Vegan Beer & Wine

It's no secret that the vegan culinary world has completely exploded over the past few years. There are animal product-free alternatives for everything from butter and ice cream to hot dogs and bacon. But while most of these products wear their vegan badge with pride, alcohol—much of which is certifiably vegan—has somehow escaped the buzz. You may have never even considered the PETA-friendliness of your favorite boozy beverages, but it is most certainly a thing.

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Animal products, including egg whites, gelatin, casein (aka milk protein) and fish oil, have long been used in the clarification of wine. That is until Ontario, Canada's Karlo Estates began swapping those ingredients out for vegetables like potatoes or pumpkin, making history as the world's first certified vegan winery.

Beer shares a similar story. "Beer is vegan naturally when only using water, malt, yeast and hops," Jamie Floyd, cofounder of Oregon's all-vegan Ninkasi Brewing Company, explains. "Most of what makes a beer not vegan is either using flavor other than these basic ingredients, or through the clarifying or filtering process. We simply choose to not use animal products while making our beers. We feel like it's the right thing to do."

Clean up your act this month with these nine fantastic—and totally vegan—wines and beers. And don't forget to check out Barnivore.com's extensive, up-to-date vegan wine list.

① 2014 Frey Vineyards Organic Sangiovese

In addition to being vegan, this wine is also safe for those with a wheat or gluten allergy, celiac disease or lactose intolerance.

② 2013 Red Truck Wines Cabernet Sauvignon

This popular Sonoma winery recently introduced Green Truck, a CCOF-certified organic, vegan line.

③ 2015 Karlo Estates Patio Reserve Rosé

This summertime favorite is the perfect option for animal lovers and rosé fans.

④ Our Daily Red Red Blend

This vegan table wine is a delicious blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ruby Cabernet and Carignan.

⑤ 2011 Natura Wines Merlot

At just $8, this smooth, medium-bodied red is well within anyone's reach.

⑥ Ninkasi Brewing Total Domination IPA

This flavorful IPA has been totally dominating the vegan beer scene since 2006.

⑦ Ballast Point Pineapple Sculpin IPA

This San Diego-brewed fruit IPA provides a super-refreshing (and vegan) burst of pineapple.

⑧ Goose Island 312 Urban Wheat Ale

All of Goose Island's core beers are vegan friendly, including this award-winning wheat ale.  

⑨ Harpoon Brewery Harpoon IPA

While the majority of Harpoon's beers are actually vegan, the flagship IPA is the standout choice.