Is Wine Vegan? Guide to Vegan Wines & Easy Checks

Is wine vegan? Not always. Although wine begins with fermented grapes, many producers use animal-derived fining agents, such as egg whites, milk proteins, or fish bladders, to clarify the wine. These are not always listed on the label, making it difficult for vegans to know what’s in their glass. In this guide, we’ll explain why some wines aren’t vegan, how to quickly check if a bottle is, the differences between vegan red and white wines, and where to find trusted vegan options in the UK, including our favourite vegan canned wines.

Is Wine Vegan?

Not always. While wine is made from fermented grapes, many winemakers use animal-derived fining agents, such as egg whites, milk proteins (casein), fish bladder (isinglass), or gelatin, to clarify and stabilise the wine. These substances are usually removed before bottling, but because they come from animals, the wine is not considered vegan. In the UK, these fining agents are not always listed on the label, making it tricky for consumers to know at a glance. If you follow a vegan lifestyle, the safest way to be sure is to look for a certified vegan label, "unfined/unfiltered" wording, or check the producer’s official information before buying.

What Is Vegan Wine?

Vegan wine is defined as wine produced without any animal-derived products or processes, including fining agents. Highlight vegan-friendly alternatives and certification as important indicators.

Why Isn’t All Wine Vegan?

At first glance, wine might seem always vegan, after all, it’s made from grapes. But in reality, many wines go through a process that adds animal-derived ingredients, making them unsuitable for a vegan diet. The main step where this occurs is during "fining," a common winemaking method used to enhance clarity and flavour.

How Wine Is Made

Wine production begins with harvesting grapes, crushing them to release the juice, and fermenting that juice into alcohol. After fermentation, the liquid often contains tiny particles such as proteins, yeast, and grape skin residue. These are harmless, but they can make wine look cloudy or affect its texture. To address this, winemakers may filter or "fine" the wine before bottling, and this is where animal products can come into play.

What Is Fining?

Fining is a clarification process that removes unwanted solids from wine to produce a clear, stable final product.

• Purpose: Improve clarity, stabilise flavour, and remove bitterness.
• How it works: A fining agent is added to the wine, which binds with suspended particles and sinks to the bottom for easy removal.
• Why it matters for vegans: Many traditional fining agents originate from animal sources, so the wine is no longer regarded as vegan, even though the agent is filtered out before bottling.

Common Animal-Derived Fining Agents

These are the most frequently used non-vegan fining agents in winemaking:

• Egg whites (albumen): Common in red wines to soften tannins.
• Milk proteins (casein): Used mainly in white wines to reduce bitterness.
• Fish bladder (isinglass): Traditionally used in sparkling and white wines for clarity.
• Gelatin: Derived from animal collagen, used to smooth texture.

Although these agents are removed before bottling, their use in the production process means the wine is not considered vegan. Vegan-friendly alternatives, such as bentonite clay, pea protein, or activated charcoal, are increasingly adopted by wineries.

How to Tell If a Wine Is Vegan?

Under UK labelling regulations, it’s not always clear whether a wine is vegan. Some animal-derived fining agents might never be listed on the ingredients, so relying solely on packaging can be misleading. Luckily, there are several trustworthy ways to check before you purchase. Here are the four most effective methods.

1. Look for Certified Vegan Logos

Certification logos are among the quickest ways to verify that a wine complies with vegan standards. These marks are awarded only after the producer demonstrates that no animal products are involved at any stage of winemaking, including fining and processing. In the UK and Europe, the most common vegan wine logos include:

European Vegetarian Union "V-Label"

A yellow badge displaying a green "V" shaped like a plant stem. It signifies that the wine is either unfiltered or clarified solely with plant-based or mineral agents.

Vegan Society Trademark

Originating in Britain in 1990, this globally recognised mark is awarded after the producer signs a formal declaration that no animal derivatives are involved. Today, over 60,000 products worldwide carry this certification.

Sir Vegan Certification

Operated by CCL Certification, this private standard enforces strict assessment criteria to guarantee that no animal-related ingredients or processes are utilised.

Spotting one of these symbols on the bottle or can is the fastest way to verify a wine’s vegan status.

2. Check for “Unfined” or “Unfiltered” on the Label

If a wine is labelled "unfined" or "unfiltered," it means the winemaker has entirely skipped the fining process. This reduces the chance of animal-based fining agents being used. While not every unfined or unfiltered wine is automatically vegan (as other animal products might still be utilised in production), it serves as a strong indicator, and natural wine enthusiasts often prefer these wines for their richer flavour and texture.

3. Read the Ingredients and Allergen Information

Under UK and EU regulations, certain allergens like milk and eggs must be declared if present above specific thresholds. This means that if a wine has been fined with egg whites or casein and residues remain, they must appear on the label. However, some animal-derived fining agents (such as gelatin or isinglass) are considered processing aids and may not be listed. Always check for allergen warnings, but remember that the absence of these ingredients on the label does not guarantee the wine is vegan.

4. Visit the Producer’s Website or Contact Them Directly

If a wine isn’t certified vegan and the label isn’t clear, the most reliable approach is to contact the producer directly. Many wineries publish detailed production methods and ingredient information online, often in their FAQs or technical sheets. If you can’t find the information, a quick email or message to the producer or retailer can provide a definitive answer. Smaller vineyards, in particular, are usually happy to confirm whether their wines are vegan-friendly.

Is Red Wine or White Wine Vegan?

Although both red and white wines begin with fermented grapes, the key difference lies in the fining agents used during production. Many red wines are fined with egg whites (albumen) to soften tannins, making them unsuitable for a vegan diet. White wines are often fined with milk proteins (casein) or isinglass (from fish bladders) to enhance clarity and flavour. Again, unless otherwise indicated, they are non-vegan.

Vinito’s Top Pick Vegan Canned Wines

Whether you’re after a picnic-friendly red, a lively rosé, or a revitalising white, these vegan-certified canned wines show you can enjoy convenience without sacrificing flavour or ethics. Each one is full of character, ideal for casual sipping or matching with your favourite dishes.

1. Attimo Craft Winery Refosco Canned Red Wine Shop Now

• Style: Bold, juicy red with a peppery finish
• Region: Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, Italy
• Grape: 100% Refosco
• ABV: 12.5% | Size: 200ml
• Primary Flavours: Dark berries, Pepper, Herbal
• Best With: Sausages, Tomato dishes, Mushroom ragu

An underrated treasure from northern Italy, this Refosco explodes with blackberry, wild herb, and spicy pepper notes, balanced by earthy undertones. Its bold yet lively character makes it ideal with hearty dishes like chargrilled sausages or a rich mushroom ragu. Award-winning and full of character, it proves that canned wine can be both sophisticated and adventurous.

2. Italia Pinot Nero 25cl Canned Wine Shop Now

• Style: Light-bodied, chillable red
• Region: Provincia di Pavia IGT, Lombardia, Italy
• Grape: Pinot Nero
• ABV: 12.5% | Size: 250ml
• Primary Flavours: Strawberry, Cherry
• Best With: Picnic food, Salad, Pasta

This approachable Pinot Noir offers delicate aromas of strawberry and cherry with a fresh, juicy finish. Made in northern Italy’s Pavia region, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed lightly chilled on a summer day or at room temperature with a comforting pasta dish. Gentle tannins and a fruit-forward profile make it a popular choice for those who prefer something light and easy-drinking.

3. The Copper Crew Rosato 187ml Canned Wine Shop Now

• Style: Fruity, floral Italian rosé
• Region: Puglia, Italy
• Grapes: 60% Primitivo, 35% Nero di Troia, 5% Aleatico
• ABV: 12.5% | Size: 187ml
• Primary Flavours: Cherry, Dark fruits, Rose, Magnolia
• Best With: Cheese, Pizza, Fish & chips

Blending four native Italian grapes, this rosato reveals layers of black cherry, summer berries, and subtle floral notes. Richer than a Provence-style rosé, it pairs superbly with cheese platters, pizza evenings, or traditional fish and chips. Complex yet approachable, it’s an excellent choice when you desire a rosé with a bit more character.

4. The Copper Crew Fiano 187ml Canned Wine Shop Now

• Style: Fresh, fruity white
• Region: Puglia, Italy
• Grapes: 85% Fiano, Verdeca, Falanghina, Moscato
• ABV: 12.5% | Size: 187ml
• Primary Flavours: Tropical fruit, Citrus, Blossom
• Best With: Picnic food, Pecorino, Creamy pasta

Sunshine in a can, this Fiano bursts with tropical fruits, citrus brightness, and a hint of blossom. Grown in Italy's sunny heel, its lively, refreshing profile makes it perfect for summer picnics, rich pasta dishes, or aromatic seafood chowder. A white wine as easy to love as it is to enjoy.

Conclusion

Finding excellent vegan wine doesn’t need to be difficult. With more wineries adopting plant-based methods and offering convenient canned options, enjoying wine that aligns with your values is simpler than ever. Whether you're into reds, whites, or rosé, there’s a vegan canned wine waiting for you to open and enjoy.

FAQ

1. Are all wines vegan?
No. While wine is made from grapes, many producers use animal-derived fining agents such as egg whites, milk proteins, gelatin, or isinglass during production. These make the wine non-vegan, even though they are filtered out before bottling.

2. What makes a wine vegan?
A vegan wine is made without any ingredients or processes derived from animals. This involves avoiding animal-based fining agents and opting for plant-based or mineral alternatives such as bentonite clay, pea protein, or activated charcoal.

3. How can I tell if a wine is vegan in the UK?
Look for certified vegan logos, such as the Vegan Society Trademark or the European Vegetarian Union V-Label. You can also check for "unfined" or "unfiltered wording, review the allergen information, or contact the producer directly.

4. Is red wine vegan?
Not always. Many red wines are fined with egg whites (albumen) to soften tannins, which makes them unsuitable for vegans unless otherwise labelled or certified vegan.

5. Is white wine vegan?
Usually, white wines are clarified with milk proteins (casein) or isinglass (derived from fish bladders) to enhance transparency. Unless the label or producer verifies vegan-friendly processes, these wines are not suitable for vegans.

6. Are organic wines vegan?
Not necessarily. Organic certification concentrates on how grapes are cultivated, not whether animal products are employed in winemaking. Some organic wines are vegan, but you will need to look for vegan certification or producer confirmation.