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13 best vegan wines to try, according to the GHI

Whether you’re after white, red, rosé or sparkling, our experts have found the best bottles this Veganuary

By
VerifiedTested by Food and Drink Testing Manager
best vegan wines

Made from fermented grapes, it’s entirely logical to think that all wine must be suitable for a vegan diet. Yet wines are frequently made using animal-derived products, or ‘fining agents’, to make them easier to filter, resulting in a liquid that’s clear rather than cloudy. However, there are vegan-friendly alternatives to this process that result in wines that taste just as good.

As part of our big Veganuary Taste Test, our panel of wine experts tried and tested over 100 vegan wines to bring you the very best on the market.

Whether you’re after a rich red wine to pair with hearty vegan meat alternatives, a refreshing white wine to enjoy with a creamy vegan cheese pasta, or a pale pink rosé for sipping at the first sight of sun, there’s a vegan wine to match.

Got something to celebrate? You’ll also find the ultimate sparkling ready to pop open and share with family and friends.

What makes a wine vegan?

Winemakers generally use fining agents such as egg white, gelatine or milk protein to help clarify the wine. While vegan wines still undergo this process, fining agents such as carbon or clay are used instead.

Some winemakers also choose to leave their wine unfined and unfiltered to encourage unusual flavours in the bottle.

How we test vegan wine

All wines were served blind to a panel of WSET-certified experts. Testers were looking for balanced wines with acidity, sweetness and body that are also suitable for the vegan diet.

Across the categories, they were looking for bold, full-flavoured and structured reds; dry whites with good fruit; delicately balanced floral and aromatic rosés; and refreshing sparkling wines.

Best vegan white wines

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1
Best vegan white wine

Bowl Grabber Alvarinho

UK Taste Approved(GH)
Bowl Grabber Alvarinho
Now 55% Off

Score: 94/100

Aromatic and bursting with the aromas of fresh peach and apricot, this vibrant and refreshing alvarinho takes the top spot in our white wine category, offering a crisp and zesty palate.

Serve chilled as an aperitif or pair with vegan fish tacos for a winning combination.

Key specifications

GrapeAlvarinho
CountryPortugal
ABV12.5%
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2
Runner-up vegan white wine

Meth’Imon Acacia, Dougos Winery Greece, Organic, 2021 (75cl)

UK Taste Approved(GH)
Meth’Imon Acacia, Dougos Winery Greece, Organic, 2021 (75cl)

Score: 89/100

The Greek wine grape assyrtiko is known for its minerality and pleasing acidity and this organic bottle from Abel and Cole, blended with 5% sauvignon blanc, is no exception.

Gooseberry and lemon aromas dominate, with good body and flavours of tropical fruit, lychee, passionfruit, lemon and tart green apple. Drink alongside vegan cheese tarts or hearty salads.

Key specifications

GrapeAssyrtiko-blend
CountryGreece
ABV13%
3
Best value vegan white wine

Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Coolwater Bay Sauvignon Blanc

UK Taste Approved(GH)
Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Coolwater Bay Sauvignon Blanc

Score: 88/100

Equivalent to just £10 a bottle, this boxed wine offers great value and once opened can be stored in the fridge for up to six weeks.

Testers enjoyed aromas of zingy limes, green chillies and green peppers paired with a palate of crisp green apples. Serve chilled with canapés or grilled vegan chicken and seasonal vegetables.

Key specifications

GrapeSauvignon blanc
CountryNew Zealand
ABV12.5%
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Best vegan rosé wines

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Best vegan rosé

Amie x Organic Rosé 75cl

UK Taste Approved(GH)
Amie x Organic Rosé 75cl

Score: 91/100

An exceptionally sippable number made with a blend of organic grenache and cinsault, this fresh rosé reminded our testers of being on a sunny holiday (even on cold winter days).

Summer fruits such as lemon, redcurrant and lychee are balanced by a touch of vanilla, resulting in a little residual sugar and good minerality.

Key specifications

GrapeGrenache-blend
CountryFrance
ABV12.5%
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5
Runner-up vegan rosé

Quatre Vin Organic Rosé 75cl

UK Taste Approved(GH)
Quatre Vin Organic Rosé 75cl

Score: 90/100

Created by four friends in collaboration with a family-run winery in the heart of Provence, this organically farmed pale pink rosé is subtly sweet with notes of juicy tropical fruit, plenty of citrus and a hint of summer berries.

Key specifications

GrapeCinsault-blend
CountryFrance
ABV12.5%
6
Best value vegan rosé

Mabis La Carezza Pinot Nero

UK Taste Approved(GH)
Mabis La Carezza Pinot Nero

Score: 86/100

This pinot nero (the Italian name for pinot noir) is a pale pink rosé-style wine made with the same grape. Despite a light aroma, the palate is surprisingly flavourful with fresh apples and white peach.

Pair with salty snacks such as green olives and vegan cheese for a refreshing aperitif.

Key specifications

GrapePinot noir
CountryItaly
ABV12%
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Best vegan red wines

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7
Best vegan red wine

Wise Wolf Cabernet Sauvignon

UK Taste Approved(GH)
Wise Wolf Cabernet Sauvignon

Score: 88/100

Enticing forest fruits, juicy black cherries and lingering vanilla come together in this classic cab sav, resulting in a wine that’s powerful on the palate with a balanced, meaty quality.

Deep ruby in colour with a satisfyingly tannic finish, it’s great choice for vegan mince dishes or steaks.

Key specifications

GrapeCabernet sauvignon
CountryFrance
ABV13.5%
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8
Runner-up vegan red wine

Finca Manzanos Seleccion de la Familia Rioja 2021

UK Taste Approved(GH)
Finca Manzanos Seleccion de la Familia Rioja 2021

Score: 86/100

Bursting with a variety of rich black fruits and a floral touch of rose, this tempranillo is luscious and concentrated with spicy tannins.

Testers found it satisfyingly meaty and thought it would make a great pairing with stews and roasts.

Key specifications

GrapeTempranillo
CountrySpain
ABV13.5%

Best vegan orange wines

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9
Best vegan orange wine

Gentle Riot Orange Wine 2021

UK Taste Approved(GH)
Gentle Riot Orange Wine 2021

Score: 83/100

Made using white grapes fermented in their skins, this trendy-hued orange wine has aromas of melon and papaya. Produced with minimal intervention, testers found it also had a slight musty quality reminiscent of aged wine or wine cellars.

The palate also has flavours of melon, a grapefruit tartness and woody, herbal notes, making this a great choice for natural wine enthusiasts.

Key specifications

GrapeSauvignon gris-blend
CountryFrance
ABV12.5%
10
Runner-up vegan orange wine

Markou Kleftes Savatiano

UK Taste Approved(GH)
Markou Kleftes Savatiano

Score: 80/100

Greek wine is rapidly growing in popularity. Pair that with the fact this is an orange wine and you’ve got the ultimate intriguing bottle worth talking about when entertaining guests.

With aromas of citrus and hints of elderflower on the palate, it’s delicious with vegan fish and pasta dishes.

Key specifications

GrapeSavatiano
CountryGreece
ABV12.5%
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Best vegan sparkling wines

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11
Joint best vegan sparkling wine

Tesco Cava Rosado

UK Taste Approved(GH)
Tesco Cava Rosado

Score: 83/100

Not only did this pale pink cava take the joint top spot thanks to its delicious palate of summer fruits and fine effervescent bubbles, it’s also incredible value.

Strawberries are the key flavour here but there are also notes of raspberries and white peach. A great festive aperitif.

Key specifications

GrapeMacabeo-blend
CountrySpain
ABV11.5%
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12
Joint best vegan sparkling wine

Blanc de Noirs Twenty Nineteen

UK Taste Approved(GH)
Blanc de Noirs Twenty Nineteen

Score: 83/100

If you’re looking for an extra special bottle for toasting, this English sparkling from Kent-based boutique winery Gusbourne hits all the right notes.

A classic champagne blend of pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier grapes, it’s also made with the traditional method as used in the Champagne region. The result is notes of apple and lemon with gentle bubbles and a light yeasty flavour typical of its French counterpart.

Key specifications

GrapePinot-noir blend
CountryEngland
ABV12%
13
Runner-up vegan sparkling wine

Britpop Brut by Alex James NV

UK Taste Approved(GH)
Britpop Brut by Alex James NV

Score: 81/100

The bassist of successful Britpop band Blur is behind this English fizz made using the traditional method. Testers found both the aromas and the palate to be green and earthy with subtle buttery notes.

A delicious pairing with creamy dishes, it’s also a great conversation starter when hosting. Just add Coffee and TV.

Key specifications

GrapeChardonnay-blend
CountryEngland
ABV11.5%
Headshot of Eleanor Field
Eleanor Field
Former Senior Food and Drink Writer

Eleanor was the GHI’s former senior food and drink writer.

Headshot of Callum Black
Tested byCallum Black
Food and Drink Testing Manager

Callum is our Food and Drink Testing Manager and has been part of the world of professional catering for 10 years, from cheffing to food manufacturing. While working in manufacturing he specialised in bespoke product and menu development for several start-ups and well-known brands such as Wrap It Up! and HOP Vietnamese. He holds the WSET Level 2 in wine, a Level 3 in spirits and has a particular interest in agave spirits.  

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