A Vegan's Wine Guide

We want everyone to be able to enjoy the wine world from where they are, including our friends keeping up a vegan lifestyle. We are aware that some wine production methods use trace amounts of products that are derived from animals, raising concern for anyone avoiding such substances. We are delighted to share our wines as vegan friendly and grown, produced, and bottled right here at Rubino Estates. Our wines are pure, delicious, and grown on a small, family-owned estate. 

So, our wines are suitable for vegans, but what about wines that aren’t? Winemaking is a complex and artistic science, with ingredients beyond grapes. If animal products are used in winemaking, it is usually in a process called “fining” which helps to clarify wines during their production, removing hazy sediment and beautifying the final product. Here at Rubino Estates, we don’t use this method, and the same is true for our sister winery Ruby Hill. Additionally, our corks and closures do not incorporate any animal-derived substances, such as beeswax or milk protein based adhesives. 

Now that you can rest easy knowing that our wines are vegan, what do you enjoy them with? We are delighted to see the wide array of plant-based cheeses and similar delights that compliment the flavors of wine and mirror traditional wine pairings while remaining accessible to those who wish to avoid animal products.

Wine pairing for complete dishes can seem tricky for vegan food, since traditional wine pairing guidance is usually based on which meat is involved, but for vegan cuisine good wine pairing considers the preparation and the seasoning of the dish. Dishes with peppery seasonings like turmeric or peppercorn merge well with our Cabernet Sauvignon, while warming spices like cardamom and anise pair with our Petite Sirah and Ferrario. Choose a medium red blend or a varietal like primitivo for herbs like rosemary or sage. Smooth vegan dishes using ingredients like coconut milk or cashew cream pair nicely with our bright Fume Blanc or our Riserva Chardonnay. 

Here are a few recipe and pairing ideas to get you started!

Nourishing Lentil Bolognese pairs with Riserva Sangiovese

Summer Vegetable Vegan Pizza pairs with Primitivo

Miso Glazed Eggplant Grain Bowls pair with Landmark Chardonnay

Black Pepper Tofu with Bok Choy pairs with Cabernet Sauvignon

Creamy Vegan Pasta Pomodoro pairs with Night Owl Barbera

Vegan Shepherd's Pie pairs with Centanni Rosso Red Blend

Crispy Baked Falafel pairs with Fumé Blanc

Miso Polenta with Spring Vegetables and Tofu pairs with Riserva Chardonnay

Cheers to all of our wonderful wine lovers. Bon appetit!