What’s the Difference Between Organic, Vegan, Vegan-Friendly, and Biodynamic Wine?

Ever looked at a wine label and seen words like organic, vegan, vegan-friendly, or biodynamic and wondered what they actually mean? Are these just trendy buzzwords, or do they make a real difference in how the wine is made—and how it tastes? The truth is, these labels tell you a lot about the farming practices, winemaking process, and what’s inside the bottle. Whether you’re looking for sustainable, plant-based, or minimal-intervention wines, understanding these terms can help you choose the right bottle for your lifestyle.

Here’s everything you need to know about organic, vegan, vegan-friendly, and biodynamic wines—and how they compare.

What Is Organic Wine?

Definition:

Organic wine is made from grapes grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or artificial fertilizers. Organic farming promotes natural soil health, biodiversity, and sustainability, ensuring a cleaner product.

Organic Wine Key Facts:

✔ No synthetic chemicals in the vineyard

✔ Organic certification required for labeling

✔ Lower sulfites than conventional wine (but not sulfite-free)

✔ Can be labeled "Made with Organic Grapes" if only the grapes are organic, but sulfites are added

How Does Organic Wine Taste?

Organic wines often have brighter, more natural fruit flavors because the vines grow in healthier, chemical-free soil. Some may taste more rustic and unfiltered, depending on the winemaking style.

Look for: USDA Organic (U.S.), Ecocert (France), or EU Organic Certification labels.

What Is Vegan Wine?

Definition:

Vegan wine is wine made without animal-derived fining agents. While grapes are naturally vegan, the winemaking process sometimes uses animal-based products to filter out sediment and clarify the wine.

Traditional Non-Vegan Fining Agents:

• Egg whites (used in red wines)

• Casein (a milk protein)

• Gelatin (from animal collagen)

• Isinglass (made from fish bladders)

Vegan wine skips these and instead uses plant-based or mineral fining agents, like bentonite clay or activated charcoal. Some vegan wines are also unfiltered, keeping them as natural as possible.

How Does Vegan Wine Taste?

Vegan wine tastes just like regular wine—the difference is in how it’s processed. Some unfiltered vegan wines might have a slightly cloudier appearance, but this doesn’t impact flavor.

Look for: Vegan Society or Certified Vegan labels. If a wine doesn’t say "vegan" on the label, check the winery’s website for details.

What Is Vegan-Friendly Wine?

Definition:

Vegan-friendly wine is wine that doesn’t contain animal-based fining agents but isn’t officially certified vegan.

Some wineries don’t go through formal certification even though their wines are technically vegan. Additionally, some vineyards may use animal-based fertilizers (like manure), which strict vegans prefer to avoid.

How Does Vegan-Friendly Wine Taste?

Just like vegan wine—there’s no difference in taste, only in the certification process.

If you want to be sure, do a quick search or ask the winery about their practices.

What Is Biodynamic Wine?

Definition:

Biodynamic wine takes organic farming a step further, treating the vineyard as a self-sustaining ecosystem. It follows lunar cycles, natural composting, and holistic farming practices to create a balanced, chemical-free environment.

Biodynamic Practices Include:

✔ No synthetic chemicals (like organic wines)

✔ Farming based on lunar and cosmic cycles

✔ Natural composts made from herbs, minerals, and animal elements

✔ Minimal intervention winemaking (wild yeast fermentation, no additives)

How Does Biodynamic Wine Taste?

Many wine lovers say biodynamic wines have more depth, energy, and terroir-driven character. Because they’re minimally processed, they often taste pure, vibrant, and expressive of the land they come from.

Look for: Demeter or Biodyvin certification labels.

Which Wine Should You Choose?

• If you want a wine free from synthetic chemicals: Choose organic or biodynamic.

• If you follow a plant-based diet: Look for vegan or vegan-friendly wines.

• If you love sustainability and minimal-intervention winemaking: Try biodynamic wine.

• If you just want a great wine experience: Any of these can be a great choice—it’s all about what you enjoy!

At Brix Wine, we love helping customers find wines that match their values and taste preferences. Whether you're looking for a clean, organic red, a vegan-friendly white, or a bold biodynamic wine, we’ve got something for you.

Stop by and explore the world of sustainable, plant-based, and naturally crafted wines with us!