Is Dark Horse Wine Vegan and Cruelty Free? The Bitter Truth

April 26, 2023

Figuring out whether Dark Horse wine is vegan friendly can be a bit tough.

Alcoholic beverages are often clarified with animal-based fining agents, such as isinglass (fish bladder), egg whites, and gelatin. However, some companies are now using vegan-friendly alternatives, such as bentonite clay, kaolin clay, and plant-based proteins.

To make sure that you are only eating food and drinking alcohol that aligns with your vegan diet and ethics, I’ve looked into the ingredients and production processes of Dark Horse wine.

Here’s what I found.

Is Dark Horse Wine Vegan?

No. Dark Horse wines are not vegan.

Dark Horse winemakers explain that its fining agents are gelatin and proteins derived from animal or fish products, as well as milk or eggs. These fining agents have been used in winemaking for decades and are considered traditional procedures for the fining process.

So, if you’re vegan and want to enjoy a glass of vegan wine, Dark Horse wine is not a good choice.

Is Dark Horse Wine Cruelty Free?

Yes! Dark Horse Wine is cruelty free.

Despite the fact that Dark Horse wines may have been clarified with animal-derived ingredients, it is never tested on animals during the manufacturing process. It also does not contain any ingredients that have been tested on animals, such as artificial colors.

Animal testing is a cruel and outdated practice that frequently results in the disfigurement, misery, and death of innocent animals. There are various options available to replace this inhumane practice.

What Is Dark Horse Wine Made Of?

Here are the ingredients of Dark Horse Cabernet Sauvignon:

  • Fresh coffee
  • Blackberry jam
  • Toasted oak
  • Dried herbs
  • Dark chocolate
  • Cinnamon

Let’s break down each ingredient of Dark Horse Cabernet Sauvignon:

Fresh coffee

Fresh coffee is a type of coffee that is made from unroasted beans. It has a higher acidity level than roasted coffee and a more intense flavor. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.

Blackberry jam

Jam is a sweet spread or condiment made from fruit and sugar boiled to a thick consistency. Blackberry jam is made with blackberries, sugar, and sometimes lemon juice. It is not a vegan-friendly ingredient.

Toasted oak

Oak is a type of hardwood that is commonly used in the manufacture of furniture and flooring. It can also be used to add flavor to the wine. Toasted oak is oak that has been heated to bring out its flavor. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.

Dried herbs

Herbs are plants with aromatic leaves that are used to flavor food. Dried herbs are herbs that have been dried in order to preserve them. They are a vegan-friendly ingredient.

Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate is a type of chocolate that contains a higher percentage of cacao than milk chocolate. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice made from the inner bark of trees in the genus Cinnamomum. It is used to flavor food and add sweetness. Cinnamon is a vegan-friendly ingredient.

Why Isn’t Dark Horse Wine Vegan?

Dark Horse wine isn’t vegan because it is fined with the animal-derived ingredients gelatin and egg whites. These fining agents have been used in winemaking for decades and are considered traditional procedures for the fining process.

Is Dark Horse Merlot Vegan?

No. Dark Horse Merlot is not vegan. It is fined with gelatin and proteins derived from animal or fish products, as well as milk or eggs.

Dark Horse Merlot is not safe for vegan consumption.

Is Dark Horse Pinot Noir Vegan?

No. Dark Horse Pinot Noir California is not vegan. It is fined with gelatin and proteins derived from animal or fish products, as well as milk or eggs.

Dark Horse Pinot Noir is not safe for vegan consumption.

Is Dark Horse Big Red Blend Vegan?

No. Dark Horse Big Red Blend is not vegan. It is fined with gelatin and proteins derived from animal or fish products, as well as milk or eggs.

Dark Horse Big Red Blend is not safe for vegan consumption.

Is Dark Horse Double Down Red Blend Vegan?

No. Dark Horse Double Down Red Blend is not vegan. It is fined with gelatin and proteins derived from animal or fish products, as well as milk or eggs.

Dark Horse Double Down Red Blend is not safe for vegan consumption.

Is Dark Horse Rose Vegan?

No. Dark Horse Rose is not vegan. It is fined with gelatin and proteins derived from animal or fish products, as well as milk or eggs.

Dark Horse Rose is not safe for vegan consumption.

Is Dark Horse Pinot Grigio Vegan?

No. Dark Horse Pinot Grigio is not vegan. It is fined with gelatin and proteins derived from animal or fish products, as well as milk or eggs.

Dark Horse Pinot Grigio is not safe for vegan consumption.

Is Dark Horse Sauvignon Blanc Vegan?

No. Dark Horse Sauvignon Blanc is not vegan. It is fined with gelatin and proteins derived from animal or fish products, as well as milk or eggs.

Dark Horse Sauvignon Blanc is not safe for vegan consumption.

Vegan Alternatives to Dark Horse Wine

If you enjoy the taste of Dark Horse wine but want a vegan-friendly alternative, there are several options available. Here is a collection of vegan wine that you can try:

All of these wine brands are vegan friendly and offer a variety of options to choose from. Try a few and find the perfect vegan wine for you!

Final Words

So there you have it! The answer to the question, “Is Dark Horse wine vegan?” is no because it is fined with gelatin and other animal-derived ingredients. However, there are plenty of delicious vegan wines out there for you to enjoy. Just make sure to do your research before purchasing to make sure the wine is vegan friendly. Cheers and drink responsibly!