Not all wines are suitable for vegans due to the traditional methods of production that may include the use of animals or animal products. The fining process in winemaking often involves the use of animal-derived products like isinglass, albumen, casein, gelatine, and chitin to clarify and stabilize the wine. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards using alternative non-animal-based fining agents to meet the demand for vegan wines.

Aside from the use of animal products in winemaking, animals are also exploited in the wine industry for activities like pest control, soil fertilization, and vineyard management. Many wineries incorporate animals into their farming practices, such as using sheep, geese, horses, chickens, llamas, and armadillos to assist in various tasks in the vineyards. While organic and biodynamic vineyards may minimize chemical inputs, not all organic wines are suitable for vegans, so identifying vegan wines can be challenging.