How To Remove Wine Labels?

A wine label on a bottle may hold physical memories of a special occasion or experience, and some people choose to remove the label from the bottle to include it in their scrapbook, label collection, or journal.

Alternatively, some people may want to remove the wine label from a bottle and replace it with one they designed themselves.

We also hear a lot about artisans and crafters removing wine labels in order to reuse the labels or bottles in their arts and crafts projects.

Wine tile coasters, wine bottle lights, glassware, frames with wine labels (as wall and desk art), and a variety of other items are examples of such projects.

How To Remove A Wine Label

Remove any existing wine labels from your wine bottle before applying your custom wine label for a more professional appearance. To help you, here are some pointers on how to remove existing wine labels.

The method you use to remove an existing label from a bottle is determined by the method used to attach the label to the bottle in the first place. Attaching wine labels to bottles can be accomplished in two ways.

An adhesive label, also known as a pressure-sensitive label or a “sticker” label, is the first type of label. The majority of wines have this type of label.

The second component is glue, which is commonly found in European wines. After determining the type of label you have (see initial steps), you must take the necessary steps to remove it.

Initial Steps For Removing Both Types Of Labels

In the first step, for both types of labels, raise the corner of the label with a fingernail or a razor. If the back of the label is sticky, treat it as a sticker label and follow the steps for “sticker” labels. To use a label with a non-sticky back, follow the steps for using a “glued” label.

Sticker wine labels

1. When dealing with “sticker” wine labels, the first step is to run the hottest water you can get your hands on (not boiling water) over them to make removal easier and faster. Allow the bottle to sit in water for several minutes, or until the water reaches the top of the existing label.
2. Pat the bottle dry with a paper towel. Now, carefully slide a razor under the label edge to begin the removal process to see if the label is ready to be removed. If the label comes off easily, you should be able to gently pull it off in a large section.
3. Finish by thoroughly drying the bottle and applying your new custom label.

Glued wine labels

1. Fill a container with warm water large enough to completely submerge the bottle above the label. Allow the bottle to soak in water for a few minutes.
2. Dry the bottle using some paper towels, this is important so your hands don’t slip as you operate the razor/utility knife. Slide a razor blade carefully under the label edge to see if the label is ready to be removed. If it is ready, you will be able to remove the label. When you start peeling the label away from the bottle, it may start to separate, with some of the label still stuck to the bottle. Begin peeling the label from the other side with a razor. To remove any remaining glue residue from the glass bottle, use a steel wool pad.
3. Thoroughly dry the bottle before applying your new label design or personalized wine label.

Can I Remove A Wine Label Without Using Water?

Another option is to bake the bottle in the oven and then peel off the label, avoiding the use of water/hot soapy water entirely. However, as shown in the video, don’t forget to use an oven mitt:

Can I Use A Wine Label Remover Kit?

There are several wine bottle label remover kits available, and they appear to include everything you’ll need to remove a label.

However, based on the wine label removers we’ve seen and the product reviews we’ve read, we’re not convinced that there are many excellent options available.

As a result, depending on the type of label you want to remove, we recommend following the instructions above.