Transparency in Wine Labeling - The Future

The Call for Transparency in Wine Labeling: A Sommelier’s Perspective on the Future of Honest, Responsible Drinking

If you’ve ever stood in the wine aisle squinting at a label, wondering what’s actually in the bottle, you’re not alone. As a certified sommelier and host of a podcast that’s all about making wine approachable and fun, I talk to consumers every week who are asking thoughtful, informed questions about what they’re drinking. One question keeps popping up: Why isn’t wine labeling as clear and transparent as the other beverages on the shelf? And frankly, I don’t have a satisfying answer—yet.

The wine world is in the middle of a sea change, and it’s being driven by a generation of consumers who are savvy, health-conscious, and demanding transparency. Millennials got the ball rolling, but Gen Z is really amplifying the conversation. They want to know where their wine comes from, what’s in it, and how it was made. They care about sustainability, responsible drinking, and how alcohol fits into a balanced lifestyle. And they’re not afraid to hold brands accountable.

But the reality is, wine has long enjoyed a kind of loophole when it comes to labeling. Unlike most packaged foods and beverages, wine isn’t required to disclose a full list of ingredients, nutritional facts, or additives in most countries. You’ll typically see alcohol by volume (ABV), where it was bottled, and maybe some romanticized tasting notes—but very little about what went into making it. As someone who loves wine and has dedicated my career to sharing its joys with others, I believe this lack of transparency does a disservice to both the industry and the people who love to drink it.

What’s Actually in Your Wine?

Let’s get one thing straight: wine is not just fermented grape juice. Winemaking often involves a variety of additives and processes to stabilize, clarify, enhance color, adjust flavor, and preserve the wine. These include sulfites, fining agents (which can sometimes be animal-based), added sugars, acids, and more. None of this is inherently bad—some additives are standard tools of the trade—but consumers deserve to know what they’re putting into their bodies.

Transparency in labeling isn’t about vilifying these practices; it’s about informed choice. Just like people want to know whether their snacks are gluten-free or if their almond milk has added sugars, they also want to know if their wine contains things like added sweeteners or color enhancers. And with the growing interest in vegan and organic lifestyles, consumers want assurance that their wine aligns with their values.

Transparency Supports Responsible Consumption

One area where clearer labeling could make a huge difference is responsible drinking. Right now, consumers don’t always have a full understanding of how much sugar or calories they’re consuming when they enjoy a glass—or how high the ABV might actually affect them. Wines can vary greatly in alcohol content, and knowing exactly what you’re drinking helps people make smarter choices. Imagine if you knew the sugar content of your glass of rosé before you ordered that second glass? It’s a small change that could lead to more mindful consumption and, ultimately, help reduce instances of overconsumption and alcohol-related incidents like DUIs. That’s why I love brands like GIMME, that are working to impact this cause by helping consumers pick the right alcoholic beverages. With a focus on single serve ready to drink options as well as mindful consumption, GIMME is helping change the game for consumers in New Zealand. By delivering their favorite wines at home, not only do they focus on selling these consumer-friendly options, but they are also a convenience-at-home service that is helping reduce DUIs across the country. Responsible consumption impacts the health and wellness of our communities and I love that younger wine drinkers are so focused on this and companies like GIMME are meeting the need!

The Industry Is Listening… Slowly

The good news is the wine industry is starting to respond. We’ve seen a growing number of producers—especially in the natural and organic wine movements—take the lead on transparency. Some wineries are listing ingredients, nutritional facts, and even production methods on their labels or websites. In 2023, a few major wine brands took the step of adding calorie counts and ingredient lists to their bottles, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. It turns out people appreciate honesty.

But this can’t be a trend limited to a handful of forward-thinking winemakers. If we want the industry to remain relevant and trustworthy in 2025 and beyond, more wineries and distributors need to get on board. Transparency isn’t a fad; it’s an expectation. And it’s not just niche health enthusiasts asking for it. Gen Z has grown up with access to endless information and has little patience for industries that cling to outdated practices. They want authenticity and accountability.

What We Need Next

As a sommelier, I can tell you that wine is a product of both art and science. There’s magic in the process, yes—but there’s also chemistry, logistics, and decision-making that affect what ends up in your glass. It’s time we peel back the curtain. Transparent labeling doesn’t diminish the romance of wine; it deepens our appreciation for it. When we know more about what we’re drinking, we can make choices that reflect our tastes, values, and health goals.

For the wine industry, this is an opportunity to build trust with consumers and foster deeper connections. And for consumers, it’s a chance to engage with wine in a way that’s informed and empowering. Whether you’re choosing a lower-alcohol option for a weeknight dinner or seeking out a wine made without animal-based fining agents, you deserve to have the information you need right there on the label.

As we look toward 2025, I hope to see more wineries embracing this shift, not as a marketing gimmick, but as a genuine commitment to their customers. On The Wine CEO, I’ll keep highlighting producers who are leading the way and educating listeners on how to find wines that align with their values.

Wine has always been about connection—between the land, the maker, and the drinker. Let’s make that connection clearer, more honest, and more meaningful.

*Blog post inspired from The Wine CEO Podcast Episode #185: Food & Beverage Trends Shaping 2025

And if you want to learn more about the company mentioned in today’s blog post, click the links below to learn more about GIMME:

Website : www.gimmedelivery.co.nz

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/gimmedeliveringlocal

App link : https://onelink.to/qxuq3g

Tik Tok : @gimme.delivery