How Do You Make Vegan Wine? Step-by-Step Guide

Veganism is about what we eat and the products we use and consume daily. In recent years, this ethical and sustainable approach has found its way into the winemaking world, giving rise to vegan wine.

Vegan wines differ from traditional wines by avoiding animal-derived fining agents in their production process. Instead, they utilize plant-based alternatives, aligning them more with sustainability and compassion principles.

This guide will walk you through the process of making vegan wine, providing insights into the ingredients, techniques, and considerations necessary for crafting your own cruelty-free and eco-conscious wine.

Understanding Vegan Wine

Vegan wine is produced without animal-derived fining agents, aligning with ethical and dietary principles. Instead of traditional animal-based substances, vegan winemakers employ alternatives like bentonite clay or activated charcoal for clarification and stabilization. 

Vegan certification ensures transparency for consumers, and these wines, contrary to misconceptions, maintain their taste and quality. Rising demand for ethical and sustainable products has made vegan wines increasingly available and popular among vegans and those seeking a cruelty-free wine experience, offering a compassionate choice without compromising flavour.

Steps to Make Vegan Wine:

Making vegan wine involves using winemaking practices and ingredients that do not involve animal products. Traditional winemaking often uses substances like animal-based fining agents or gelatin, which can make the wine non-vegan. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make vegan wine:

Ingredients and Equipment:

• Grapes: Choose ripe grapes or grape juice. Ensure they are free from any animal-derived substances.
• Yeast: Use vegan-friendly yeast strains to ferment the grapes.
• Winemaking equipment: This includes fermentation vessels, airlocks, siphoning equipment, and bottles for storage.
• Fining agents (vegan-friendly): These substances help clarify the wine. Opt for vegan options like bentonite clay, pea protein, or activated charcoal.
• Sulfites: Some vegans choose to avoid sulphites, but they are generally considered vegan-friendly. Use them according to your preferences.
• Optional flavouring ingredients: Depending on your wine variety, you may want to add fruit, herbs, or other flavourings.

1. Harvest and Crush Grapes:

• Harvest ripe grapes or obtain grape juice. Ensure they are free from animal-based substances.
• Crush the grapes to release the juice.

2. Fermentation:

• Transfer the crushed grapes or juice to a fermentation vessel.
• Add vegan yeast to start the fermentation process.
• Seal the vessel with an airlock to allow gases to escape while preventing contaminants from entering.
• Let the wine ferment according to your recipe’s instructions, usually for several weeks.

3. Clarification:

• After fermentation, your wine may be cloudy. Use vegan-friendly fining agents like bentonite clay or pea protein to clarify it.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the appropriate amount and timing of the fining agent.
• Allow the wine to settle for a period specified by the fining agent’s instructions.

4. Sulfites (Optional):

• If you choose to use sulphites, add them at this stage to stabilize the wine and prevent spoilage.
• Be sure to follow the recommended sulphite levels for your wine.

5. Racking:

Siphon the clear wine off the sediment into a clean vessel. This process is known as racking and helps further clarify the wine.

6. Aging:

Allow the wine to age in a cool, dark place for a period specified by your recipe or wine type. This can vary from several months to several years.

7. Bottling:

• Once the wine has aged to your satisfaction, it’s time to bottle it.
• Use clean, sanitized bottles and corks or screw caps.

8. Enjoy:

Vegan wine can be enjoyed like any other wine. Pair it with vegan-friendly foods, and savour the fruits of your labour.

Remember to check all ingredients and additives for vegan-friendliness throughout the winemaking process. You can create delicious vegan wine by using vegan-friendly alternatives to traditional fining agents and ensuring your ingredients are free from animal-derived substances.

Tips for a Successful Vegan Wine

Crafting vegan wine is about avoiding animal-derived ingredients and producing high-quality wine that meets ethical and sustainable standards. Here are some essential tips to ensure your vegan wine-making journey is successful:

Cleanliness and Hygiene

Maintain a clean and sanitized winemaking environment to prevent contamination. Clean equipment and surfaces thoroughly to avoid unwanted microorganisms.

Monitor Fermentation

Keep a close eye on the fermentation process. Temperature control and regular testing can help you achieve the desired flavour and aroma profile.

Taste and Adjust

Regularly taste your wine throughout the process. Adjust acidity, sweetness, or other characteristics to achieve the desired balance and flavour.

Seek Guidance

Don’t hesitate to reach out to experienced winemakers, especially those familiar with vegan wine production. They can provide valuable insights and troubleshooting advice.

Embrace Organic Practices

If possible, use organic and sustainable farming methods for your grapes. This not only aligns with vegan principles but also contributes to eco-conscious winemaking.

Labelling

Ensure your wine is accurately labelled as “vegan” to attract ethical consumers and help them make informed choices.

Storage Conditions

Store your vegan wine in suitable conditions to maintain its quality. Temperature, humidity, and light exposure can all affect wine over time.

Experiment and Learn

Feel free to experiment with grape varieties, fermentation techniques, and fining agents. Learning from each batch can lead to improvement in future wines.

Quality Ingredients

Invest in high-quality grapes and yeast strains to produce a superior product. Better ingredients often result in better wine.

Patience

Allow your wine to age gracefully. Many wines improve with time, so be patient and resist the temptation to rush the process.

By following these tips and continually refining your winemaking skills, you can produce exceptional vegan wines that align with ethical principles and delight the palate of wine enthusiasts.

Final Words

Producing vegan wine involves making conscious choices at every step of the winemaking process. By avoiding animal-derived fining agents and using plant-based alternatives, winemakers can create ethical and cruelty-free wines that cater to the growing demand from vegans and environmentally conscious consumers. 

As awareness of vegan wines continues to rise, more wineries are adopting these practices, making it easier to enjoy a glass of wine while staying true to your ethical principles.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or new to the world of vegan wines, this guide provides insight into how these wines are crafted, ensuring a delightful, cruelty-free drinking experience for all. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are There Any Flavour Differences Between Vegan and Non-Vegan Wines?

Generally, vegan wines maintain the same flavour and quality as non-vegan wines, as vegan fining agents have a minimal impact on taste.

Can Vegan Wines Be Aged Like Traditional Wines?

Yes, vegan wines can be aged in the same manner as non-vegan wines. They can develop complexity and character through aging in oak barrels or other vessels.

Can Vegan Wines Pair Well with Food?

Absolutely! Vegan wines can pair well with a variety of dishes, including plant-based and non-vegetarian meals, just like traditional wines.

Are Vegan Wines Environmentally Friendly?

Some vegan winemakers prioritize sustainable and eco-friendly practices, making vegan wines a good choice for environmentally conscious consumers.

Is Vegan Wine Becoming More Accessible?

Yes, the demand for vegan wines is growing, and they are becoming more readily available in wine shops and restaurants, catering to a wider range of consumers.