Plant-based diets are on the rise. Can vegan wine be a part of that change?

People are curious about veganism. In 2020, more people searched online for information about going vegan than ever before. In 2021, as we see the rise of vegan bakeries, plant-based aisles of grocery stores, and festivals celebrating a lifestyle without animal protein, it is clear that what was once considered an alternative diet has now become mainstream.

It is no wonder people are more curious than ever about going vegan – it is becoming easier and easier to adopt a plant-based lifestyle or at least dip one’s toes in the proverbial waters. Whether one is a new or longtime vegan, a familiar question often arises during social outings: How does alcohol fit into a vegan lifestyle? For wine lovers, the question is even more specific: is there such thing as vegan wine? 

In this article, we’ll explore the plant-based lifestyle and discuss how wine fits in, including:

• Why is veganism on the rise?
• Benefits of going vegan
• Options for plant-based lifestyles
• Is wine vegan?
• How wine fits into a healthy lifestyle
• The ethics of vegan wine
• Vegan wine from Domaine Bousquet

Why is veganism on the rise?

It seems like just a decade ago, vegans were the outliers. Today, it’s common to have a friend or family member at your table that prefers a plant-based meal. You might even be that person in your household. So why is veganism so popular in 2021?

One of the reasons is accessibility. You no longer have to seek out a specialty store or restaurant for vegan food. The Impossible Burger is at Burger King. Starbucks carries oat milk. Gone is the misconception that eating a plant-based diet means nothing but salad for three meals a day. Grocery stores and restaurants carry vegan options that actually taste good!

So, why do people go vegan? While everyone has their reason, popular reasons include animal welfare, health concerns, and environmental reasons. As knowledge grows around these subjects (for example, increasing concerns about global warming and the role factory farming plays in this), the vegan diet becomes a more viable option for individuals. 

Benefits of going vegan

Eating a plant-based diet means that one might consume more antioxidants, fiber, magnesium, and potassium. Going vegan can also reduce the risk of type two diabetes, aid in weight loss, improve kidney function, lower the risk of heart disease, dull arthritis pain, and reduce the risk of certain cancers. 

One caveat: A plant-based diet must rely heavily on fresh, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables rather than processed food. After all, Oreos are vegan, but should not be eaten every day. 

Those considering a vegan diet may also find it necessary to take supplements such as zinc and iron to replace nutrients that might otherwise be ingested through meat. As with any major diet change, it is always advisable to consult with a physician before shifting from being an omnivore to an herbivore.   

Options for plant-based lifestyles

Plant-based living is not necessarily a one-size-fits-all solution. There are several ways to incorporate more plants into a diet. 

One option is, of course, to go fully vegan, which means no animal products whatsoever. A less stringent option is to go vegetarian and allow some animal by-products, such as eggs and dairy. An even less strict choice is to go pescatarian and adopt the vegetarian diet but also include fish. 

For those who are not quite sure that they want to be vegans, vegetarians, or even pescatarians, there are other options. One might simply give up red meat, or choose one day of the week to eat vegan (Meatless Monday is a recent trend). One might also participate in Veganuary, a month-long campaign held each January that encourages people to try the vegan lifestyle for a month. Lastly, there is always the option to simply make it a priority to eat plant-based meals whenever possible.  

Is wine vegan?

Surprisingly, wine is not inherently vegan. Some wineries use egg whites during the winemaking process to remove sediment. Other non-vegan products that can be observed in the winemaking process include the use of beeswax to seal bottles and milk-based glue in corks. 

Fortunately, vegan wine exists—and it doesn’t taste any different from its non-vegan counterpart. Vegan wine does not use animal products at any point during filtration, fining, or packaging. 

How wine fits into a healthy lifestyle

Vegan wine is a natural fit for any healthy lifestyle. Wine has antioxidants that prevent damage to cells. It can also help with heart health, promote gut health, and reduce inflammation. Doctors advise that wine be consumed in moderation to enjoy these effects. One way to do this is to savor a glass of wine with a meal. Consider planting your own organic garden to enjoy nutritious vegan produce with your vegan wine. 

The ethics of vegan wine

Those looking to prioritize ethically-made products may choose vegan wine for animal rights purposes. Additional ethical concerns with wine make the case for choosing organic, sustainable wine. Organic, vegan wine is not only a win for animal rights proponents; it also promotes biodiversity in farming and keeps both workers and the local community safe from health risks due to the prohibition of chemical usage.  

Vegan wine from Domaine Bousquet 

More people are choosing to go vegan for a variety of reasons – from protecting animal rights to promoting sustainable farming practices to improving their health. Vegan wine compliments a plant-based lifestyle and vegan, organic wine is better for the environment, the farmers, and it tastes wonderful. 

Domaine Bousquet offers wine that is both organic and vegan. A compliment to any plant-based lifestyle, our sustainable wine is locally made in Mendoza, Argentina, and is available globally. See our wines.