Athena Wines is Not Vegan Friendly

Company email (February 2023) RE: Maison No. 9
"We do not make any claims about being suitable for vegan or vegetarian diets since there are many variations in fining which may involve ingredients not suitable for all formats of the vegan and or vegetarian lifestyle. Generally, none of these ingredients remain in the wine because they are removed by filtration prior to bottling."

Company email (November 2022)
"We do not make any claims about being suitable for vegan or vegetarian diets since there are many variations in fining which may involve ingredients not suitable for all formats of the vegan and or vegetarian lifestyle. Generally, none of these ingredients remain in the wine because they are removed by filtration prior to bottling."

Company email (July 2022) re: Lo-Fi Aperitifs
"We do not make any claims about being suitable for vegan or vegetarian diets since there are many variations in fining which may involve ingredients not suitable for all formats of the vegan and or vegetarian lifestyle. Generally, none of these ingredients remain in the wine because they are removed by filtration prior to bottling. "

Company email (March 2022) re: Familia Camarena Tequila
"We do not make any claims about being suitable for vegan or vegetarian diets since there are many variations in fining which may involve ingredients not suitable for all formats of the vegan and or vegetarian lifestyle. However; to the best of our knowledge Familia Camarena does not contain any ingredients of animal origin."

Company email (February 2022) re: High Noon
"We do not make any claims about being suitable for vegan or vegetarian diets since there are many variations in fining which may involve ingredients not suitable for all formats of the vegan and or vegetarian lifestyle. However; to the best of our knowledge High Noon does not contain any ingredients of animal origin."

Company email (Sept 2021) re: Madison No.9
"During the winemaking process the wine is filtered with fining agents. These are recognized as traditional methods for wine fining and clarifying. Many of these fining agents are derived from animals, some include: Milk, Fish, Eggs, Gelatin (Beef and/or Pork). Generally, none of these products remain in the wine because they are removed by filtration prior to bottling. "

Kimberley notes (May 2021) re Apothic Wines:

"I did reach out to Apothic Wines and they are not vegan friendly. They may use animal products during the processing and filtration process."

Company email (February 2021) re Athena Wines

"During the winemaking process the wine is filtered with fining agents... Many of these fining agents are derived from animals, some include: Milk, Fish, Eggs, Gelatin (Beef and/or Pork)."

Company email (April 2020) re: Leftie Wine Co

"During the winemaking process the wine is filtered with fining agents... Many of these fining agents are derived from animals, some include: Milk, Fish, Eggs, Gelatin (Beef and/or Pork)."

Company email (January 2020) re: Apothic Wines:

"Our winemakers tell us that gelatin and proteins from animal or fish products and milk or eggs have been used in winemaking for centuries and are recognized as traditional methods for wine fining, or clarifying. Generally, none of these products remain in the wine because they are removed by filtration prior to bottling. A few of our premium wines that undergo minimal or no filtration prior to bottling are exceptions and therefore may not be completely free of animal products."

Company email (February 2020) re Storypoint Wines:

"During the winemaking process the wine is filtered with fining agents. These are recognized as traditional methods for wine fining and clarifying. Many of these fining agents are derived from animals, some include: Milk, Fish, Eggs, Gelatin (Beef and/or Pork)."

Company email (December 2018) re New Amsterdam Gin:
"We do not use any animal, dairy or egg products in the production of New Amsterdam Gin®. The exception to this statement is products containing cream which are using dairy cream which comes from cows."

Company email (September 2018) re Apothic wines
[same as the June 2018 response]

Company email (August 2018) re New Amsterdam Vodka
"We do not make any claims about being suitable for vegan or vegetarian diets since there are many variations in fining which may involve ingredients not suitable for all formats of the vegan and or vegetarian lifestyle."

Company email (July 2018) re Apothic wines
[same as the June 2018 response]

Company email (June 2018) re Apothic wines
"Our winemakers tell us that gelatin and proteins from animal or fish products and milk or eggs have been used in winemaking for centuries and are recognized as traditional methods for wine fining, or clarifying."

Carl Notes (December 2017)
"I called Vin Vault Winery by phone (1-855-967-9463) today to confirm that all their varietals of boxed wine are vegan as only three are listed as such in your website. The representative was very clear that none of their wines are vegan as eggs, milk, and beef(?) are used in the fining process."

Company email (November 2017) re Souverain Wine
"Treatment of wines with milk or egg products is a common wine industry practice and is done by winemakers as needed to provide the appropriate treatment and clarity to the wine. These milk or egg products are removed during the filtering of the wines after treatment. In addition, we go one step further to verify that milk or egg products are not detectable after filtration by testing each lot of wine that is treated.We hope that with this information you can make an informed decision that meets your dietary needs."

Company email (April 2017) re: Prophecy Wine
[same as the two replies below this]

Company email (March 2017) re: Liberty Creek Wine
[same as the two replies below this]

Company email (March 2017) re Darkhorse Wine
"Our winemakers tell us that gelatin and proteins from animal or fish products and milk or eggs have been used in winemaking for centuries and are recognized as traditional methods for wine fining, or clarifying. Generally, none of these products remain in the wine because they are removed by filtration prior to bottling. A few of our premium wines that undergo minimal or no filtration prior to bottling are exceptions and therefore may not be completely free of animal products. We hope that with this information you can make an informed decision that meets your dietary needs. "

Company email (December 2016) re Sheffield Cellars:
"Our winemakers tell us that gelatin and proteins from animal or fish products and milk or eggs have been used in winemaking for centuries and are recognized as traditional methods for wine fining, or clarifying. Generally, none of these products remain in the wine because they are removed by filtration prior to bottling. A few of our premium wines that undergo minimal or no filtration prior to bottling are exceptions and therefore may not be completely free of animal products. We hope that with this information you can make an informed decision that meets your dietary needs."

Company email (October 2016) re Vin Vault:
"Since each vintage could vary slightly, the information we provide is an approximate range of values for the type of wine. Below is the current approximate value for our Vin Vault Box Wine [followed by a chart saying cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, and merlot are free of animal products and no animal products are used in processing]

Note from Paul (June 2016) re: RumHaven:
"I called RumHaven (877-692-5875) about their Caribbean Rum with Coconut Liqueur. They hadn't responded to the message I sent via their contact form a week and a half ago. Crystal informed me that the product is free of any animal products, and this is stated in the nutrition facts (which aren't on the bottle). The product is bottled in the Caribbean."

Update from Chris (January 2015) for Apothic:
"Apothic customer service was very helpful and advised that Apothic White is made using beef gelatin for clarifying."

Company email (November 2015) in regards to Fairbanks:
"Our winemakers tell us that gelatin and proteins from animal or fish products and milk or eggs have been used in winemaking for centuries and are recognized as traditional methods for wine fining, or clarifying. Generally, none of these products remain in the wine because they are removed by filtration prior to bottling. A few of our premium wines that undergo minimal or no filtration prior to bottling are exceptions and therefore may not be completely free of animal products. We hope that with this information you can make an informed decision that meets your dietary needs."

Company email (July 2013): [in regard to Famila Camarena]
"Treatment of wines and spirts with milk or egg products is a common wine industry practice and is done by winemakers as needed to provide the appropriate treatment and clarity to the wine. These milk or egg products are removed during the filtering of the wines after treatment. In addition, we go one step further to verify that milk or egg products are not detectable after filtration by testing each lot of wine that is treated. However, our E. & J. Cask & Cream and ChocolatRouge products do contain dairy base products in the cream which is sourced from Holland.We hope that with this information you can make an informed decision that meets your dietary needs."

Company email (May 2013): [in regard to Delicia]
"Our winemakers tell us that gelatin and proteins from animal or fish products and milk or eggs have been used in winemaking for centuries and are recognized as traditional methods for wine fining, or clarifying. Generally, none of these products remain in the wine because they are removed by filtration prior to bottling. A few of our premium wines that undergo minimal or no filtration prior to bottling are exceptions and therefore may not be completely free of animal products. We hope that with this information you can make an informed decision that meets your dietary needs."

Company email (March 2013): [in regard to André]
"Our winemakers tell us that gelatin and proteins from animal or fish products and milk or eggs have been used in winemaking for centuries and are recognized as traditional methods for wine fining, or clarifying. Generally, none of these products remain in the wine because they are removed by filtration prior to bottling. A few of our premium wines that undergo minimal or no filtration prior to bottling are exceptions and therefore may not be completely free of animal products.

Treatment of wines with milk or egg products is a common wine industry practice and is done by winemakers as needed to provide the appropriate treatment and clarity to the wine. These milk or egg products are removed during the filtering of the wines after treatment. In addition, we go one step further to verify that milk or egg products are not detectable after filtration by testing each lot of wine that is treated. However, our E. & J. Cask & Cream and ChocolatRouge products do contain dairy base products in the cream which is sourced from Holland.We hope that with this information you can make an informed decision that meets your dietary needs."

Company email (December 2012): (regarding Winking Owl Winery)
"Thank you for contacting us regarding Winking Owl Winery. We appreciate the opportunity to respond to your question about the content of our products and hope the following information will be useful to you.

Treatment of wines with milk or egg products is a common wine industry practice and is done by winemakers as needed to provide the appropriate treatment and clarity to the wine. These milk or egg products are removed during the filtering of the wines after treatment. In addition, we go one step further to verify that milk or egg products are not detectable after filtration by testing each lot of wine that is treated. However, our E. & J. Cask & Cream and ChocolatRouge products do contain dairy base products in the cream which is sourced from Holland.We hope that with this information you can make an informed decision that meets your dietary needs."

Company Facebook response (December 2012): [regarding New Amsterdam]
"You will be pleased to know that we do not test our products on any types of animals nor do we use any animal products in our Gin and Vodka.
We appreciate you taking time to contact us. We hope you will continue to enjoy our fine products for many years to come."

Company email (November 2012): [regarding Darkhorse]
"Our winemakers tell us that gelatin and proteins from animal or fish products and milk or eggs have been used in winemaking for centuries and are recognized as traditional methods for wine fining, or clarifying. Generally, none of these products remain in the wine because they are removed by filtration prior to bottling. A few of our premium wines that undergo minimal or no filtration prior to bottling are exceptions and therefore may not be completely free of animal products. We hope that with this information you can make an informed decision that meets your dietary needs."

Company email (August 2012): [regarding Darkhorse]
"Our winemakers tell us that gelatin and proteins from animal or fish products and milk or eggs have been used in winemaking for centuries and are recognized as traditional methods for wine fining, or clarifying. Generally, none of these products remain in the wine because they are removed by filtration prior to bottling. A few of our premium wines that undergo minimal or no filtration prior to bottling are exceptions and therefore may not be completely free of animal products."

Company email (April 2012):
"Our winemakers tell us that gelatin and proteins from animal or fish products and milk or eggs have been used in winemaking for centuries and are recognized as traditional methods for wine fining, or clarifying. Generally, none of these products remain in the wine because they are removed by filtration prior to bottling. A few of our premium wines that undergo minimal or no filtration prior to bottling are exceptions and therefore may not be completely free of animal products."

Company email regarding Apothic Red: January 2011:
"Our winemakers tell us that gelatin and proteins from animal or fish products and milk or eggs have been used in winemaking for centuries and are recognized as traditional methods for wine fining, or clarifying. Generally, none of these products remain in the wine because they are removed by filtration prior to bottling. A few of our premium wines that undergo minimal or no filtration prior to bottling are exceptions and therefore may not be completely free of animal products."

Company Email regarding Naked Grape: May 2011
ConsumerRelations@ejgallo.com
"Our winemakers tell us that gelatin and proteins from animal or fish products and milk or eggs have been used in winemaking for centuries and are recognized as traditional methods for wine fining, or clarifying. Generally, none of these products remain in the wine because they are removed by filtration prior to bottling. "

Company Email regarding Hornsbys: May 2011 ConsumerRelations@ejgallo.com
"We do not use any animal, dairy or egg products in the production of Hornsbys®."

Company Email regarding Tisdale, April 2011:
Our winemakers tell us that gelatin and proteins from animal or fish products and milk or eggs have been used in winemaking for centuries and are recognized as traditional methods for wine fining, or clarifying. Generally, none of these products remain in the wine because they are removed by filtration prior to bottling. A few of our premium wines that undergo minimal or no filtration prior to bottling are exceptions and therefore may not be completely free of animal products.
[Editor's (snarky) note/interpretation: "waaah, don't make us learn new ways of doing things!"]

Company Email regarding Peter Vella Vineyards: Jan, 2011
"Our winemakers tell us that gelatin and proteins from animal or fish products and milk or eggs have been used in winemaking for centuries and are recognized as traditional methods for wine fining, or clarifying. Generally, none of these products remain in the wine because they are removed by filtration prior to bottling. A few of our premium wines that undergo minimal or no filtration prior to bottling are exceptions and therefore may not be completely free of animal products."

Company Email in regards to Madria Sangria: Oct 2010
"Our winemakers tell us that gelatin and proteins from animal or fish products and milk or eggs have been used in winemaking for centuries and are recognized as traditional methods for wine fining, or clarifying. Generally, none of these products remain in the wine because they are removed by filtration prior to bottling. A few of our premium wines that undergo minimal or no filtration prior to bottling are exceptions and therefore may not be completely free of animal products. "

Company Email in regards to Wild Vines: Oct 2010
"Our winemakers tell us that gelatin and proteins from animal or fish products and milk or eggs have been used in winemaking for centuries and are recognized as traditional methods for wine fining, or clarifying. Generally, none of these products remain in the wine because they are removed by filtration prior to bottling. A few of our premium wines that undergo minimal or no filtration prior to bottling are exceptions and therefore may not be completely free of animal products. "

Company Email in regards to Bridlewood: March 2011
"Our winemakers tell us that gelatin and proteins from animal or fish products and milk or eggs have been used in winemaking for centuries and are recognized as traditional methods for wine fining, or clarifying. Generally, none of these products remain in the wine because they are removed by filtration prior to bottling.

In regards to manufacturing our wines, that is all done here at the winery."

Company Email in regards to MacMurray Ranch. Feb 2011
"Our winemakers tell us that gelatin and proteins from animal or fish products and milk or eggs have been used in winemaking for centuries and are recognized as traditional methods for wine fining, or clarifying. Generally, none of these products remain in the wine because they are removed by filtration prior to bottling. A few of our premium wines that undergo minimal or no filtration prior to bottling are exceptions and therefore may not be completely free of animal products. "

Company Email in regards to Tisdale:
"Our winemakers tell us that gelatin and proteins from animal or fish products and milk or eggs have been used in winemaking for centuries and are recognized as traditional methods for wine fining, or clarifying. Generally, none of these products remain in the wine because they are removed by filtration prior to bottling. A few of our premium wines that undergo minimal or no filtration prior to bottling are exceptions and therefore may not be completely free of animal products. "

Company Email in regards to Da Vinci:
"Da Vinci wines don't contain any animal ingredients, but bovine gelatin is used in the processing of production."

Company Email in regards to Bear Flag wine:
"Our winemakers tell us that gelatin and proteins from animal or fish products and milk or eggs have been used in winemaking for centuries and are recognized as traditional methods for wine fining, or clarifying. Generally, none of these products remain in the wine because they are removed by filtration prior to bottling. A few of our premium wines that undergo minimal or no filtration prior to bottling are exceptions and therefore may not be completely free of animal products."

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I received this response about Andre (they're owned by G&J Gallo, so I guess we can assume all their different wines are nonvegan). I had to do a bunch of searching to find out Andre was owned by them, so I don't know if you want to add them all to Barnivore to be safe.

Here are some other labels they own (it's a long list)

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FEB 2009 Company Email: RE: Andre
June 2009 Company Email: RE: Tisdale Vinyards

Our winemakers tell us both animal and
fish products (e.g., commercial, food-grade gelatin) have been used in winemaking for centuries and are recognized as traditional methods for wine fining, or clarifying. Generally no gelatin remains in the wine
because it reacts with the wine components, as it clarifies, and forms a sediment which is removed by filtration prior to bottling. Exceptions to this are a few of our premium wines that undergo minimal or no filtration prior to bottling and therefore may not be completely free of animal products.

Phone call from Dana: January 2010
"Called the 800 number and got the sad answer that their wines aren't vegan because they use animal by-products in the wine to add or accentuate flavors and then filter them out before bottling."

Company email (circa 2010) regarding New Amsterdam Gin:
"In response to your inquiry, our gin makers tell us that gelatin and proteins from animal or fish products and milk or eggs have been used in gin making for centuries and are recognized as traditional methods for gin fining, or clarifying. Generally, none of these products remain in the gin because they are removed by filtration prior to bottling."