Check Source RequiredCategory: fermented, processed, fruitReviewed: Aug 24, 2026

Wine

Although wine is fundamentally produced from crushed and fermented grapes (Vitis vinifera), many winemakers use animal-derived fining agents during the clarification and stabilization process to precipitate harsh tannins, hazes, and dead yeast cells. Traditional finings include egg white albumen, milk casein, animal gelatin, and fish isinglass. However, un-fined natural wines and modern winemakers utilizing bentonite clay, pea protein, or sterile cross-flow ceramic membranes produce 100% vegan wines.

Vegan Status Breakdown

Although wine is fundamentally produced from crushed and fermented grapes (Vitis vinifera), many winemakers use animal-derived fining agents during the clarification and stabilization process to precipitate harsh tannins, hazes, and dead yeast cells. Traditional finings include egg white albumen, milk casein, animal gelatin, and fish isinglass. However, un-fined natural wines and modern winemakers utilizing bentonite clay, pea protein, or sterile cross-flow ceramic membranes produce 100% vegan wines.

Biological Origin & Animal Source:

Egg albumen, dairy casein, porcine/bovine gelatin, or fish bladder isinglass

Common Synonyms, E-Numbers & Trade Names:

red winewhite winesparkling winechampagneroséproseccocooking wine

Hidden & Derivative Names to Watch Out For:

egg whites finingscasein finingsisinglassgelatin finingsfined with animal proteins

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Common Uses & Applications

Direct beverage enjoyment and food pairings
Deglazing pans and making rich reductions (Bordeaux, Cabernet, Pinot Noir)
White wine reductions in vegan pasta risottos and creamy sauces
Marinades for seitan and grilled portobello mushrooms

Nutrition Facts (per 100g)

Standard reference data via USDA FoodData Central

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83

Calories (kcal)

0.1g

Protein

2.6g

Carbohydrates

0g

Total Fat

0.9g

Dietary Fiber

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Scientific & Regulatory Authority Sources:

Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn't all wine vegan by default?
Newly fermented wine is naturally cloudy with polyphenols, tartrates, and yeast. To achieve commercial clarity quickly, traditional vintners use animal proteins (albumen, casein, gelatin, or isinglass) that bind to suspended particles like microscopic magnets and sink to the bottom before bottling.
What vegan fining agents are used in wine production?
Modern vegan winemakers use bentonite clay (volcanic ash), activated charcoal, pea and potato vegetable proteins, silica gel (kieselguhr), or mechanical cross-flow filtration membranes that leave zero animal residue.
How can I verify if a specific bottle of wine is vegan?
Search the database on Barnivore.com, look for the 'Certified Vegan' V-label on the back label, or choose wines explicitly marked 'Unfined and Unfiltered' (natural wines).