Labels are more than just paper—they are a way to communicate with your customers. Especially with wines, shabby labeling can cost you more than you think.
If a label makes a bad impression, it will be hard to convince you to buy it. Isn’t it?
The same goes for your customers. So, it is important to leave a lasting impression through your wine labels. If you can do that, all good things will follow; improved sales, better customer reception, new consumers, more profits, etc.
Here are 9 tips to help you create the best labels ever! Because the label is the first thing you notice about wine, you should do a good job in designing it.
1. Simplicity over Grandeur
Trends are moving towards simplicity these days. Back in the day, businesses put a lot of effort into designing their labels in a great way. The objective then wasn’t to convey anything to the customer but only for appearance’s sake. But, the trends and principles have drastically evolved.
Now, the ease of understanding for customers is the priority. So, make sure it is not too complicated when designing your wine labels.
Better yet, strike a balance between both the simple and complex nature of your design. This way, your label does a better job of catching the eye of customers.
2. Your Perfect Label Colour
Do you believe that colour is as important as the shape of your wine bottle? Yes, it’s true. So while deciding on the label colour, you should consider two backdrops. One is the colour when the bottle is full, and the other is when it is empty.
For example, when you first open a bottle of white or rosé, it might be a transparent blush or yellow-tan tint, but it will be clear, yellow, or olive when it is emptied. So, perhaps an intricate black symbol would look best.
The point is to have a label that pops in both scenarios.
3. Make Your Label Shape Count
You must have seen a ton of circle- and rectangular-shaped labels. But those are not the only options you have today.
Wine label printers are modernising their labels with unusual and elaborate forms. You can see labels shaped like grapes, squid, butterflies, and even boars. Choose a shape that is unique and best suits your brand over the usual, less-fun square.
This not only attracts customer attention but also leaves a long-lasting impression.
4. Add a Personal Touch
If you're looking to add a personal touch to your wine bottles, custom labels are a great way to do it. You can use them for gifts or add professionalism and polish to your home wine-making business.
Digital label printing especially allows unprecedented personalisation opportunities. It is quick, versatile, and ideal for small to medium-sized high-quality print runs.
One way to add a personal touch is by printing variable elements in a label design — text, photos, numbers, and barcodes. It may be random or through a database. For instance, printing a different name or number on each label.
This kind of personalisation provides a competitive advantage in the market while also establishing a deep connection with the consumer.
5. The Choice of Material
There are several label materials to pick from—glossy paper, textured uncoated stock, transparent film for a "no-label effect," and even metallised for a particular sheen.
When choosing a material, examine how it interacts with the bottle, label application technique, ice bucket performance, compatibility with the artwork, and whether it fits your brand.
Today, we have a wide range of speciality stocks. You simply have to take the time to research and analyse different options and choose the best one for your needs.
6. Consider the Print Method
Many wineries choose digital label printing because it allows for printing short runs, varieties, and frequent revisions.
On the other hand, flexographic label printing is better suited if you need higher volume runs. It can be quite a cost-effective method if you will be buying the same label on a frequent basis.
However, you should consider many factors while deciding on the printing method, such as quantity, turnaround time, sustainability, personalisation, etc.
7. Finishing Protects your Label
Often, people mistakenly believe that finishes are only for appearances. But they are useful for more practical reasons. They keep your labels from dampness and scuffing.
Here, you have a varied range of alternatives to choose from. Most go for a glossy or matt appearance, which can be obtained by coating or lamination. You may even have a flood coating all over the label, as well as a spot coating over a design feature to accentuate it or create a pattern.
Also, you can use contrasting shiny and matte finishes in different places on the label. It creates a very striking design.
You may also get remarkable effects by using speciality coatings like thermochromic, perfumed, scratch-off, glow-in-the-dark, and glitter.
8. Embossing and Debossing
Another tip for creating unique labels is the effects of embossing and debossing. While embossing is a raised effect of the design, debossing is the opposite—a recessed effect.
Embossing (or debossing) an element lends a textured, distinguished feel to wine labels. This provides a tactile sense and can draw attention to specific design aspects. Embossing works incredibly well on uncoated materials.
9. Wine Medal Labels
Have you ever bought a bottle of wine based on a wine medal on its label? You must have bought it because that medal conveys the quality of the wine.
That is what a wine medal does. It shows off your awards and achievements, which portrays your product’s authenticity. If not anything else, this definitely makes up for unique wine bottle labels.
Final Say
These are the best 9 tips you can find to create unique wine labels. All these tips aside, you must first consider your needs, budget, and possibilities. Only then will you be able to make a profitable decision for your business.
You can also reach out to a good label maker, such as DAL, to receive more advice that is specific to your brand and product.
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