Wine Labeling Guide
There are many considerations when labeling wine. Wineries and other beverage suppliers need to factor in not only government wine labeling requirements, but how the label will look from a branding perspective.
When done correctly, wine labeling can entice consumers and help differentiate the product in a saturated market. But strict labeling requirements and inefficient labeling methods can make wine labeling costly and time consuming, especially for smaller suppliers. In these situations, labeling technology can help streamline the process.
Wine Labeling Requirements
Wine labels have separate labeling requirements from food products.
According to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, mandatory information on the brand label includes:
- Appellation of Origin (mandatory in certain circumstances)
- Brand Name
- Class or Type Designation
- Percentage of Foregn Wine, if applicable
Additionally, required information on any label includes:
- Alcohol Content
- Color Ingredient Disclosures, if applicable
- Country of Origin (imports only)
- Health Warning Statement
- Name and Address
- Net Contents
- Sulfite Declaration
You can find basic mandatory labeling information for wine in The Beverage Alcohol Manual (BAM).
Why Wines Need Labeling
Wine labeling requirements allow consumers to make an informed decision about the wine they are buying and consuming. According to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau:
The Federal Alcohol Administration (FAA) Act sets forth standards for regulating the labeling and advertising of wine (containing at least 7 percent alcohol by volume), distilled spirits, and malt beverages. TTB’s regulations are written to prevent the deception of the consumer and provide them with “adequate information” as to the identity and quality of the product, to prohibit false or misleading statements, and to provide information as to the alcohol content of the product.
A well-designed wine label also gives brands the opportunity to stand out in a crowded liquor aisle. The Wine Enthusiast Magazine notes that there are beautiful and distinctive wine labels that are “filled with useful information about such things as blends, vineyards, fermentation practices and barrel management.” These details can make all the difference when consumers are choosing between brands and bottles.
Wineries and beverage suppliers that want to make the most of their wine labels should consider how to use the limited space and choose which details about the wine will make it most appealing to a potential buyer.
Improving Wine Labeling Efficiency
After wineries have designed wine labels with all of the relevant information, they still need to print them and apply them to the bottles. This can be a costly and time-consuming process when done manually.
Print and apply labeling machines can print eye-catching labels with all of the proper information and apply them automatically to the wine bottle. Labelers for food and beverage applications are designed to print clear, crisp labels used to deliver industry information like brand name and alcohol content for a variety of products and packaging. This quick, repetitive process reduces human error and is much more efficient than doing it by hand.
Although this type of machinery requires an initial investment, a print and apply labeler provides a strong ROI by working faster and more accurately than traditional methods, resulting in fewer costly errors that slow down production. Certain brands of labelers, like the ones through Paragon Labeling, can also be configured to label a variety of products, from the wine bottles themselves to the cartons used to deliver bulk orders.
Learn about food and beverage labeling here or contact our labeling experts.
Wine Labeling: Frequently Asked Questions
Who regulates wine labeling in the U.S.?
Wine labeling in the United States is regulated by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.
What labels do wine bottle labeling machines use?
The size, shape, and orientation of the wine label you use will depend in part on your wine bottle and specific wine bottle labeling machine. Some labeling solutions, like the ones sold by Paragon Labeling, can be configured for multiple labeling applications, including wipe-on and air-assisted roll-on.
