Vegan wines are those produced without the use of any animal products or by-products at any stage of the winemaking process. While grapes themselves are vegan, it’s the post-fermentation “fining” process that traditionally makes many wines non-vegan. It’s a process where clarity is achieved not by the traditional means of egg whites, milk proteins, or fish scales, but through the Earth’s own generosity. Winemakers turn to bentonite clay, a mineral that patiently draws impurities from the liquid, or plant-based proteins from peas or potatoes, acting as gentle guides to settle the wine’s natural cloudiness.