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Can Paper Labels Be Used on Wine Bottles?

If you’re wondering whether paper labels can hold up on your wine bottles, you’re not alone.

Paper labels are a go-to for a lot of wine brands, especially when you want a high-end or handcrafted look. But if you’re producing at scale, there’s more to the decision than just aesthetics, you’ve got to make sure the label performs.

Bottle Shape and Surface

The shape and texture of your wine bottles directly impact how well paper labels perform. Many wine bottles have curved or slightly tapered surfaces, and some feature embossed or textured glass.

These shapes can cause labels to lift, wrinkle, or peel if you’re not using the right materials.

Here’s how to keep your labels from becoming a pain later:

Choose pressure-sensitive adhesives formulated to conform to curved surfaces without lifting or wrinkling.
Use die-cut labels (labels that are cut to a custom shape) to match the bottle’s shape to help reduce wrinkling.
For embossed or textured bottles, a stronger adhesive is usually necessary.

Moisture and Temperature Exposure

Your wine bottles will likely face many different environments, from bottling lines to store shelves to chilling in ice buckets.

Uncoated or untreated paper labels are prone to wrinkling or peeling when exposed to moisture or cold temperatures, so here’s how to ensure your paper labels survive:

Choose wet-strength paper (specially treated paper that resists tearing or peeling when exposed to moisture) or a coated paper that adds a water-resistant barrier.
Use moisture-resistant adhesives to maintain adhesion even under condensation.
Consider lamination or a protective varnish to add an extra barrier against moisture and abrasion. A varnish is a thin coating that adds light protection and aesthetic finish, while a laminate is a film layer that offers heavier-duty protection. Learn more about lamination options.

Rectangle Wine Bottle Labels

Label Durability and Handling

Labels that look great when first applied can quickly degrade due to friction and handling during transport and retail display. Paper labels are particularly susceptible to this kind of abrasion. But the right finish can go a long way.

Use matte or gloss varnish to minimize scuffing during distribution.
Choose an overlaminate film for extra protection, especially if bottles are frequently handled.
Consider textured or embossed paper stocks that hide minor imperfections effectively.

Design and Embellishments

Paper labels offer fantastic design flexibility, giving you options for premium finishes to make your label and bottle stand out. But some techniques work better on certain paper types:

Foil stamping, embossing, and debossing pair exceptionally well with textured paper stocks.
Because uncoated or textured papers tend to absorb ink or varnish unevenly, techniques like spot UV (a glossy coating applied to highlight parts of the design) may require special primers or adjustments to ensure a clean finish.

Compliance Considerations

Your labels need to meet TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) rules, which means key info like alcohol content and health warnings has to stay readable from bottling all the way to the customer’s hands.

Like we said before, make sure your paper labels:

Have strong adhesives that prevent lifting and peeling.
Are durable enough to stay intact during typical handling and storage scenarios.

Sustainability and Recycling

Many wine brands value sustainability, and paper labels can support those efforts when chosen carefully. Options like FSC-certified paper or recycled-content paper offer more environmentally responsible choices for wine producers focused on sustainability.

If sustainability matters to your brand, here’s how to make paper labels part of the solution:

Use FSC-certified or recycled-content paper.
Opt for water-based adhesives or wash-off adhesives if participating in recycling programs or bottle reuse initiatives.
Add your sustainability credentials directly to your label to communicate your values.

Quick Checklist for Paper Labels on Wine Bottles

Pressure-sensitive adhesive for curved and tapered bottles
Wet-strength or coated paper stock
Moisture-resistant adhesive
Protective varnish or laminate
Tested embellishments (foil, embossing)
Compliance with TTB durability guidelines
Sustainable material and adhesive options

Wrapping It Up

Yes, you can, and often should, use paper labels on wine bottles. The key is knowing exactly what materials, adhesives, and finishes will perform reliably.

Need help finding the perfect label material for your bottles? Contact us and we’ll walk you through it.

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What Label Materials are Best for Wine Bottles?

We get a lot of questions about the right label materials for wine bottles. Most wineries or wine makers want a premium looking wine label, but it also has to stand up to ice buckets and transportation.

Here’s our input on picking the perfect label material to keep your bottles looking sharp from shelf to first sip.

Standard Paper Labels: Ideal for Red Wines

We typically recommend standard paper labels for red wines. Here’s why.

Pros:

Premium look and feel: Textured substrate finishes like linen or felt have that soft grain you can feel. It’s a small touch, but one that instantly signals quality.
Excellent print clarity: You get sharp details and vibrant colors on paper labels.
Cost-effective: Paper is generally an affordable, professional option, especially for high-volume runs.

Considerations:

Moisture sensitivity: We do not recommend laminating a textured paper since this will cause you to lose the look and feel of the texture. Consider this if your product will encounter ice buckets, spills, and other moist environments.
Durability: Paper can suffer in harsh handling or damp storage conditions, causing wrinkling or peeling.

Best Applications:

Cellar-stored red wines
Ambient temperature retail displays
Premium labels with embossing, hot foil stamping, and spot varnishes (a clear coating used to highlight specific design elements with a glossy finish)

EverOpaque® Labels: Best for White Wines

If you produce white or rosé wines, we recommend taking a close look at EverOpaque® labels. These hybrid labels are widely used in commercial wine applications for their consistent performance in refrigerated and wet conditions, including extended time in ice buckets.

They combine the upscale feel of paper with the durability of film, giving you the best of both worlds.

Pros:

Ice-bucket tested: Maintains adhesion and appearance even after hours submerged in an ice bucket, something standard paper labels typically can’t handle without damage (if they’re not laminated).
Paper-like luxury: Retains a textured, premium finish that many wine consumers associate with tradition and craftsmanship.
Durable through distribution: Withstands handling, friction, and temperature swings during bottling, shipping, and retail handling.

Considerations:

Higher cost: Slightly pricier than standard paper, but the durability often justifies the investment.
Due to the film backing that this substrate pairs with, we are able to get a deeper emboss because we can push more without breaking the paper.

Best Applications:

Chilled whites and rosés
Wines for outdoor or humid climates
Export products needing reliable durability

Film & Synthetic Labels

Film labels, typically made from materials like BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene) or PET (polyethylene terephthalate), are great in the right scenarios, but we don’t usually recommend them as a first choice.

Pros:

Exceptional durability: Resist abrasion, moisture, UV, and temperature extremes.
Sleek, modern aesthetic: Good for minimalist branding.

Considerations:

Reduced tactile quality: Less luxurious than textured paper or hybrid labels.
Cost: Less than paper hybrids like EverOpaque.

Best Applications:

Outdoor or ultra-resilient packaging
Wines that require extremely durable labeling (e.g., export or long transit)

Quick Comparison Table

Material	Durability¹	Moisture Resistance²	Aesthetic Quality³	Cost⁴
Standard Paper	Moderate	Low	Excellent	Medium
EverOpaque®	High	Excellent	Very Good	High
Film/Synthetic	Very High	Excellent	Moderate	Lowest

¹ Based on abrasion resistance, shipping conditions, and handling wear.
² Performance in refrigerated, humid, or wet environments.
³ Includes print quality, texture, and visual appeal.
⁴ Relative material cost at scale; actual pricing varies by volume and customization.

Label Material Summary and Best Uses

Best for red wines: Standard Paper: Premium look at a great price, but not moisture-friendly without lamination or protective finishing techniques.
Best for white/rosé wines: EverOpaque®: Combines luxury appearance with robust durability, perfect for chilled storage.
Most durable: Film/Synthetic: Ideal for harsh conditions but lacks tactile elegance.

Wrapping Up

As you can see, picking the best label materials for your wine bottles isn’t just about looks. You also have to consider durability, cost, and compatibility with finishing techniques. Need more help? Contact us or request a sample pack and we’ll help you compare the options.

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What Makes An Appealing Wine Label?

Many have heard the phrase, “people eat with their eyes.” But did you know that this theory could also be applied to shoppers browsing the wine aisle? Wine labels are an advertisement for shoppers. With hundreds of options in front of the consumer, it is crucial to have a label that stands out.

A custom wine label is a winery’s best selling tool. Our mission is to help you create an eye-catching and memorable wine label that will further your company’s success. Effective designs attain an understanding of the product, the company and the consumer. When designing your custom wine label, we believe the following three elements will help in producing a stunning label.

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