How to Read a Wine Label

Here is how to read a wine label:

1. Winery Name or Brand

2. Bottle Capacity

3. Grape Variety/Wine Name: Wines are often named after the grape variety from which they are made. Sometimes, especially with blends, wines are given “proprietary” names — created, registered, and solely used by the winery. 

4. Vintage Date: The year grapes were grown. A vintage date on the label means 95% of the grapes are from the stated vintage.

5. Grape-Growing Region/Appellation: If a label says “Michigan,” or names a county, at least 75% of the wine grapes must have been grown there. If the label lists an American Viticultural Area (or AVA, for short), 85% of the wine grapes must have come from that area.

6. Description of Wine: Descriptions that help identify a style — such as dry, semidry, barrel fermented, oak aged, and others. 

7. Alcohol Content: Alcohol content can vary from year to year. Federal standards allow 1.5% latitude either way, so many wineries give an average. Other labels may say “Table Wine,” which means that the wine is between 7% and 14% alcohol; it is not an indication of quality.

8. Estate Bottled: This wine is 100% from the stated area and is grown, made, and bottled by the winery.