DIY Wine Bottle Labels

Making your own wine labels helps you identify and personalize wine that you've made yourself. Your label can contain all of the wine's identifying characteristics, as well as graphics to identify your vineyard or bottling area. Additionally, many people create their own wine labels as a way to personalize gifts such as wedding favors or anniversary presents. This is a simple project to do using things readily available at crafts stores.

Things You'll Need

  • Computer
  • Word processing or graphics software
  • Printer
  • Labels
  • Fixative spray

Instructions

  1. Design your labels. Using your word processor or graphics program, create a template for the labels. If you are bottling your own wine, include grape varietals, year made, your logo and the alcohol content, if known. If you're making labels for gifts, use pictures and other text relevant to the occasion.

  2. Print the labels. Most wine labels are at least 3 inches by 5 inches. Waterproof labels are available, but many ink jet printers do not print on them. After you print each sheet, set aside and let dry completely before handling to reduce smears.

  3. Use fixative spray. Polyurethane spray is often used by artists to fix watercolors, ink, pencil and charcoal drawings, and can be found at art supply stores. It works well on wine labels, as it will prevent the label from smearing if it gets wet. Additionally, some aerosol hairsprays work well as fixatives, if you cannot find artist's spray. Spray the labels in a well-ventilated area, and let them dry completely.

  4. Cut or peel the labels apart, once they have dried, and affix them to the bottles. Make sure that the bottles are clean and dry before attempting to place labels on them. Start from one edge of the label, and using your hand smooth the label across the bottle, making sure the label does not bubble or pucker.