NON2 Caramelised Pear & Kombu

NON2 Caramelised Pear & Kombu is a sparkling non-alcoholic wine alternative from Australia with a richer, more savory profile than you might expect from pear. Roasted pears are caramelized and sous vide to build depth, while black tea and warming spices add tannin and structure, kombu and olive brine bring a subtle mineral salinity, and verjus keeps everything lifted with acidity. The result is bold and rounded with a buttery texture, gentle sweetness and a lingering spiced finish.

Why We Love It

NON2 is one of Kirstin’s personal favorites and a bottle that makes an appearance at her Thanksgiving table every year. There’s something genuinely special about the way it combines richness and savory complexity while still feeling celebratory and beautifully suited to food. It’s a bottle we come back to again and again, and one we love sharing with people who want something distinctive for a special meal.

Especially good with: a full Thanksgiving turkey dinner with herb stuffing, gravy and roasted root vegetables; duck breast with cherry or plum sauce; cider-brined pork with roasted apples; wild mushroom risotto; butternut squash with brown butter and sage; aged Comté or Gruyère; or a savory pear and blue cheese tart.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Warm caramelized pear leads, with a hint of warming spice, black tea and a subtle savory mineral note from the kombu underneath.

Palate: Rich and rounded — buttery caramelized pear up front, with black tea tannin and warming spices building through the mid-palate. Kombu and olive brine add a subtle mineral salinity that keeps the richness in check, while verjus lifts everything with bright acidity. More depth and complexity than the pear-forward nose suggests.

Finish: Long and spiced, with lingering caramelized pear, a gentle savory mineral fade from the kombu, and a clean, warming spice finish. One of the most food-friendly finishes in the non-alcoholic category.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NON2 Caramelised Pear & Kombu non-alcoholic?
Yes. NON2 is a fully non-alcoholic sparkling beverage — it contains no alcohol and is built from culinary ingredients rather than dealcoholized wine.

What is kombu and why does NON use it?
Kombu is a type of dried seaweed used extensively in Japanese cooking — it’s the foundation of dashi stock and is prized for its umami depth and mineral salinity. NON uses kombu in NON2 to add a subtle savory complexity and mineral quality that balances the richness of the caramelized pear and gives it genuine food-pairing versatility.

What does NON2 taste like?
Rich and rounded — caramelized pear with a buttery texture, black tea tannin, warming spices, and a subtle mineral salinity from kombu and olive brine. Verjus keeps it lifted and fresh. Bolder and more savory than you’d expect from a pear-based drink.

How is NON2 different from NON1?
NON1 (Salted Raspberry & Chamomile) is lighter, brighter and more floral — closer in spirit to a sparkling rosé. NON2 (Caramelised Pear & Kombu) is richer, more savory and spiced — closer in spirit to a full-bodied white or amber wine. Both are built from culinary ingredients rather than dealcoholized wine.

Is NON2 a good Thanksgiving or holiday wine alternative?
Yes — it’s our top recommendation for Thanksgiving and holiday tables. The caramelized pear, warming spices and savory kombu depth make it exceptionally well suited to roast turkey, stuffing, duck, pork and rich autumnal dishes. It’s Kirstin’s personal Thanksgiving bottle every year.

What is a “proxy” and how is NON2 different from dealcoholized wine?
A proxy is a non-alcoholic beverage built from scratch using culinary techniques — fruits, botanicals, acids and salts — rather than made by removing alcohol from wine. NON2 is designed to deliver the balance, texture and complexity of wine without imitating it directly.

Does Cheeky & Dry ship NON2 nationwide?
Yes — we ship across the US. Non-alcoholic sparkling beverages ship without the restrictions that apply to alcoholic beverages.

How should I serve and store NON2?
Serve well chilled in a white or amber wine glass. Store unopened in a cool, dark place; once opened, refrigerate and consume within 1–2 days for best carbonation and flavor.