Wine Bottle Label Size Guide: Standard and Custom Dimensions

The first thing that catches the eye when spotting a bottle of wine is often the label. In a sea of similar-looking bottles, a thoughtfully designed label helps your product stand out and tells the story of what’s inside. For customers unfamiliar with your brand, the label serves as an invitation — sparking curiosity and creating an immediate connection. The right design and size can not only make your wine more memorable but also give it a competitive edge in a crowded market.

In this article, we’ll explore the standard wine bottle label size, and how you can customize your wine labels to ensure they fit your brand perfectly.

What Goes on a Wine Label?

Before delving into the dimensions of wine labels, it’s important to understand the essential information that must be included. Here’s a list of the typical details found on a wine label:

1. Wine Type/Varietal – Grape variety or blend (e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay).
2. Brand Name/Producer – Winery or vineyard name.
3. Vintage Year – Year the grapes were harvested.
4. Alcohol Content – Alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage.
5. Volume – Amount of wine in milliliters or fluid ounces (e.g., 750 mL).
6. Region of Origin – Country, region, or appellation (e.g., Napa Valley, Bordeaux).
7. Grape Grower/Winemaker Info – Additional details on the producer, if relevant.
8. Tasting Notes – Description of flavor, aroma, and characteristics.
9. Sulfite Declaration – Warning if sulfites are present.
10. Certifications/Quality Marks – Organic, biodynamic, or regional certification.
11. Legal Text/Warnings – Health warnings or alcohol consumption advisories.
12. Barcode/Price Info – Barcode for retail, pricing information.

What Are the Wine Bottle Label Sizes?

Wine bottle label sizes can vary depending on the type of bottle, the wine’s region of origin, and branding preferences. However, there are standard sizes that most wine producers follow, ensuring consistency and ease of application. Here’s a breakdown of the typical wine bottle label sizes:

Wine Bottle Type	Label Size (cm)	Label Size (inches)	Label Shape
Bordeaux Wine Bottle	90 x 120 mm	3.54 x 4.72 in	Rectangle
Bordeaux Wine Bottle	100 x 150 mm	3.94 x 5.91 in	Rectangle
Burgundy Wine Bottle	120 x 90 mm	4.72 x 3.54 in	Rectangle
Burgundy Wine Bottle	80 x 100 mm	3.15 x 3.94 in	Rectangle
Hock Wine Bottle	80 x 80 mm	3.15 x 3.15 in	Square
Champagne Bottle	120 x 70 mm	4.72 x 2.76 in	Rectangle
Medal Wine Bottle	30 mm	1.18 in	Round
Half Bottle (375ml)	60 x 80 mm	2.36 x 3.15 in	Rectangle
Black Wine Label	60 x 80 mm	2.36 x 3.15 in	Rectangle
700ml Spirit Bottle (Gin)	80 mm	3.15 in	Square
700ml Spirit Bottle (Liquor)	100 x 150 mm	3.94 x 5.91 in	Rectangle
700ml Spirit Bottle (Whiskey)	90 x 120 mm	3.54 x 4.72 in	Rectangle

Bordeaux Wine Bottle

Bordeaux bottles are commonly used for wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, characterized by their defined shoulders. They offer versatile label options, with sizes ranging from 3.5 x 4 inches for a sleek look to 4 x 6 inches for a more prominent design.

Bordeaux Wine Bottle

Larger Bordeaux bottles are ideal for wines that need more space for detailed labeling. This bottle accommodates bigger labels, making it perfect for bold, eye-catching designs that stand out.

Burgundy Wine Bottle

Burgundy bottles are known for their curved shoulders and stout body, often used for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The label size can go up to 4.5 inches tall, allowing flexibility for balanced and elegant designs.

Burgundy Wine Bottle

Burgundy bottles, with their compact and stout design, are ideal for classic wines like Pinot Noir. The standard label size of 3.15 x 3.94 inches works well, but there is some flexibility to create a subtle or detailed design.

Hock Wine Bottle

Hock bottles have a tall, slender shape, perfect for wines like Riesling or dessert wines. The square label fits this elegant and elongated bottle shape, making it ideal for refined, minimalist designs.

Champagne Bottle

Champagne bottles are designed to handle internal pressure, featuring sloping shoulders and thicker glass. A wraparound label fits perfectly, offering space for luxurious and celebratory designs that match the occasion.

Medal Wine Bottle

A small round label placed at the neck, typically used for marking awards or special collections. These labels add prestige and are perfect for vintage wines or bottles with limited editions.

Half Bottle (375ml)

Half bottles are smaller, ideal for tastings or premium wines. The label design should be compact and balanced, with a size of 2.36 x 3.15 inches that fits well on the smaller bottle without overwhelming its size.

Black Wine Label

Black wine labels are typically placed on 75cl bottles to display important information, such as production details or compliance. These labels are functional, providing necessary text in a clear and simple design.

700ml Spirit Bottle (Gin)

Gin bottles often have a sleek, modern design, and the square label complements this style. The label size is well-suited for premium craft spirits, offering a clean, minimalistic look.

700ml Spirit Bottle (Liquor)

Liquor bottles typically feature a taller profile, and the wraparound rectangle label provides ample space for bold branding and decorative elements. This label size works well for creative, attention-grabbing designs.

700ml Spirit Bottle (Whiskey)

Whiskey bottles often feature traditional or premium designs, and the rectangular label provides enough space for detailed information. Ideal for vintage or high-quality whiskey brands, this label size allows for a sophisticated and informative presentation.

How to Customize Your Wine Labels?

Each wine bottle has a distinct shape that influences label design. For instance, Bordeaux bottles suit rectangular labels, while Burgundy bottles work well with slightly larger or square labels. Hock bottles, being slender, look best with square labels.

Choose the Right Label Size

• Bordeaux Bottle: 3.5” x 4” rectangular label fits most Bordeaux bottles.
• Burgundy Bottle: 3.5” x 4” or 4” x 4” labels work well for the curved shape.
• Hock Bottle: 3.15” x 3.15” square label complements the slender bottle.
• Champagne Bottle: 4.72” x 2.76” rectangle label fits perfectly.

Personalization for Special Occasions

Custom labels are great for weddings, birthdays, or events. Personalize your wine with a unique design that adds sentimental value.

Larger Labels for Premium Wines

For high-end wines, opt for larger labels (e.g., 3.94” x 5.91”) to highlight premium quality and details.

How to Start Making Wine Bottle Labels?

Once you have determined the label size, the first step in making wine bottle labels is the design process. You can use vector graphics for the design, as they offer infinite scalability, always maintaining high quality whether enlarged or reduced. This makes them perfect for creating detailed and clear labels, and they can easily be edited to ensure precision.

After completing the design, the next crucial step is selecting the appropriate label material. Please continue reading, as we will introduce different label materials for various types of wine bottles and their suitability, helping you make a more informed choice.

Wine Bottle Label Materials

Label Material	Description	Recommended Use
White Premium Sticker Paper	High-quality paper with optional lamination for added durability.	Ideal for luxury products, oil- and water-resistant.
Clear BOPP (Indoor)	Clear, oil- and water-resistant polypropylene for a “no-label” look.	Ideal for premium or transparent containers.
White Paper Sticker	Glossy, UV-resistant paper. Not waterproof.	Perfect for premium, dry-use products.
White Vinyl Sticker	Waterproof vinyl with UV resistance, glossy finish.	Durable for indoor/outdoor use.
White Paper Sticker	Glossy, self-adhesive paper. Not waterproof.	Best for vibrant, dry labels.
Cream Laid Texture	Cream-colored textured paper, optional UV coating for protection.	Ideal for wine and beverage labels.
White BOPP (Indoor)	Oil and water-resistant polypropylene for moist or refrigerated goods.	Great for durable, moisture-resistant labeling.
Silver Metallic BOPP	Metallic polypropylene, oil and water-resistant.	Adds a premium metallic finish to any product.
White Vellum Texture	Warm white tactile paper with optional UV coating.	Popular for wine and beverage labels.
White Paper Sticker	Matte finish paper, not waterproof.	Ideal for elegant, non-glossy designs.

Once the design and label material are determined, you can choose the printing method. For small batches of custom labels, you can use a regular printer; for larger productions, it is recommended to use a professional label printer or work with a printing company to ensure high quality and efficiency.

How to Apply Labels to Wine Bottles?

Once you’ve decided on the have your labels ready, the next step is applying them to your wine bottles. There are two main methods for labeling: manual labeling and machine labeling.

1. Manual Labeling

Manual labeling is ideal for small batches or personalized labels. First, ensure the wine bottle is clean, with no dust or grease on the surface. Then, align the label on the bottle, using a ruler or measuring tool for precise placement. Next, gently apply the label starting from one end, using a scraper or roller to smooth it down from the center to the edges to avoid air bubbles or wrinkles. Finally, check the label’s alignment to ensure there are no air pockets or misplacement. If there are any issues, carefully peel off and reapply the label.

2. Machine Labeling

For large-scale production or when efficiency is a priority, machine labeling is the preferred method. If you have more than 100 bottles to label, you can use Autmachine’s semi-automatic bottle labeling machine. For labeling over 1,000 bottles, Autmachine’s fully automatic vertical labeling machine is the best choice.

With machine labeling, simply place the wine bottles and labels in the correct positions on the labeling machine, ensuring the label roll is installed correctly. Then, adjust the machine settings to match the bottle size, ensuring the label fits properly. Once the machine is started, the bottles automatically move through the labeling area, where labels are applied accurately and efficiently.

While manual labeling may be suitable for small batches or custom orders, machine labeling allows for faster production, making it ideal for businesses with high output demands. Additionally, it minimizes the physical strain on workers and provides a more professional finish.

Manual Labeling vs. Machine Labeling Comparison

Factor	Manual Labeling	Machine Labeling
Suitable Batch Size	Small batches (usually less than 100 bottles)	Large batches (100+ bottles, especially 1,000+)
Efficiency	Lower efficiency, more time-consuming per bottle	High efficiency, quickly handles large volumes
Accuracy	Dependent on human skill, can result in misalignment or bubbles	Highly accurate, reduces human error and inconsistency
Suitable for	Custom labels, small businesses, weddings, or personalized orders	High-volume production, efficient production lines, mass labeling
Consistency	Possible small variations between labels	Consistent results, identical label placement and appearance

Ready to Start Labeling Your Wine Bottles?

Looking for reliable, high-quality labeling solutions? Choose Autmachine, your trusted labeling machine manufacturer based in China. Whether you’re looking for a semi-automatic or fully automatic labeling machine, we offer customizable solutions that suit your production needs. Want to see our labeling machines in action? Contact Autmachine today for a free demo of our semi-automatic and automatic labeling solutions.

FAQ