Winemakers both organic and conventional are not obliged to declare on the wine label when they use animal by-products as fining agents to clarify wine (brighten its appearance). These animal by-products include egg white (to brighten red wines), casein (a milk protein to make wine taste softer), gelatin (removes bitterness) and isinglass derived from fish.

When fining agents are used they don't stay in the wine but sink to the bottom of the vat, and are left behind when the clear wine is drawn off in a process called 'racking'. Nevertheless, we highlight wines suitable for vegetarians by use of a 'V' symbol, meaning that it may contain dairy products (egg white, casein) but not animal or fish derivatives. A 'VG' symbol means the wine is suitable for vegans and uses no animal products.

Note that organic winemakers use organic egg white and organic casein where possible, but there is no worldwide ruling yet. Bentonite, an inert clay powder, is also widely used in winemaking as a fining agent but has no implication for vegetarians and vegans. Man-made fining agents (polymers) are not allowed in organic wines.