The wine label may be the most powerful selling tool a wine producer has. For 82% of consumers, the label is the deciding factor in making a purchase decision. Packaging is a brand’s opportunity to engage and make a connection.
This is the inaugural list of Wine Label Reviews Best Wine Labels. Given the site only launched in June the list is short. Recognition has been restricted to the top five scoring labels, and best in category. The criteria used to evaluate the winners go beyond aesthetics. They include concept, story, engagement and attention to all elements of the package. And of course, what makes them compelling from a design perspective—images, colour, type, printing processes, and materials.
Each of the wine labels listed below has been previously reviewed in detail. Links to the original posts are included in the descriptions below.
Talò Primitivo
The Talò Primitivo label is the epitome of minimal elegance. Its sensuous curves and refined finishes mirror the best of Italian fashion. The three-panel layout is beautifully executed across the single wrapping label. See more
Vilarnau Cava
The fully wrapped bottle of Vilarnau Cava sparkles with Barcelona style. The branding elements express the producer’s royal heritage. The rustic pattern reflects the Trencadis tile work of Antoni Gaudi that clads architectural surfaces throughout the city. See more
Megalomaniac Rosé
It isn’t this single label that earns Megalomaniac high ranking. This is but one in an amazing series of dozens of variations of labels featuring the faceless man in hat and topcoat. See more
Intrinsic Cabernet Sauvignon
The origin story of this wine is surprising. It is unlikely that you would guess where the wine or its dramatic artwork comes from. Does it matter? The image is powerful, colourful, and exudes energy and spirit. See more
Hola! Cava
If you could hold this bottle in your hand and examine every detail of this package it would be easy to understand why Hola! Cava was chosen as the best of the best. This is an exemplary realization of exhaustive research. See more
Pasqua Rosé
There is a complex story behind the concept of this wine package. But this is a case of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. It’s just a drop-dead gorgeous bottle. See more
Hãhã Chardonnay
Ha! Ha! No, it’s Hãhã. A word unique to New Zealand culture and surprisingly, it translates to a perfect description of the wine in the bottle. No joke. See more
Intrinsic Cabernet Sauvignon
Red wine inspires the deepest passion in winemakers and that is evident in the creativity demonstrated in red wine packaging. No. 2 overall, Intrinsic Cabernet Sauvignon is the best in the category. See more
Hola! Cava
Hola! Hello. Bonjour. Hallo. Ciao. And greetings in 10 additional languages is only one of the many reasons this wine package is not only the best in sparkling wine but best overall. See more
These are the best wine labels and package designs of the bottles reviewed in 2021. I hope you explored the links for a deeper dive into the reasons for their inclusion. There are many other superb examples on the site. Have a look. Follow on Instagram and Twitter, and bookmark the site for more reviews in the new year.