What Makes a Wine Vegan

Most people are shocked to learn that most wines are not vegan: If wine is made from grapes, where do animal biproducts come into play? The answer lies in the winemaking process and non-vegan wines are a lot more common than you might think.

In the United States, the FDA allows over 70 additives to be used to make wine without being disclosed on the labels. Within the 70+ additives, many are animal-derived and are used to add desirable qualities to your wine, like removing cloudiness.

How Do You Determine if a Wine Is Vegan?

First, look at the label. Wineries who choose to certify their wines will boast a certification seal on their labels. Unfortunately, “vegan” isn’t technically a regulated term in the US (or EU), so these claims are not backed by the USDA or TTB, but certification bodies like V Label and VegCert are available for interested wineries.

Keep in mind: Because the word “vegan” is not regulated by a government body, there is no guarantee that the wine is vegan—unless the winery obtains certification from a reputable third-party governing body like those mentioned above. That said, many small wineries do not have the capital required to pay for costly third-party certification so some wines might be vegan and not even state this fact on their label.

For this reason and so many more, shopping in person can lead to the discovery of great vegan wines. Ask your local purveyor for a few recommendations—but don’t be surprised that some labels may boast a certification seal and others may not. Most stores, even big box stores, tend to keep a few vegan wines on hand.

If none of the wines at your local shop list that they’re vegan and you aren’t able to find a knowledgeable expert to guide you, there are a few other indicators that are likely to point to vegan wines. Look for the terms “unfiltered” or “unfined” on the label. These two winemaking processes are where animal byproducts are commonly used; therefore, if the winemaker chooses not to take those steps, the wine is likely vegan.

What Common Ingredients Are Not Vegan?

During the winemaking process, animal-derived ingredients can be used as aids. For example, there is a stage after fermentation in the finishing process where the wine is fined and filtered. This is an optional step, but most wines go through this process that results in clear (not cloudy) wines. Fining agents such as Isinglass (derived from fish bladders), gelatin (derived from animal joints), casein (derived from dairy), and even skim milk can be used.

Each additive may affect the wine differently. They not only clarify but can also alter other qualities like color, tannins and stability of the wine. There are vegan additives that can be used such as bentonite and carbon but each has its pros and cons. It’s up to the winemaker to decide which will yield the best results for their desired style.

Are White Wines Vegan?

White wines may or may not be vegan. As with all wines, it’s up to the winemaker to decide if they want to use animal byproducts to aid in the production of their wines. To try a vegan white wine, look for wines labeled “vegan” or ask your local purveyor for vegan options.