Business Spotlight

Inside Kwaya Wines: Vegan Wine, Biodynamic Farming, and African Heritage

Recorded live at the Flowin' Feast food and wine festival in Fort Lauderdale, this conversation features Nicky Coachman-Robinson and her daughter Milan, founders of Kwaya Organic Cellars, on what actually makes a wine vegan.

Vegans Explore Podcast

Episode 83 · Jan 22, 2026 · 9 min

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Why most wine is not vegan by default

Many winemakers filter their wine using animal-derived agents like egg whites, fish parts, or bone marrow, none of which are required to appear on a label. Kwaya's wines, produced in partnership with a Mendocino, California vineyard first certified organic in 1980 and certified organic and biodynamic in 1996, skip that process entirely: no added sulfites, no animal-derived fining agents, gluten-free, and made without pesticides or herbicides.

A name and a label rooted in heritage

Kwaya means seed in a language spoken in Northern Africa, chosen to reflect the brand's identity as an organic, biodynamic operation. The label artwork draws on African basket-weaving patterns across the three varietals, a Merlot, a Chardonnay, and a Sangiovese. The founders also point to customer feedback linking cleaner, unfiltered wine to fewer headaches and histamine reactions, though they're careful to frame that as anecdotal, not medical advice.

Kwaya wines are available at Whole Foods, Total Wine & More, and Fresh Market locations across Florida, plus 19 other states, with direct shipping available through the Kwaya wine club where state law allows.
The brand originated from SoFlo Vegans and has since expanded its reach through the Vegans Explore global directory.
Kwaya will be featured in the Vegans Explore business directory alongside other vendors met on the South Florida tour circuit.