Is Wine Vegan?

by Lauren Power

This may seem like a silly question. How can an entirely fruit-based product not be vegan? 

While wine is made from grapes, grapes, and more grapes, the answer to this now slightly-less silly question won’t be found in this very extensive list of ingredients. The difference between vegan and non-vegan wines lies in their filtration processes. 

Typically, wine goes through two types of filtration: the first to remove any yeast and the second to remove any bacteria. Filtration involves something called “fining agents”, which are basically oil-like substances that get wine ready for the bottling stage. More commonly than not, most fining agents are made from animal byproducts, such as milk proteins, egg whites, and fish oils. The fining agents in vegan wines (obviously) are not. 

Of course, there’s the very important follow-up inquiry: 

Are all vegan wines certified? 

The short answer: No.

The long answer: Still no, but with some details. 

The certification process, for both vegan and organic wines, is a lengthy and expensive one. As a result, most smaller, family-owned wineries typically choose to forgo certification and instead rely on their own traditions and experiences to guide the production of their award-winning vegan wines. 

Still curious? Give vegan wines a go with two of our new Valentine's Day packs! Surprise your lover, best friend, or yourself, and order for pickup at On Third Thought in downtown Toronto over the weekend, or at our office next week.

ORGANIC

Organic wine is the perfect gift for the environmentally conscious Valentine. Enjoy two of our favourites with this pack - the beautiful and festive, La Vie en Rosé, from Côtes de Provence, and Tinedo Ja!, a fun pick made from 100% Tempranillo in Spain.

BE MINE 

Want them to be yours? This pack includes three of our most gorgeous bottles that are sure to impress. They all also happen to be completely delicous! Pop some bubbly with dry, light, and fresh Tenuta Santomè Prosecco Treviso Brut, and two of our organic favourites from Château Roubine - Lion and Dragon AOC. Cru class grapes paired with the highest quality winemaking create these luxurious Rouge and Rosé wines.