Enjoying the holidays
How to consume sparkling wine, wine and spirits responsibly over the Christmas period
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The (pre-)Christmas period, including the turn of the year, is traditionally the peak season for festive alcoholic drinks and culinary delights. 57% of people in Germany say they are likely to consume alcoholic drinks at Christmas [YouGov survey (Dec 2024)]. Whether it's a mulled wine at the Christmas market, a homemade signature cocktail to accompany the festive menu or a glass of sparkling wine at the turn of the year - many people see such moments as beautiful rituals: embedded in culture and a sociable get-together, moderate indulgence makes the festivities something special.
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Between indulgence and conscience - the inner balancing act
Many people experience an inner struggle during this time: On the one hand, there is the desire for festive indulgence, and on the other, the perception of social expectations to exercise restraint or abstain. The current zero alcohol recommendation from the German Nutrition Society (DGE) is unsettling for consumers, even though global research findings have shown for years that responsible alcohol consumption and a balanced lifestyle are compatible. Blanket statements such as "There is no safe level of alcohol consumption" ignore important scientific findings and unnecessarily convey a one-sided negative image of moderate consumption.
The Verband Deutscher Sektkellereien e.V. (VDS) and the Bundesverband Wein und Spirituosen International e.V. (BWSI) are therefore calling for a balanced culture of enjoyment during the festive season that combines responsibility, balance and joie de vivre. Dr. Alexander Tacer, Managing Director of the VDS and BWSI, explains: "The social trend shows a clear direction: balanced consumption is gaining in importance [Civey survey (Apr 2025), 69% of adults in Germany are in favor of moderate or very economical consumption of alcoholic beverages]. Non-alcoholic and alcohol-reduced products are more in demand than ever [VDS member survey: sales of sparkling beverages made from dealcoholized wine (so-called non-alcoholic sparkling wine) in Germany in 2024: around 19.9 million 0.75 l bottles (+30% vs. 2020, with continuous growth)]. Alcoholic beverages are consumed less today, but more consciously. We expressly welcome this."
Moderate enjoyment with a vision
Trends such as "Dry January" reflect the growing interest of many people in conscious consumption. For some, the focus is on temporary abstinence, while others focus on long-term balance. A mindful approach to alcoholic beverages can develop into a positive routine. So why not end the year with a reflective attitude - with the aim of shaping enjoyment responsibly and individually instead of starting the new year with strict resolutions?
Celebrating together - with respect and diversity
Different needs and attitudes of different generations and lifestyles often come together on public holidays. A carefully selected variety of drinks makes the festive season a special experience. Non-alcoholic sparkling wine, wine and spirits alternatives are an ideal addition, setting stylish accents and allowing guests and hosts alike to celebrate their individual preferences in an enjoyable way.
Turning the Christmas season into a celebration of conscious indulgence
"Responsible eating habits are the result of conscious decisions - not rigid prohibitions. Initiatives such as "Dry January" also show how diverse the approach to alcohol has become. For many people, conscious enjoyment means celebrating sometimes with, sometimes without alcohol - individually, reflectively and free from feelings of guilt or dogmatic guidelines," explains Dr. Alexander Tacer, Managing Director of VDS and BWSI, adding: "Self-determination is the focus. We want to continue to toast to the good things in life - whether with sparkling wine, wine, spirits or their innovative non-alcoholic alternatives."
VDS and BWSI give consumers the following tips for an enjoyable and conscious festive season:
- Create rituals consciously: Celebrate moments of pleasure together
- Quality over quantity: enjoy alcoholic drinks selectively
- Combine alcoholic drinks with the festive menu and plenty of water
- Integrate alcohol-free alternatives: Variety makes conscious decisions easier
- Take a break day(s) with non-alcoholic drinks
- Certain situations require spot sobriety: no participation in road traffic after drinking alcohol - safety comes first
Note: This article has been translated using a computer system without human intervention. LUMITOS offers these automatic translations to present a wider range of current news. Since this article has been translated with automatic translation, it is possible that it contains errors in vocabulary, syntax or grammar. The original article in German can be found here.
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