Trends and Industry Insights
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
As sustainability and conscious consumption continue to dominate consumer choices, veganism is branching out into the world of wine. What was once a niche category is now becoming a trendsetter in the beverage industry. Vegan wines, in particular, are gaining traction, offering a plant-based alternative to traditional winemaking methods. But what exactly sets vegan wines apart? And how are wineries, including Indian wine brands, rising to the occasion?
What Makes Vegan Wine Different?
While wine is typically made from grapes, many don’t realise that animal-derived products are often used in the fining process to clarify and stabilize the wine. Vegan wines, however, forgo these, opting for plant-based alternatives such as bentonite clay or activated charcoal, ensuring a 100% animal-free production.
A Conscious Consumer Base
Today’s wine consumers are increasingly interested in sustainability, health, and ethical choices. The shift towards vegan wines aligns with this demand, reflecting a broader desire to minimise environmental impact and avoid animal products. This consumer base isn’t limited to the West—India, too, is seeing a rise in demand for such mindful products, with Indian boutique wineries (to be linked to about us on the website) leading the way.
How Wineries Are Adapting
Indian wine brands are evolving to meet these changing preferences. From shifting to plant-based fining agents to practicing biodynamic farming, wineries are adapting their production processes to cater to a growing vegan market. Women-led wine brands, (to be hyper-linked to the team page) in particular, are at the forefront of this movement, offering innovation, sustainability, and a fresh perspective in winemaking. Their leadership is driving more inclusive, conscious business models, and expanding the market for vegan wines in India and beyond.
As more consumers seek out ethical and sustainable choices, the future of vegan wines looks promising—especially for Indian wineries looking to make a global impact.
