Wait… Wine Isn’t Always Vegan? Here’s Why—and How to Choose Vegan-Friendly Options

Wine may start with grapes, but there’s more to the story than what meets the eye. While it’s often seen as a simple, plant-based beverage, the process of turning grapes into that glass of wine on your table can involve additional steps and ingredients that aren’t always so obvious. In fact, some winemaking methods use animal-derived substances along the way—something many people don’t realize. If you’ve ever assumed wine is automatically vegan, you’re definitely not alone. I used to assume this myself until I was further in my vegan journey.

So what can make wine not vegan?

 

Fining Agents

Fining is used to clarify wine, removing particles that make it look cloudy. Some winemakers use animal-derived substances to do this, including:

• Gelatin (from animal collagen)

• Isinglass (from fish bladders)

• Casein (a protein from milk)

• Egg whites (albumin)

  
  

These substances are added to the wine and then removed—but traces can remain, which is why the wine is no longer considered vegan. Even though they aren’t always listed on labels, these animal-based fining agents are commonly used in traditional winemaking. This lack of transparency can make it difficult for consumers to know what’s truly in their wine. In many places, winemakers are not required to disclose the fining agents used. This means a bottle of wine may look vegan—but without certification or research, it’s not always clear.

Other Alcoholic Beverages

It’s not just wine—some beers and other alcoholic drinks may also use animal-derived ingredients or processing methods, such as:

• Isinglass in beer

• Honey or lactose in certain brews or spirits

  
  

Vegan Friendly Fining Agents

There are wines made without animal-derived fining agents. Instead, they use plant-based or mineral alternatives like:

• Bentonite clay

• Activated charcoal

• Pea protein

How To Find Vegan Friendly Alcoholic Beverages?

Barnivore is my go-to resource when I am looking up vegan friendly wine and other alcoholic beverages. Check out their website here.

My favorite brand of vegan wine is Yellow Tail. All of their wines are not vegan, but they clearly label which ones are and are not on their website. Their bottles of vegan wines are also labeled on the back. Most liquor stores in the U.S. carry this brand and it is reasonably priced.

Vegan symbol on the back of Yellow Tail wine.

Check out this article here to learn more about what can make wine not vegan.

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Jennifer Shlomovich is a Plant-Powered Lifestyle-Educator on a mission to help others improve their health by eating more plants. Jennifer is also passionate about educating others about the realities of animal agriculture and how embodying a vegan lifestyle is a beautiful experience. As the only vegan in her household, she knows firsthand how challenging it can be to stay true to your values when the people around you aren’t on the same path. For years, she put everyone else’s needs ahead of her own, but through her journey, she discovered the power of setting boundaries, living by her values, and confidently prioritizing her well-being. On her YouTube channel, The Confident Vegan, she shares inspiring interviews, practical tips, and empowering conversations about what it really means to live in alignment with your values. She is also the co-host of That Vegan Morning Show with Kimberly Winters of the Did You Bring The Hummus podcast.