Vegan wines are gaining popularity as more people choose a plant-based lifestyle and seek products that align with their values. While all wines are made from grapes, not all are vegan due to animal-derived fining agents like egg whites, gelatin, or isinglass.
This guide explores the world of vegan-friendly wines and introduces you to some of the best vegan wines available.
As the demand for vegan wines is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.8% in the 2024-2030 period, more wineries are labeling their products accordingly, making it easier to find these healthier alternatives.
Vegan wines are also more frequently showcased at industry events like beverage industry trade fairs, indicating their growing presence in the market.
So, let’s explore this flavorful guide to vegan wine.
15 Best Vegan-Friendly Wines You Should Taste
To help you find the best vegan wines, we’ve compiled a list of 15 wines that are guaranteed to be vegan. The wine below is described in terms of its taste profile, ideal food pairings, and origin.
1. Domane Wachau Federspiel Terrassen Gruner Veltliner
This Austrian vegan white wine is a classic example of a Gruner Veltliner. It has a bright, zesty flavor profile with green apple, white pepper, and mango notes.
The crisp acidity makes it refreshing, and its dry finish perfectly matches light salads and vegan seafood dishes. This wine hails from the Wachau region, known for its unique terraced vineyards along the Danube River.
The Domane Wachau is also versatile. It pairs well with Asian-inspired dishes, especially those with a hint of spice. This wine is an excellent introduction to the diversity of vegan-friendly wines.
Check out natural wines for more on the distinction between traditional and natural wines.
2. Penny’s Hill ‘Skeleton Key’ Shiraz 2021
Penny’s Hill ‘Skeleton Key’ Shiraz 2021 is a rich, bold vegan red wine from Australia. It offers a complex flavor profile with dark berries, blackcurrants, and a hint of chocolate. The tannins are firm yet balanced, providing structure and depth to the wine.
This Shiraz pairs with hearty vegan dishes like roasted vegetables, vegan lasagna, or plant-based barbecue.
Originating from the McLaren Vale region, known for its robust reds, Penny’s Hill is a famous vegan wine brand. It also has an excellent aging potential, allowing it to develop more complex flavors over time.
Read about the wine packaging market for more insights into the world of wine production and packaging.
3. Yealands Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
Yealands Reserve Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, aromatic vegan white wine from New Zealand. Its refreshing profile includes distinct notes of tropical fruits, citrus, and a hint of green bell pepper.
This wine is known for its bright acidity and clean finish, making it an ideal choice for wine pairing with sushi, light pasta, or vegan seafood dishes.
Yealands is a leader in sustainability and environmental practices, emphasizing its commitment to ethical production.
This aligns with the growing trend toward sustainable wine. Its vibrant flavors make it a popular choice among those seeking vegan-friendly wines.
4. Kris Pinot Grigio
Moving on to the vegan wine list, Kris Pinot Grigio is an Italian vegan-friendly wine known for its light and crisp character. Its bouquet has floral notes, and its palate has hints of pear, citrus, and apple.
The clean and refreshing taste makes it perfect for summer picnics or as an accompaniment to light vegan appetizers.
Originating from the Trentino-Alto Adige region, this wine personifies the classic Italian style of Pinot Grigio. It pairs well with vegan pasta, salads, and light appetizers.
If you’re interested in exploring the world of vegan wines in different regions, read about old-world vs. new-world wine.
5. Fat Cat Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
Fat Cat Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon is a robust, full-bodied vegan red wine from California. It boasts bold tannins, rich dark fruit flavors, mocha, and a touch of oak. This wine is an excellent choice for those who enjoy a classic Cabernet, with its structured profile and lingering finish.
Fat Cat Cellars is known for producing affordable, high-quality wines, offering great value for vegan wine lovers. This Cabernet pairs well with hearty vegan dishes like burgers, roasted vegetables, and mushroom-based meals.
6. Adnams White Burgundy, Cuvée Mallory Talmard
Adnams White Burgundy, Cuvée Mallory Talmard is a French vegan white wine with a creamy texture and subtle hints of oak. It offers flavors of ripe apples, citrus, and a touch of vanilla.
This wine has a smooth and elegant finish, making it an excellent choice for pairing with creamy vegan pasta dishes or risottos.
Originating from the Burgundy region, this wine represents the classic style of French Chardonnay. It’s versatile enough to pair with a variety of meal options, providing a delightful balance of flavors
7. McGuigan Reserve Malbec
McGuigan Reserve Malbec is an Australian vegan red wine with rich fruit flavors and a velvety texture. It offers notes of plum, blackberry, and a hint of spice, making it a perfect match for hearty vegan stews and grilled dishes.
This Malbec has a smooth and lingering finish, reflecting the quality of Australian winemaking.
McGuigan is a well-known wine brand respected for its consistency and commitment to vegan-friendly practices. This versatile Malbec provides a balanced profile that can complement various vegan meals, which is why its offerings are listed under the best vegan wines.
8. Dashe Les Enfants Terribles Grenache
Dashe Les Enfants Terribles Grenache is a light, fruity, vegan red wine from California’s Dry Creek Valley. Its aromas include ripe strawberries, cherries, and a hint of spice.
The palate is smooth, with vibrant fruit flavors and a delicate finish. This Grenache is an excellent choice for pairing with vegan tapas, grilled vegetables, or light pasta dishes; hence, it’s listed in this vegan wine list.
The Dashe winery is known for its commitment to producing natural and vegan-friendly wines, using sustainable practices throughout the winemaking process.
This Grenache’s bright acidity makes it a versatile option for various occasions.
9. Ernest Allan Shiraz 2021 by Gemtree Wines
Ernest Allan Shiraz 2021 by Gemtree Wines is a bold and expressive vegan red wine from McLaren Vale, Australia. It offers a complex blend of dark fruit flavors, including blackberry and plum, with a touch of pepper and spice.
The tannins are well-integrated, providing a structured yet smooth finish. This Shiraz pairs well with hearty vegan dishes like plant-based stews or roasted vegetables.
Gemtree Wines is known for its commitment to biodynamic practices and sustainability, making it a top choice for those seeking ethical and vegan-friendly wines. Learn more about biodynamic winemaking if you’re interested in biodynamic winemaking.
10. Little Black Dress Chardonnay
Little Black Dress Chardonnay is a California-based vegan white wine with a buttery texture and hints of tropical fruit.
It has a smooth and creamy profile, with notes of pineapple, vanilla, and a touch of oak. This Chardonnay is versatile and pairs well with various vegan dishes, including creamy pasta, vegan sushi, and avocado-based meals.
This wine is a popular choice among those who appreciate classic Chardonnay with a hint of oak. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a wine that’s both elegant and approachable.
11. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano by Cantina Canneto
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano by Cantina Canneto is an Italian vegan red wine with robust tannins and a rich flavor. It features dark fruit notes, including black cherry and plum, with a hint of leather and spice.
This wine is ideal for pairing with hearty vegan dishes like vegan lasagna, roasted vegetables like eggplant, or plant-based meats. It goes well with cheese, too.
Cantina Canneto is a respected winery known for its dedication to traditional winemaking techniques while ensuring its wines are vegan-friendly.
The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano has a balanced acidity and a long finish, reflecting the quality and depth of Italian wines.
For more information on the wine market, read the wine market analysis.
12. The Messenger Albarino Vinho Verde 333
The Messenger Albarino Vinho Verde 333 is a refreshing vegan white wine from Portugal. It has a light and zesty profile, with notes of citrus, green apple, and tropical fruits. The crisp acidity makes it a perfect match for vegan seafood dishes, light salads, or vegan appetizers.
This wine originates from the Vinho Verde region, which is known for producing fresh and lively wines. The Messenger’s commitment to vegan-friendly practices makes it popular among those seeking ethical wines.
13. Ameri Organic Red Blend by Domaine Bousquet
Ameri Organic Red Blend by Domaine Bousquet is an Argentine vegan red wine with a bold and complex flavor profile. It features a blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and other red varietals, offering dark fruit, chocolate, and spice notes.
This wine pairs well with grilled mushrooms, vegan pizzas, or roasted vegetables, which makes it one of the best vegan wines.
Domaine Bousquet is known for its commitment to organic and vegan-friendly winemaking. It ensures no animal-derived fining agents are used in the production process. The Ameri Organic Red Blend is excellent for those who appreciate robust and full-bodied wines.
14. Origin Sauvignon Blanc 2022 by Saint Clair
Origin Sauvignon Blanc 2022 by Saint Clair is a vibrant vegan white wine from New Zealand’s Marlborough region. It offers intense aromas of citrus and tropical fruits with a crisp and refreshing finish.
The bright acidity makes it an excellent choice for pairing with vegan sushi, fresh salads, or light pasta dishes.
Saint Clair is a respected winery in New Zealand, known for its sustainable practices and dedication to producing high-quality vegan wines. This Sauvignon Blanc is a staple for those who enjoy crisp, refreshing white wines.
15. Classic Reserve NV by Hattingley Valley
Classic Reserve NV by Hattingley Valley is an English sparkling wine. It is one of the best vegan wines, with a crisp and refreshing taste. It has fine bubbles and offers notes of green apple, citrus, and brioche.
This sparkling wine is perfect for special occasions and celebrations, pairing well with light vegan appetizers or desserts.
Hattingley Valley is a prominent English winery known for its commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. The Classic Reserve NV is a versatile sparkling wine that can be enjoyed independently or with various vegan foods.
Tips for Choosing Vegan Wines
Choosing the right one amongst the best vegan wines can be challenging due to varying labeling practices. To ensure you’re selecting a vegan-friendly wine, follow these tips:
- Seek Explicit Vegan Labels: Look for wines that clearly state they are vegan-friendly. This is the simplest way to ensure you’re choosing a vegan wine.
- Check for “Unrefined and Unfiltered”: Some wines labeled this way are more likely to be vegan, as they might not use animal-derived fining agents.
- Use Online Resources: Websites like Barnivore can help you verify whether a specific wine is vegan-friendly.
- Explore Vegan Wine Brands: Choose brands that openly promote their vegan practices to ensure you’re selecting suitable options.
- Consider Organic and Biodynamic Wines: These often align with vegan principles, but remember that not all organic or biodynamic wines are necessarily vegan.
Conclusion
Vegan wines let you enjoy great wine while supporting ethical and sustainable practices. With a growing variety of high-quality vegan wines, there’s something for every taste and occasion.
Whether you enjoy bold reds, crisp whites, or sparkling wines, you’ll find a vegan option to suit your preference. This diverse selection of the best vegan wines allows you to explore, taste, and pair with your favorite meals. So, discover the perfect bottle to complement any event or special dish.
Check out the vegan wine blog for more insights into vegan wines and the broader wine market.
