From book clubs and picnics to cozy nights at home, many consumers enjoy a good glass of wine. And in this thriving market, wine labels are notorious for grabbing consumer attention. But beyond the award sticker and attractive design, a wine label has to meet many legal requirements. 

Legally Labeled

In a July-August 2017 article in Grapevine Magazine, author and alcohol beverage & food attorney Lindsey A. Zahn, Esq. shares insightful information about the legality behind wine labels. Zahn notes that at a minimum, wine labels must contain:

1. A brand name (e.g., “XYZ Vineyards”)
2. Class or type statement (e.g., “RED WINE”)
3. Government warning statement
4. Domestic wines: bottler’s name and address (as it appears on TTB permit)
5. Imported wines: importer’s name and address (as it appears on importer’s TTB permit)
6. Alcohol by volume statement
7. Net contents statement
8. Sulfites declaration
9. Country of origin (for imported wines)

According to Zahn, there’s also optional information that can appear on a wine label such as vintage or grape variety. Other options can further promote wine such as organic or gluten free, but they must comply with certain regulations in order to state those claims. For details, read Zahn’s article its entirety here.

Function + Flair

Obviously the legal requirements are critical to wine labeling, but so is the look and durability of the label itself. Some tips to consider:

• Value-added techniques. With techniques like gold foiling, stamping or embossing, a bottle of wine could easily sell for several dollars more than it’s worth. If a bottle with an opulent label looks like it’s worth $35 dollars yet is priced at $15, consumers will feel like they’re getting a good value. And it’s no trick—that wine really is priced right at $15, but consumers are more likely to buy it if it looks like it costs more.
• Materials matter. Will the wine labels need to withstand room-temperature shelves, refrigeration and a bath in an ice bucket? Use materials that will keep labels in tact, such as waterproof substrates and adhesives.
• Designed to deliver. Consumers are drawn to colors, shapes and styles that reflect what they want in a wine. Think about a look that reflects your product and target audience in its truest form, and arrange necessary content concisely to give your label a clutter-free appearance.

Read about our custom wine label offerings here or contact us to receive complimentary label samples.