We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with the founder of Wild Life Botanicals, Ellie to discuss all things non-alcoholic wine, processes and inspiration. If you’re on the hunt for an un-compromising in flavour, non-alcoholic fizz, Wild Life is for you!
Can you tell us a little more about how Wild Life Botanicals was born
Can you tell us a little more about how Wild Life Botanicals was born
And the inspiration behind it?
As a full-time working mum, and permanently on speed-dial as a ‘mum-taxi’ my search for a sophisticated social alternative to traditionally high ABV wines, Champagnes and Prosecco’s was left unfulfilled. I was bored of sparkling water, elderflower presse’d out and didn’t want the high sugar content often found in so many soft drinks.
Fuelled by my background in luxury food, drink and hospitality and my appreciation of the positive health properties of plant power, I went on a mission to create a non-alcoholic sparkling wine that dialled back on alcohol at the same time dialled up on the health benefits.
I simply wanted to create a product which is a genuinely attractive alternative to alcohol – when for whatever reason or occasion you don’t want the alcohol. Wild Life is a totally uncompromising product in the same way a premium sparkling wine is; in fact, when presented with a glass on ITV’s ‘Love Your Weekend’ recently, Alan Titchmarsh announced that he’d happily choose Wild Life over a glass of Champagne! The quality, taste and overall experience is there to be enjoyed in every sip.
How do you make Wild Life Botanicals?
How do you make Wild Life Botanicals?
Firstly, we source premium, full-strength 14% ABV base single varietal wine from a discerning group of wineries that produce dry and crisp wines that complement our uplifting botanical, vitamin and mineral elixir. We then carefully spin the wine to remove the alcohol. Using this patented, industry gold-standard technique ensures we retain all the natural characteristics, tannins and aromas of the base wine. The uplifting elixir is crafted in Cornwall, blended into the wine then a delicate bead of bubbles created just before bottling.
Can you tell us some of the health benefits of Wild Life?
Can you tell us some of the health benefits of Wild Life?
Ultra-low in alcohol yet ultra-high in goodness, Wild Life Botanicals is infused with an uplifting elixir of eight vitamins, minerals and five botanicals each chosen for their health-giving properties. At 0.5% ABV, 100% vegan, 60% fewer calories than Champagne and every 125ml glass delivers a minimum 15% of your daily reference intake from the vitamin and minerals in the elixir. Or put simply #BubblesWithBenefits!
There are five fabulous botanicals including Damask Rose, Lemon Balm, Rosemary and Ashwagandha, that in traditional use, are renowned for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, general wellness and mood- boosting credentials. Damiana is also added to Wild Life – a natural aphrodisiac and stimulant. Wild Life is further enriched with eight active vitamins and minerals which also offer a multitude of health benefits including Zinc to support your body’s natural immune system, Niacin to reduce tiredness and fatigue, Vitamin B6 to bolster your mood and Thiamine to support your heart.
Tell us more about the artwork and design
Tell us more about the artwork and design
Wild Life Botanicals’ brand identity and label design features abstracts from ‘Eco System’ by local Cornish artist Sarah Trewhella. Sarah’s work is inspired by her interest in Mother Nature, her season and botanicals – so it seemed like a perfect fit! I long to be the curator of the original artwork and Sarah has promised to keep it for me until I sell enough bottles to purchase it!
What’s your vision for Wild Life going forward?
What’s your vision for Wild Life going forward?
There’s definitely a Wild vision ahead, but our immediate focus is to continue building awareness of our unique #BubblesWithBenefits and to make Wild Life as easy as possible to access! We’ve got some great brand champions helping us spread the word both here and overseas. It is wonderful to be available across the whole Elite Pubs portfolio as well as retail stores like Harrods, Daylesford Organics and Harvey Nichols.
You can try Wild Life at all of our pubs and don’t forget to take pics and tag #bubbleswithbenefits!