wine basics

Collecting wine labels is a great way to memorialize your wine experiences. To help you, here are some tips on removing and mounting your wine labels.

The method you use to remove a label depends on what was used to attach the label to the bottle: adhesive (a pressure sensitive or sticker label, generally used with New World wines) or glue (generally found on European wines). After learning what kind of label you have (Step One), follow the appropriate steps for removing it.

Step Three: Testing the back label, see if it’s ready to remove by carefully sliding a razor under the label to start it. If it’s ready, you will be able to gently pull the label off intact.

Step Four: Stick the label to a sheet of paper.

Step Three: Place the bottle in a container deep enough to submerge the bottle above the label. Fill the container with very hot water above the top of the label. Let it stand for a few minutes.

Step Four: Testing the back label, see if it’s ready to remove by carefully sliding a razor under the label to start it. If it’s ready, you will be able to gently pull the label off intact. When peeling the front label off, if the label begins to separate (some of the label remains stuck to bottle), take a razor and use it to start peeling it from the other side.

Step Five: Stick the label to a sheet of paper, dabbing the label with a paper towel. No adhesive is needed.