PROWLING FOR A PREGGATINI

ON THE WAY to the Fancy Food Show in San Francisco this week, I was thinking about the food and drinks I hoped to track down. At the top of my list was to taste one of these posh, no-alcohol "Preggatinis" mixed up by Natalie Bovis-Nelsen, author of the book by the same name.

An hour before the show closed, I finally spotted the alternative mixologist, who was shaking martinis non-stop for thirsty guests.
It turns out, one of her sponsors for this appearance was Fre, an alcohol-free wine label. The drink she served me was bright and tasty, made with Sauvignon Blanc wine, lemon and fresh muddled mint.
But I wanted a sip of the company's red wine, just to see if I'd ever want to buy a bottle. After a little fast talking, my companion and I convinced the Fre reps to cork the only bottle of table red. My take? It's a little flat and a bit sweet, but it would be a terrific mixer for sangria, and a great second glass. I might even mix it with my two-buck, which is, let's face it, not exactly a fine wine. Fre, which is made by Sutter Home, is $5 to $6 a bottle and can be found at some wine shops. You can also buy it online.