What Makes Wine Vegan?
Dear Friend,
When most people hear that wine might not be vegan, they’re surprised. After all, it’s just fermented grapes… right?
Well—almost.
Though wine begins in the vineyard, what happens in the cellar plays a huge role in the final product. One of the least-discussed steps is fining—a clarification process that has, historically, involved animal-derived ingredients. This is where the conversation about vegan-friendly wines begins.
At LOLA, we’ve always believed wine should be honest—both in how it tastes and how it’s made. That’s why we’re proud to share that all our wines are fully vegan.
But to really understand what that means, let’s take a step back.
🍇 The History of Fining—and Its Vegan Implications
Fining is nothing new. It dates back to Roman times, when winemakers would clarify wine using all sorts of materials—from crushed marble to powdered milk. The idea was simple: make the wine look brighter, taste smoother, and age more gracefully by removing suspended particles.
In more recent centuries, common fining agents have included:
Egg whites (albumin) – especially in Bordeaux reds, to soften harsh tannins
Casein (milk protein) – to improve clarity and aroma in white wines
Isinglass (fish bladder collagen) – prized for its delicacy in whites
Gelatin (animal protein) – for reducing bitterness and haze
These substances bind with tannins, proteins, and other microscopic solids in wine, pulling them to the bottom of the tank or barrel. The wine is then racked or filtered, leaving a cleaner liquid behind.
But here’s the catch: even if the animal-based agents are removed, they were still part of the process. For vegans and vegetarians, that matters.
And traditionally, few wineries disclosed this practice. Labels rarely mention fining, and until the last decade, vegan-friendly winemaking remained a niche conversation.
🌿 The Shift Toward Vegan-Friendly Wines
Over the last 15 years, as awareness around ethical sourcing, sustainability, and ingredient transparency has grown, so has the demand for plant-based and vegan-friendly wines.
In response, many small, thoughtful producers have moved away from animal-based fining altogether. Some, like LOLA, go a step further—choosing not to fine or filter the wine at all.
🍷 LOLA’s Approach
At LOLA, we believe great wine doesn’t need to be polished to perfection. We let the fruit—and the vineyard—speak.
That’s why 22 of our 27 wines are unfined and unfiltered. This means:
No animal products are used at any point in the process
The wine retains more of its natural texture and complexity
Nothing gets in the way of site expression, structure, or soul
We do everything slowly and intentionally, allowing the wine to clarify over time through natural settling. And when we do need to fine, for our classic line, we use only Bentonite, a type of clay primarily composed of montmorillonite, a smectite mineral, known for its colloidal properties.
From our Bold Malbec or vibrant Vermentino to our aromatic Malvasia Bianca and structured Chenin Blanc, these wines are as clean and honest as they come—perfect for any table, and any dietary preference.
🗺️ What About Other Wineries in Calistoga?
While many Napa and Calistoga producers now lean toward low-intervention winemaking, not all are vegan by default. Large-scale operations may still use traditional fining methods, and even smaller producers may not list their practices unless asked.
If you’re exploring vegan-friendly wines in Calistoga, we recommend:
Asking wineries directly about fining and filtration practices
Looking for phrases like “unfined” or “unfiltered” on the label
Supporting producers (like LOLA!) who prioritize transparency and low-intervention methods
✨ Taste Wine That Aligns with Your Values
Wine should be a reflection of care—from the vineyard to the bottle. At LOLA, that care includes thoughtful farming, gentle handling, and making sure our wines are accessible to all.
Whether you follow a vegan lifestyle, are plant-curious, or simply value honest craftsmanship, our wines are here for you.