How to Make Wine Labels

Making Labels by Hand

Brainstorm your design. Take some time to think about your wine and what you want your wine label to accomplish. Is the wine is for an occasion, like a wedding or Christmas? Or is it an all-season wine? Do you want the wine to be perceived as serious or fun? Make a list of any visual images that come to mind that you’d like to incorporate in your design. It can be helpful to visit your local wine store and take note of any labels you feel particularly drawn to. Note what you like about them and take a few pictures for inspiration. You can also explore wine merchants and check out labels for inspiration online.

Select a label size. Wine label paper comes in any number of sizes up to standard letter (8.5 in by 11 in or 26 cm by 28 cm). This is much larger than any potential wine bottle. Experiment with different size labels by buying a full sheet of labeling paper and cutting out sample labels of different dimensions. This will help you determine the size and shape of label you like best.

Sketch your label on plain paper. Draw a “label” of the shape and dimensions you’ve determined are best on a sheet of blank letter paper. Sketch a design based on the ideas you brainstormed. You can try experimenting with a few designs to narrow down your favorite. Once you’ve determined the direction you want to go, draw a clean copy of your design to the right dimensions. You can include a description of the wine. Dry describes a wine that has no sugar. Luscious stands for wines with plenty of sugar. If it is on the sour side, you can mention that it is acidic. Write tannic if it has tannin. This will be your template for label creation.

Use transfer paper to imprint your template onto your labels. Use artist tape to secure a piece of graphite transfer paper on top of an actual label you’ll be using for your wine bottles. Ensure all the edges are secured tightly and that there is no movement between the two pieces. Place your design template on top, and begin tracing firmly with a pencil. This will transfer your design to your label seamlessly.

Trace your design with permanent marker. Use permanent markers to color in or add wording to your design on the label as desired. This will ensure your label is colorfast.

Stick your label on your wine bottle. Remove the backing off the wine label to expose the sticky side. Start at one side and press the label smoothly over the surface of the bottle, taking care not to trap any air bubbles. It can be helpful to let the labels and bottles come to room temperature for the best application.

Seal your label to prevent water damage. Use a clear acrylic sealant, such as Krylon Crystal Clear, to waterproof your new label. Follow the manufacturer’s directions regarding any ventilation, spraying distance and curing time to ensure the best result. Most sprays take at least two hours to dry completely.

Repeat this process for additional wine bottles. Use your template to make more labels as desired. Seal your wine labels to prevent smudging.

Creating Labels Digitally

Conceptualize a design. Brainstorm about what kind of label would be the best fit for your wine. This can be driven by the style of wine, whether it’s been made for a special occasion, and the impression you’d like the wine to impart. Make a list of any visual images that come to mind that you’d like to incorporate in your design. Check out other wine labels to get design ideas. You can take photos of your favorites to note any cool color combinations or themes.

Use design software to create your label. Use design software, such as Adobe InDesign or Print Artist Platinum Plus, to craft a label. There are lots of online tutorials specific to wine-label making that can help you create the exact effects you want. Since you’re creating your labels with software, you also have the option of incorporating photos and other interesting graphics. Make sure you have the rights to any graphic images you decide to use. You can purchase rights to images on many photo sites such as Getty Images and Corbis.

Buy sheets of wine labels. Online wine product stores, such as Grapestompers.com, provide many different colors and sizes of wine labels made to be printed on with a home printer. You can purchase labels that are already cut or a large sheets that can be tailored to unusual shapes or sizes.

Print your design onto the labels. Load the labels into your printer, previewing your print beforehand to ensure proper alignment. Print the labels, letting them dry completely before handling.

Stick the labels on the bottles. Expose the sticky side of the wine label by removing the protective backing. Start at one side of the label and press it smoothly over the surface of the bottle. Be careful not to trap any air bubbles as you smooth. For the best application, let the labels and bottles come to room temperature first.

Seal your label to prevent damage. Follow the manufacturer’s directions on a clear acrylic sealant, such as Krylon Crystal Clear, to spray your printed label. These sealants are sold in most craft stores. Many sealants take an hour or two to cure fully, so wait at least that long before handling your labels.

Using an Internet Label Service

Pick a template or upload a custom design. Wine label websites, such as Bottleyourbrand.com and Grogtag.com, provide easy ways to make wine labels online. Both have extensive collections of designs you can customize to your liking, or you can upload a custom design and have it professionally printed and delivered by them. Create an original design with computer software, such as Adobe InDesign or Print Artist Platinum Plus, if you would like one. Online wine label tutorials on YouTube can help you create a look that is unique to your wine.

Customize your template or upload your custom design. If you’re going with a template, customize it with the name of your wine, the alcohol by volume, and any other information you’d like to include about your vineyard or event. If you’re uploading your own custom label, all that information should already be included.

Place your order. Look over your label design to double check all details for accuracy. If everything looks good, finalize your order. Your labels will be sent to you in the mail.

Adhere the labels to your wine bottles. When the labels arrive, lay out your wine bottles. Remove the backing of a label and press it smoothly over the area you want to place it on the bottle, being careful not to trap any air bubbles during application. Repeat with each additional bottle and label. Let the labels and bottles come to room temperature for the best application. Commercially printed labels are waterproof and don’t require additional sealing at home.