Unleash Your Inner Sommelier with These 8 Vegan Wines
Although it may seem crazy to believe that wine is not vegan, since it’s made out of fermented grapes, animal products may be used throughout its processing. Animal derivatives like isinglass (fish bladder), gelatin, casein (milk protein), fish oil, and others allow wine producers to filter out particles that could alter the wine’s flavor or appearance.
That said, many winemakers also use plant-based or vegan filtering agents — silica gel, charcoal, and bentonite clay are becoming more and more common in modern winemaking. This makes it much easier for vegetarians and vegans to find suitable, cruelty-free wines. Keep reading to discover our top picks for white, red, and rosé wines!
Vegan White Wines
Dr. Loosen “Dr. L” Riesling 2019
If you and your partner prefer balanced, fruity wines, this German Riesling is for you! Clean and acidic, it offers bright apple and floral aromas. Not to mention, its versatility allows you to pair it with a wide variety of dishes!
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Ponzi Pinot Gris 2019
Another fruity, bright wine, Ponzi’s 2019 Pinot Gris is bursting with citrus peel, peach, and melon aromas. Made in Oregon using quality Chehalem Mountain grapes, this light white is ideal for date night!
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Seven Hills Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2019
A unique, zesty wine, Seven Hills’ Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc is complete with subtle acidity and kiwi-grapefruit aromas. Medium-bodied and refreshing, you can enjoy this one with a great array of light vegan meals.
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Vegan Red Wines
Felton Road Pinot Noir Calvert 2017
This 2017 Pinot Noir is rich with rose, violet, wood, and sweet blueberry notes! Its intense, refined flavors are sure to up the romance on your special evening.
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Obvious Wines No 01 Dark and Bold
As understood by its name, this California Bordeaux is dark and bold, with fruity notes and a smooth finish. Enjoy it on its own or paired with a heavier, hearty plant-based dish. Think seitan ‘steak’ and potatoes, or Mushroom Bourgignon!
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Vegan Rosé Wines
Avaline Rosé
An organic wine that’s safer for you and the planet, Avaline’s Rosé is free from added sugars, colors and concentrates! Carefully crafted with a quality blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Caladoc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah grapes, it offers complex melon and citrus notes. Light and refreshing, this may become your new go-to for date night!
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Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé
A beautifully bottled wine that’s perfect for V-Day pics, this Côtes de Provence Rosé draws you in with both its elegant presentation and its stunning, refined flavor. Bone dry and versatile, you’ll want to keep a bottle in your cellar at all times!
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Yes Way Rosé
Focused on relaxed, refreshing wines, Yes Way has the perfect wines for you to enjoy with friends! Valentine’s Day isn’t all about romance, after all. If you’re planning an outing with your besties and need a chill wine to bring along, Yes Way’s Rosé is vegan-friendly! Just watch out for their spritzes, which are not.
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We hope we could help you find the perfect bottle for your special night in with that special someone! As with most of the pleasures in life, you don’t have to miss out on great wines as a vegan. By doing a 5-minute search, you can make all the difference — no need to support products that aren’t aligned with your values if you have the choice!