What happens when two sommeliers, both at the height of their careers, meet and fall in love with the iconic French Laundry as their backdrop, start a family, and then decide to stop drinking entirely? You might be thinking their careers are over. But, for Ian and Carly Blessing the story was just beginning.
We were fortunate enough to sit down with Ian and Carly, founders of the alcohol-free bitters brand All the Bitter to hear the story of how having children and shifting their values led them down a path they never could have foreseen. Their award-winning products have taken the non-alcoholic world by storm, and there doesn’t appear to be an end in sight! What’s even more impressive than their dedication to creating a great product? Their dedication to building a strong family and modeling healthy choices for their kids.
How has choosing to go alcohol-free impacted your life, personally and professionally?
Personally, being hangover-free and always able to be there for our kids has been a huge benefit. Kids don’t care if you’re hungover—they wake up early, and we need to be present for them. Professionally, joining the non-alcoholic beverage industry with All The Bitter has allowed us to stay connected to our alcohol-free journey, while also offering a product that enhances people’s lives, whether they drink or not.
What inspired your decision to stop drinking alcohol once you had children?
Having kids really accelerated our decision to stop drinking. We always knew we had a drinking problem, but it was easy to overlook while working in the restaurant and wine business, especially when everything seemed to be going well. Once we became parents, it became impossible to ignore, and that’s what ultimately pushed us to make the change.
As a sommelier, how has your professional perspective on beverages changed since you embraced non-alcoholic options?
My perspective hasn’t changed much—beverages, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic, are about enjoying shared experiences, bringing joy, and telling a story about the people who made them, the ingredients, where they came from, etc. What did shift was our understanding of how important it is to include non-alcoholic options on menus and at events. Before quitting, we didn’t realize how isolating it can feel to be left out.
What challenges did you face when transitioning from alcoholic to non-alcoholic drinks, both professionally and personally?
Honestly, I wouldn’t call them challenges—more like opportunities. It was a chance to take everything we’ve learned about alcoholic beverages and apply it to an entirely new category. It’s exciting to be at the forefront of this movement.
In what ways do you believe the growing popularity of non-alcoholic drinks will impact social norms and behaviors around drinking?
The availability of non-alcoholic drinks normalizes not drinking and will help encourage healthier habits. Many people drink in social settings simply because it’s expected or they believe alcohol is necessary to enjoy an event. When non-alc options are available, it gives people another choice.
Can you share any memorable experiences or feedback from others who have been inspired by your decision to go alcohol-free?
People, especially friends from the restaurant and wine industry, frequently reach out to share that they’ve either quit drinking, are cutting back, or are sober curious. It’s incredible to see this shift in a demographic prone to over-drinking, and I think it’s happening because of the increased visibility around alcohol abuse, mental health, and the availability of non-alc alternatives.
How do you think your choice to avoid alcohol has influenced your children's attitudes towards drinking?
They’re still young, so it’s hard to say for sure, but I think it’s pretty cool that during dinner, when we have a non-alcoholic beer or wine, it’s a chance to remind them that mom and dad don’t drink, and our beer is alcohol-free. I love that even at 3- and 5-years old, they’re already learning that some people drink alcohol, some don’t, and there are options for everyone.
Ian and Carly Blessing's story is a great reminder that sometimes the most unexpected choices can lead to the best rewards. Their switch from a career in fine wine to an alcohol-free lifestyle not only brought their family closer but also sparked the creation of All the Bitter—a game-changer in the non-alcoholic world. They've shown that you can still savor life’s best moments without alcohol. Their journey is inspiring, and their passion for amazing drinks, shared experiences, and healthy living is only just getting started!
Our program Raising the Bar is all about helping parents make the connection between what they model and what their hopes for their children are. To learn more about the research behind why we aim to keep youth-focused events substance free, check out our research page.
If you’d like to check out All The Bitter products or hear more about Ian and Carly’s story you can find them here: