NINO

NINO was founded in 2023 by Maximilian Näf and Mudi El Saghir. Its Signature Sparkling Teas are composed in Switzerland from teas, herbs, fruit juices, spices and botanical distillates. NINO states that sparkling tea was a category that did not exist in Switzerland before the company created it.^[1],[2]

Maximilian Näf and Mudi El Saghir are the founders of NINO, which they established in 2023.^[2]

NINO's position is that its drinks are not wine with the alcohol removed but an entirely new category. Where classic dealcoholized wines begin from a lower-quality base wine, NINO blends are composed from scratch from teas, fruit juices, herbs, spices and plant-based distillates, with no wine base at all. The company frames each bottle as carrying the complexity of a fine sparkling wine while remaining completely without alcohol and without added sugar.^[3],[4]

That framing extends to the sweetness profile: NINO describes its blends as dry and refreshing rather than sweet or bland like many alcohol-free alternatives.^[5]

NINO makes three Signature Sparkling Teas: Lily, Ruby and Charly. Lily and Charly are classified by the producer as Sparkling Tea, as is Ruby, and all three carry 0% alcohol and no added sugar. Charly is presented as offering the complexity and elegance of a sparkling wine.^[6]

The NINO Discovery Set bundles all three Signature Sparkling Teas — Lily, Ruby and Charly — for tastings or gifting.^[6]

Verjus and fruit acids. Verjus appears in all three blends, alongside citric and malic acid used as antioxidants in Lily, Ruby and Charly.

Hops. Two of the blends are built with a named hop variety.

• Lily — Citra hops
• Ruby — Enigma hops

Botanical distillates. Charly includes botanical distillates of bergamot and forest spruce.

Salt and cayenne extract. Salt is used in all three blends. Lily and Ruby additionally carry cayenne pepper plant extract.

Carbonation. Lily, Ruby and Charly are all carbonated, each described by the producer as showing fine, elegant bubbles.

Fruit juices. White grape and apple juice run through all three blends; the remaining fruits differentiate them.

• Lily — white grape, apple and pear
• Charly — white grape, quince, apple and gooseberry
• Ruby — white grape, apple, cranberry, cherry and peach

Sugar and caffeine. NINO contains no added sugar or sweeteners, only minimal naturally occurring sugar from the fruit. Depending on the tea blend, a bottle may carry a small, subtle amount of caffeine, which the producer compares to a few sips of green tea.^[7]

Across the range, NINO describes its blends as combining acidity, fruit, body and aroma in a balanced ratio, with zesty citrus notes, delicate floral notes, gentle tea tannins and subtle botanical spices.^[8]

Lily. Pale golden with fine, elegant bubbles; the aroma shows crisp green apple, zesty citrus and a hint of elderflower, and the palate is lively and refreshing with clear acidity and distinct citrus zest. It is recommended as an aperitif or with seafood starters, and also pairs with mild cheese or light Asian-inspired dishes.

Ruby. Vibrant coral red with fine, elegant bubbles; red berries, hibiscus and a hint of jasmine on the nose, and a delicately fruity palate with citrus zest and floral undertones. It is suggested with umami-rich dishes, grilled vegetables or creamy cheese.

Charly. A golden hue with subtle amber shimmer and fine, elegant bubbles; jasmine, elderflower, ripe quince and a touch of honey on the nose, and a layered, elegant palate with soft spiciness and warm floral depth closing on a warm, soft finish. It is suggested with seafood, roasted vegetables or creamy pasta dishes, or on its own.

Each NINO blend is developed with the support of French sommeliers, which the producer credits with achieving depth, balance and structure.^[7]

Lily won a Gold medal at the World Alcohol-Free Awards 2025 in London, cited for its balance and complexity, and a Silver medal at the 2026 edition. It scored 92 points from Falstaff in 2026.

At the 2026 World Alcohol-Free Awards, Charly received a Bronze medal and Ruby a Commended recognition. Falstaff scored Ruby 93 points and Charly 91 points in 2026.