QR Codes for Wine Labels: Benefits and How to Get Started

A wine label does more than catch the eye—it’s a powerful storytelling tool. Smart packaging solutions like Quick Response (QR) Codes are transforming the way winemakers connect with customers, turning every bottle into a gateway to deeper stories, tasting notes, and essential product details.

By using QR Codes on bottles and cans, wine producers can meet modern consumers’ desire for both visually appealing labels and instant access to information—like ABV, vineyard location, and grape variety—without overcrowding their designs.

In this post, we’ll look at why QR Codes are revolutionizing wine labels, share creative ways to use them, and guide you through the steps to create your own.

*Note: The brands and examples discussed below were found during our online research for this article.

Why use QR Codes for wine labels

QR Codes are rapidly becoming a staple for smart packaging, helping brands connect with customers more dynamically. In fact, 68% of consumers scanned a QR Code at least once in 2023, highlighting the increasing demand for interactive product experiences.

The wine industry is embracing QR Codes on labels and packaging to share key product details—such as carbohydrates, acidity, and energy value—while elevating their branding and delivering a richer customer experience. QR Codes allow producers to provide this valuable information without compromising on the visual appeal that often influences buying decisions. 

Here’s why they’ve become a popular choice amongst winemakers:

• Versatility at its best: QR Codes can connect your customers to far more than just a web page. Connect them to PDFs, landing pages, videos, images, or social media platforms—perfect for sharing tasting notes, food pairing ideas, vineyard stories, or even behind-the-scenes footage of the winemaking process.
  
  
• Highly customizable: You’re not limited to the basic black-and-white codes. With the right tools, you can customize QR Codes with your brand’s colors, logo, and design elements to blend seamlessly with your label.
  
  
• Simple and convenient: Creating these barcodes takes minutes with a reliable, user-friendly QR Code generator—no technical skills required. Once printed on your physical labels, customers simply scan the code with their smartphone cameras for instant access to product information. This eliminates the need for manual searches and makes the brand experience smoother and more engaging.
  
  
• Supports regulatory compliance: As of December 2023, wine brands selling in the European Union must display detailed ingredient and nutritional information on their labels. QR Codes provide a space-saving solution, allowing producers to share the required information digitally while preserving the label design.
  
  
• A safeguard against counterfeits: With wine counterfeiting being a continuing issue, QR Codes can serve as a reliable tool for proof of authenticity. By linking to SKUs and authentication codes, they give importers, retailers, and customers a way to verify product legitimacy.
  
  
• Familiar and trusted: QR Codes have become so familiar that most consumers know how to use them, making them a no-brainer for wine labels.

How to create QR Codes for wine labels

Creating a QR Code for your wine label is straightforward when you use a reliable platform. Here’s how to do it using QR Code Generator PRO:

1. Sign up or log in: Access your QR Code Generator PRO account.
   
   
2. Tap + Create QR Code.
   
   
3. Choose the QR Code type: Select the type of code based on what you want to share. For example, tap Website for a link to your vineyard’s homepage or product page, Video to share behind-the-scenes footage of the winemaking process, or PDF to display product details, nutritional information, or tasting notes.
   
   
4. Fill in the details: Enter the URL or upload the file you want to link to.
   
   
5. Customize your code: Adjust colors, frames, and patterns to match your wine label. You can also add your logo or a custom call to action (CTA) in the center for a branded look.
   
   
6. Test before printing: Scan the code with multiple devices (iOS and Android) to confirm it scans correctly and directs customers to the intended content.
   
   
7. Download and print: Once tested, download the QR Code and add it to your wine label design.

Ready to get started? Sign up for QR Code Generator PRO today to create Dynamic QR Codes in minutes!

5 creative ways to use QR Codes for wine labels

Now that you understand the value of QR Codes and how to create them, how can you use them to take your wine labels to the next level? Here are some creative ideas to get you inspired:

1. Highlighting the vineyard

Smart packaging QR Codes are a perfect storytelling tool for wineries or vineyards looking to build stronger connections with their target audiences. This not only enhances the customer experience but also strengthens brand loyalty. Use them to educate consumers about your brand’s history, values, and winemaking process. Try linking to a:

• Dynamic URL QR Code directing customers to your website’s about page or a dedicated brand story page.
  
  
• Social Media QR Code linking to your social channels where you share vineyard updates and community events.
  
  
• Video QR Code offering behind-the-scenes footage of your vineyard and production process.

2. Sharing nutrition information

Transparency matters. Sharing your wine’s nutritional details builds trust and ensures compliance with the EU’s new regulations. However, limited label space can be a challenge. Fitting detailed nutrition information often requires shrinking the font size, which can affect both the wine bottles’ visual appeal and readability—especially for those living with visual impairments.

QR Codes for accessibility offer a smart solution. Linking essential product details to a scannable code allows you to provide a full list of ingredients, allergen warnings, and nutritional values without overcrowding your design.

A PDF QR Code works perfectly for this use case. Simply create a document with all the required details, upload it to QR Code Generator PRO, and create a custom code. Once added to your labels, customers can scan the code with their mobile devices to access information instantly—helping you stay compliant while keeping your labels both elegant and functional.

3. Getting creative with marketing

QR Codes can do more than just share information—they can power innovative marketing campaigns and create memorable brand interactions. By linking to exclusive content like winemaking videos or limited-time offers, they help boost brand awareness and encourage deeper customer engagement.

Some wine brands have taken this even further with QR Codes for augmented reality (AR), creating interactive experiences right on the bottle.

19 Crimes’ wine labels are a prime example of smart packaging. Known for its bold marketing strategies, the brand introduced AR-enabled wine labels, transforming its bottles into unique and engaging experiences. For example, fans of the 19 Crimes Snoop Dogg Cali Gold wine can scan the QR Code on the bottle’s back label or the brand’s website, then point their camera at the front label to watch and listen to the iconic rapper come to life.

Continuing this creative approach, 19 Crimes launched 2024 limited edition Halloween releases—Frankenstein Cabernet Sauvignon and The Bride of Frankenstein Red Blend. Scanning the QR Codes on these bottles animates the classic Universal Monsters, blending vintage storytelling with modern technology for truly unforgettable experiences.

4. Inspiring wine pairings

QR Codes offer a creative way to provide value beyond the bottle. By adding a code to your wine labels, you can share pairing suggestions that help customers bring out the best in your wine’s flavor.

Take it a step further by linking to recipes designed to complement each wine. Whether a bold red paired with hearty pasta or a crisp white served alongside fresh seafood, offering pairing inspiration makes the overall experience more memorable.

This added value enhances the tasting experience and helps your brand stand out from other winemakers—turning your bottle into a trusted source of expertise, not just great wine.

5. Supporting sales with promos and discounts

QR Codes can also boost wine sales. Add Coupon QR Codes to your labels to share discounts or special offers, or use Dynamic QR Codes to promote seasonal sales, limited-time deals, or exclusive releases.

You can also spotlight new or lesser-known wine products by linking to landing pages featuring tasting notes and food pairings. To maximize limited label space, include a clear call to action (CTA) that encourages engagement, such as: “Loved this wine? Scan for more recommendations.”

Enhance your wine labels with customized QR Codes

QR Codes offer a smarter way to make your wine labels more engaging—whether you’re sharing nutrition details, AR experiences, wine-pairing recipes, or your vineyard’s story. They create a seamless connection between your physical product and rich digital content, giving customers a deeper experience while keeping your labels clean and unique.

With QR Code Generator PRO, creating custom QR Codes for your wine labels is effortless. The platform provides intuitive tools, advanced functionality for customization, and analytics that give you powerful insights into how consumers engage with your codes. Whether you’re a vineyard, wine producer, or retailer, you can design professional QR Codes that align with your brand, enhance your storytelling, and help you stand out on the shelf.

Sign up for QR Code Generator PRO to start enhancing your wine labels with custom QR Codes today!