E-Labels for Wine: What They Are and Why Winemakers Need Them

As of December 2023, new EU regulations have changed how wine producers must label their bottles. These rules focus on transparency and require producers to share more product details with consumers. A key part of this change is the introduction of e-labels for wine – digital wine labels, often in the form of a QR code, that make compliance simple and efficient.

This article explains what wine e-labels are, how they work, and why adopting them benefits both compliance and your winery's brand.

What Is an E-Label for Wine?

A wine e-label, also called a digital wine label or QR code wine label, is a scannable QR code printed on the bottle. When scanned, it directs consumers to a digital page with detailed information about the wine.

This system is now required under Regulation (EU) 2021/2117, which took effect on December 8, 2023. Starting with the 2024 harvest, all wines and aromatized wine products sold in the EU must provide:

Nutrition declaration – energy value (kJ/kcal), fat, carbohydrates (of which sugars), protein, and salt, per 100 g or 100 ml.

Full list of ingredients – including additives and processing aids.

Some key rules:

Allergens (e.g., sulfites) and the energy value (calories) must still appear on the physical label.
The e-label page must contain only legal product information (no marketing).
No tracking or data collection from consumers is allowed.
Each QR code must link directly to the specific wine it's printed on.
Wines bottled before December 8, 2023 are exempt until stocks run out.

Why Do Winemakers Need E-Labels?

Adopting e-labels isn't just about compliance – they also save time, reduce costs, and create new opportunities for winemakers.

Here are the main benefits:

Effortless EU Compliance

Digital wine labels are designed to meet the new EU wine labeling regulations. Platforms like ScanThisWine guarantee compliance and keep labels automatically updated.

More Space for Branding

By moving nutrition and ingredient details online, wineries free up space on the physical label for design, storytelling, and branding – critical factors in consumer purchase decisions.

Cost Savings

No need for costly label redesigns. Plus, solutions like ScanThisWine handle translations across all EU languages automatically.

Quick Updates

If laws change or information needs correcting, the e-label can be updated instantly without reprinting.

Automatic Calculations & Translations

Nutrition values are calculated automatically, and translations are generated for every EU language – all tied to one QR code.

Recycling Information

Local recycling rules can be included digitally, helping wineries comply with country-specific requirements.

Simple & Low Maintenance

User-friendly platforms make creating and managing e-labels fast and hassle-free.

Industry-Trusted

Backed by wine organizations and already in use by wineries across Europe.

Beyond Compliance – Marketing Potential

While e-labels themselves must remain free from marketing, wineries can use separate QR codes (on packaging, back labels, or promotional materials) for:

Linking to online shops
Food pairing suggestions
Vineyard tour bookings
Customer reviews & brand storytelling

This dual approach ensures full compliance while still leveraging QR technology for consumer engagement.

Simplify Compliance with ScanThisWine

Adapting to the new EU wine labeling rules doesn't have to be difficult. ScanThisWine offers a free, easy-to-use platform that:

Guarantees compliance with EU e-label requirements
Automates nutrition calculations and translations
Creates professional e-labels in minutes

By embracing digital wine labels, producers can modernize their packaging, reduce costs, and keep information up to date – all while focusing on what matters most: making great wine.

👉 Ready to get started? Create your free wine e-label with ScanThisWine today.