all three, yes three, preggos with sparkling cider, Pregnant Champs if you will. It was tasty, like really tasty, but all I could think was, "man, this would be GREAT mixed with the real deal". You see it didn't even remotely taste like Martini & Rossi and, like Adam Levine in a tee shirt, it left me wanting more.
This weekend I was really craving a nice glass of vino. I blame potty-training. I knew that there had to be another, more authentic tasting option that wasn't O'Doul's {bleh}. Lo and behold the Kroger beer and wine department. {FYI it was located with the mixers, club sodas, and seltzers}.
FRE Alcohol-Removed wine stared me right in the face. I was hoping to have a wide variety but I guess when you are shopping for boozeless booze what you get is what you get. FRE came in a few varieties, "Premium White", Chardonnay, Merlot, Red Blend, etc. Sold. I grabbed that bottle {too bad it doesn't come in a box- are you listening FRE people?!} so fast you'd think the shelf was on fire.
Of course I Instagrammed a picture of my latest find as soon as I had cell service again. I received lots of comments, questions, and expert opinions. Everything from "you must tell me about this" {hello fellow pregs!}, to "don't waste your calories" {I'm pregnant, what calories?}, to "my fav!" {woohoo!}. Needless to say I couldn't wait to pour my own glass and form my own, expert, opinion.
My thoughts? It does the trick, but not THE trick. It's definitely more authentic tasting than the sparkling ciders and grape juices, so that's a big bonus. It doesn't taste exactly like wine, but why would it? It's grape-y, yes, but I don't feel like I'm drinking straight out of the Welch's jug either. It tastes just like white wine, minus the alcohol. Fair enough. All in all it's a pregnant woman's dream come true, in my opinion. I can't wait to try the other variations.
If you are pregnant, or a recovering alcoholic, I'd recommend a case of this stuff. It's better than nothing and sometimes you just need to feel fancy and drink from something other than a plastic tumbler {and something other than water}.
*All opinions are mine. I was not compensated for this "review" {I'm sure the FRE people have never even heard of this blog} however I'd love it if the fine makers of FRE would contact me because I'd love a case a month for the next 7 months. Please and thank you.
Many of my preggers friends love this stuff! I'm glad you were able to find it and love it too!
ReplyDeleteBahaha. Glad you IG'd this. I can't wait to try my Zinfandel tonight. ;) #pregoproblems Did I just hashtag on blogger? Yes. Yes, I did.
ReplyDeleteCool! Looks like this momma will be requesting a bottle of this stuff for our romantic stay-at-home-pregnant-valentines-day. - next edition should be the odouls amber. Seriously it was satisfying!
ReplyDeleteI tried FRE about a month ago, and I described it basically the same way as you. Doesn't completely cure the craving, but it does take the edge off. Next time I'll pair it with some fancy cheese and maybe it'll be better :)
ReplyDeleteI think I may have to give this a try! I am not a big drinker but something about not being able to drink makes me want to drink. I feel like I am 15 again lol =) Thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteKate @ www.raisingtherogers.blogspot.com
Sounds like a good sub for the real thing. Nice find!
ReplyDeleteNice! Glad you found something that tasted pretty good! Seems like it could be a good cover for those who aren't ready to announce yet. Well... as long as no one reads the fine print on the bottle too close! Haha.
ReplyDeleteOooooomg, you just made my WEEK! I will definitely be checking for this at my local grocer ASAP!! Cheers! :o)
ReplyDeleteSounds good. Wish I would have known about this when I was pregnant :) Although I'm sure it would be impossible to find it here in the boonies anyway.
ReplyDeleteOh wow! I've never even heard of them!!
ReplyDeleteThis is SO weird but I guess it makes sense! I'd definitely give this a shot.
ReplyDeleteNow you can stop whining and start wine-ing:)
ReplyDelete"like adam levine in a t-shirt, it left me wanting more" - hilarious. thank you for that.
ReplyDeleteI wish I had known about this wine when I was pregnant! Although, I am still nursing so I think I'm going to look for this next time I go shopping!
ReplyDeleteThats pretty cool!
ReplyDeleteI bet this + chocolate + cheese would make for a PERFECT night!
ReplyDeleteRamblings of a Suburban Mom
"If you are pregnant, or a recovering alcoholic..."
ReplyDeleteI snorted.