The world of wine is evolving, and so is the consciousness of the modern consumer. As we move into 2025, the demand for vegan-friendly wines continues to surge, and Zinfandel, with its bold, fruit-forward character, is at the forefront of this movement. For those who follow a vegan lifestyle, enjoying a glass of wine requires a little more scrutiny, as many traditional winemaking practices use animal-derived fining agents. This guide will navigate the landscape of Vegan Zinfandel in 2025, highlighting top producers, key trends, and what to look for on the label.

Why Isn’t All Wine Vegan?

It’s a common misconception that wine is simply fermented grape juice. In the fining process—used to clarify and stabilize wine—producers have historically used agents like egg whites, casein (milk protein), isinglass (fish bladder), and gelatin. These substances bind to unwanted particles and are removed, but trace residues may remain, making the wine non-vegan. Vegan winemakers, however, use mineral or plant-based fining agents such as bentonite clay, activated charcoal, or pea protein, ensuring a completely animal-product-free result.

Top Vegan Zinfandel Producers to Watch in 2025

• Ridge Vineyards: A legendary name in Zinfandel, Ridge has been increasingly transparent about its vegan practices. Many of their iconic single-vineyard Zins, like Lytton Springs and Geyserville, are now certified vegan or made with vegan-friendly methods. Their commitment to minimal intervention makes them a top choice.
• Broc Cellars: This Berkeley-based natural winery is a darling of the conscious wine movement. Their “Love Red” and single-vineyard Zinfandels are not only vegan but also made with organic grapes and native yeasts, resulting in vibrant, lively expressions of the grape.
• Bedrock Wine Co.: Morgan Twain-Peterson is renowned for sourcing fruit from ancient, heritage Zinfandel vineyards. A significant portion of his wines are unfined and unfiltered, making them naturally vegan by default and full of authentic, old-vine character.
• Seghesio Family Vineyards: A pillar of Sonoma County Zinfandel, Seghesio has made a concerted effort to clarify its fining processes. Their popular Sonoma County Zinfandel is now consistently produced using vegan methods, offering a classic, reliable, and accessible option.