US Wineries Show Little Support for New Label Requirements

A recent survey conducted by WineBusiness Monthly found that most US wineries are opposed to new label requirements that would mandate the listing of ingredients and nutrition information. According to the survey, 73% of wineries do not support the mandatory listing of ingredients and allergens on packaging, while 81% do not support the requirement to add nutrition data, including calories per serving, sugar content, and other information.

The wineries that do not support additional label requirements cite concerns about the cost and the potential impact on the aesthetic appeal of their labels. They argue that the added information would take up valuable space on the label, making it less attractive to consumers.

On the other hand, 19% of wineries do support adding nutritional information to labels, citing consumer demand for more transparency and the potential to differentiate their products from others in the market.

Cost Remains Top Concern

Aside from concerns about label requirements, cost remains the top concern for most wineries. According to the survey, 47% of wineries reported that controlling costs was their top concern, up from 43% in 2023. Ensuring adequate supply of packaging materials was the second most common driver of packaging strategy, but this concern decreased from 27% in 2023 to 11% in 2024.

Glass Remains Preferred Packaging Option

The survey also found that glass remains the preferred packaging option for most wineries, with 53% of respondents citing it as the most sustainable option. The share of wineries sourcing glass from domestic suppliers increased from 55% in 2023 to 76% in 2024.

Wineries in the Pacific Northwest and Sonoma County were more likely to source glass from domestic suppliers, with 92% and 87% of respondents in these regions, respectively, reporting that they buy glass from US suppliers.

Lightweight Bottles Not a Priority

The survey also found that most wineries do not prioritize using lightweight bottles. Only 37% of respondents reported that they have already switched to a lighter weight bottle, and 74% of wineries have no plans to switch.

A Simple Approach to Packaging

Some wineries, such as Kate Arnold Wines, take a simple and classic approach to packaging. According to Jean Arnold, the founder and owner of Kate Arnold Wines, the brand’s focus is on sourcing exceptional grapes and letting the wines speak for themselves.