Wine is Food: A Journey to Transparency and Purity
Wine has always been more than a drink—it is food, deeply rooted in tradition, culture, and the earth. When I founded Vegan Wines in 2017, it was because I saw wine as a direct expression of what we consume. The deeper I delved into wine production, the more I realized how interconnected it is with our food and our health. This understanding didn’t just inspire my wine business but led me to embrace veganic farming—a method that aligns with my core belief of respecting all living beings and nourishing ourselves with purity.
The Ancient Perspective: Wine as Food
Historically, wine was considered a staple food in many ancient civilizations. In ancient Greece, wine was a cornerstone of the diet, often diluted with water to accompany meals. Romans referred to wine as vinum bonum, seeing it not only as a source of pleasure but also as a vital nutrient and medicine. In many ways, wine was treated as food because it was a product of the land—grapes grown in healthy soil, fermented naturally, and consumed in harmony with meals.
The Problem with Modern Practices
Today, the purity of wine and food is under threat. As a vegan for over 30 years, I have seen firsthand the hidden dangers lurking in agricultural and winemaking processes. The soil used for growing produce and vineyards is often treated with animal manure from slaughterhouses, chemicals, and pesticides. These practices not only compromise the integrity of the food and wine we consume but also expose us to harmful toxins that affect our health.
Animal products used in winemaking—like fish bladders, egg whites, and milk proteins—are still widely used in fining processes, making many wines non-vegan without clear labeling. For vegans, even with the best intentions, these hidden elements can pose risks to our health and principles.
We Are What We Eat and Drink
The old saying "we are what we eat" extends to what we drink. If wine comes from unhealthy soil or uses unnecessary additives, it’s no longer the nourishing product it once was. This realization is why I only sell wines that align with the traditional, transparent methods of winemaking—using no animal products and focusing on the health of the soil and the plants. Veganic farming plays a critical role here, avoiding animal manure and synthetic chemicals, instead nurturing the soil with plant-based compost and natural cycles that honor the environment.
A Return to Ancient Principles
Thousands of years ago, wine was made simply—grapes, time, and patience. The process respected nature, using what was available without artificial interventions. These ancient practices are now making a comeback, championed by small wineries that prioritize sustainability and transparency.
Why Transparency Matters
Transparency in food and wine is non-negotiable. As consumers, we deserve to know what we are putting into our bodies. For me, this is personal—not just as a business owner but as someone committed to a vegan lifestyle rooted in compassion and health. Every wine I offer at Vegan Wines is carefully selected for its purity, made with respect for the earth and free from any hidden additives or harmful practices.
Building a Better Future
By choosing vegan and veganic products, we support a future where food and wine return to their rightful place: as nourishing gifts from the earth, untainted by cruelty or chemicals. We create a world where we honor the principle of doing no harm—not just to animals but to ourselves and the environment.
Wine is food. Let’s treat it as such—with care, integrity, and a commitment to what’s good for our bodies and souls. Together, we can sip with intention, support transparency, and celebrate the beauty of what pure wine and food can bring to our lives.
– Frances Gonzalez, Founder of Vegan Wines Little Logan's Farm