What That Means for You

When you think of wine, you probably imagine crushed grapes, right? After all, it’s just fruit fermented into a delicious drink. But did you know that most wines aren’t vegan? That’s because winemaking involves some surprising processes that use animal-derived ingredients. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, that’s something worth knowing.

The winemaking process is more complex than simply squeezing grapes and fermenting juice. To create that smooth, clear wine we love, winemakers often use a technique called fining. Fining helps clarify the wine by removing unwanted particles like grape skins and yeast. While older winemaking methods were more natural, speeding up this process often involves adding animal-derived substances.

Fining Agents – Why Most Wines aren’t Vegan

During winemaking, fining agents are used to clarify and stabilize the wine by removing impurities and sediment. Most fining agents are derived from animal products. For example, egg whites are a common fining agent, especially in red wines, where they help remove harsh tannins. Other fining agents like casein (a milk protein), gelatin (from animal bones), and isinglass (from fish bladders) are also frequently used. These products aren’t necessarily listed on the label, so you may never even know they’re in the wine. That’s why more and more wine producers are now labeling their wines as vegan or vegetarian, making it easier for consumers to choose.

The good news? Vegan-friendly wines are on the rise. Fining agents like bentonite clay, pea protein and PVPP (a synthetic substance) are now commonly used, and many wines are naturally vegan due to the slower, more traditional winemaking methods. So, if you’re looking for wine that aligns with your lifestyle, make sure to check the label or ask your local retailer. Vegan V-Label indicates that the wine meets strict vegan criteria. Wines that are unfined or unfiltered are often vegan as they don’t use any fining agents.

More and more options are out there, and with a little research, you can sip happily knowing your wine is truly plant-based! If you’re unsure, contact the winery directly to inquire about their winemaking practices and whether they use animal-derived products.