Glimmer Wine serves up celebratory bubbles with none of the hangover. Specializing in de-alcoholized, sparkling wine, this BC-based business was born of the shared needs of the founders for a sparkling option that was alcohol free. While Marina Billinghurst was pregnant, Jane Stoller simply wanted to occasionally abstain from alcohol, but neither wanted to sacrifice flavour or quality. We spoke with Glimmer Wine CEO Jane Stoller to learn more.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Our business is Glimmer Wine, and we specialize in premium de-alcoholized sparkling wine. We’re redefining the non-alcoholic wine industry with a high-quality, elegant alternative that allows people to enjoy the ritual of wine without the alcohol. And we are proudly BC- based!
Glimmer Wine is powered by a team of experts:
Janet Helou, our Chief Sales Officer & Wine Scientist, was instrumental in crafting the perfect flavour profile using premium 100% Chardonnay grapes.
Marina Billinghurst, our Chief Marketing Officer & Creative Director, designed the bottle and branding—which is often what entices people to pick it up in the first place!
Together, Janet perfected the taste, and Marina created the look, making Glimmer Wine stand out on the shelves.
What made you want to do this work?
I have always been passionate about creating solutions that bring people together, and my personal health goals led me to explore non-alcoholic alternatives. I realized that most de-alcoholized wines on the market lacked quality and sophistication, so I teamed up to craft a premium, delicious, and inclusive wine experience. When I met Marina, she was already a branding expert and creative visionary. When we teamed up with Janet, a wine expert with a background in science and sales, we knew we had the dream team to create a premium non-alcoholic wine that is both delicious and beautifully designed.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
Most non-alcoholic wines on the market are either too sweet, too watery, or lack complexity. We wanted to create a product that actually tastes like wine, made from real premium grapes, without compromising on quality. We also saw a lack of elegance and luxury in the de-alcoholized wine market. Many non-alcoholic options feel like an afterthought on a menu, but Glimmer Wine is designed to be a premium experience, from the taste to the bottle design.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Our customers are wine lovers, health-conscious individuals, moms-to-be, wellness-focused professionals, and people who want a sophisticated, alcohol-free option. We’re seeing a huge movement towards mindful drinking, and our customers range from young professionals to seasoned wine enthusiasts looking for a high-quality alternative.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We make money by selling Glimmer Wine online, through retail stores, and in high-end restaurants across Canada. We’re stocked in some of the top dining establishments in Vancouver, Whistler, and beyond.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
You can find us in top restaurants like Blue Water Cafe, Elisa, and Wild Blue.
We’re stocked in liquor stores like Marquis Wine Cellar, JAK’s and Legacy Liquor Store.
We love our non-alcoholic shops like Mocktails, Drive Canteen and Bevees.
We sell online Canada-wide through Sansorium, making it easy to order from anywhere.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
Question: “How is your de-alcoholized wine made, and does it still taste like real wine?”
Answer: We start with a high-quality chardonnay wine, crafted traditionally through fermentation to develop its full depth and complexity. Then, we take on the meticulous process of de-alcoholizing it using reverse osmosis—a proprietary technique designed to retain as much of the original aromatics and texture as possible. But removing the alcohol is only the beginning. The real challenge comes after, as we work to restore the perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and body that alcohol typically provides.
Our wine scientist, Janet Helou, has developed a precise and top-secret formulation to bring the wine back to life—ensuring that it maintains the depth, structure, and crisp elegance of a traditional sparkling wine.
And voila—Glimmer! The finest compliment we receive is when someone takes a sip, expecting a typical non-alcoholic wine, and is shocked to discover that it tastes just like a crisp, delicate sparkling wine.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part is seeing people light up when they taste Glimmer Wine for the first time and realizing they don’t have to compromise on taste when choosing a non-alcoholic option. I also love working with an amazing team—Janet brings the science, Marina brings the art, and together we create magic.
The worst part? Navigating distribution challenges and educating people about why de-alcoholized wine is a premium product that deserves a place at the table.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
“My nickname used to be Champagne Jane… and honestly, it still is—I just swapped the alcohol for healthier bubbles!” 🍾😆
Or I heard this one lately. Non-alcoholic wine: For when you want to look classy but still remember where you parked.
Where can we follow you?
You can follow Glimmer Wine on Instagram and visit our website.
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
Sansorium – They’ve been a big supporter and align well with the non-alcoholic wine space.
