Labeling homemade wine not only allows you to express your creativity, but also provides a method of organizing your home-wine inventory. Whether you sell your wines in a store or enjoy them yourself with friends and family, you should know the ingredients and vintage year of each bottle. Labels should also adhere strongly to the bottles and be water-resistant.
Xyron Machine
One option is using your computer's word-processing program to design a label and then printing the label and running it through an Xyron machine fitted with a laminating/permanent adhesive cartridge. This cartridge simultaneously laminates the label and adds a permanent adhesive to the back. Xyron machines are available at most craft stores and can accommodate different paper sizes. After removing your label from the Xyron machine, cut it out (leaving a small margin around the edges) and press it firmly to your wine bottle. These labels are water-resistant.
Peel-and-Stick Labels
Another idea is using your computer's word-processing program and label template. In Microsoft Word, for example, click "Tools," "Letters and Mailings" and "Envelopes and Labels." Peel-and-stick labels (such as Avery) from office-supply stores usually come with a template number. Select the correct template in Word and type your label information, then print your labels according to package directions. (Optionally, apply a spray varnish/glossy acrylic sealer to the dry labels before sticking them to your bottles for a water-resistant effect.)
Commercial Printer
A graphic designer or commercial printer can create custom wine-bottle labels for you. Or you can design a label at home with computer software and take the file to a professional printer. The cost will vary depending on the number of colors used and the quantity and size of your labels. Numerous online companies (OnlineLabels.com, Stoney Creek Wine Press, PersonalWine.com) also sell custom wine labels.
Tags: bottles water-resistant, computer word-processing, computer word-processing program, design label, permanent adhesive, using your, using your computer
