Photographs work well as wine labels if the subject in the photograph is somewhat simple. Wine labels are small; therefore, a photograph that requires the eye to see minuscule detail when sized down is not ideal. Choose images or photographs that either pertain to wine, such as wine glasses or grapes, or an image that pertains to your brand's personality or location. Colored landscape photographs are more traditional, while isolated objects in studio lighting and black and white images are more modern for wine labels.
Illustration labels cover the majority of bottles in most supermarkets, particularly with the rise of digital illustration and graphic design. Illustrations include symbols, lines, shapes, characters and patterns. If you can describe it, graphic artists can create it.
Hand-drawn label illustrations are also possible, though less practical if you are producing a large quantity of bottles. Hand-drawn labels, however, add a touch of personalization, and you can scan, photocopy or print them for multiple bottles.
You can base your labels (photographs or illustrations) on a style such as a classic style. The label sets the tone of your brand or winery (even an in-home winery). A classic or vintage label adds the image of prestige or sophistication with images such as castles, classic vineyards or crests.
Modern label style covers everything else—from recycled black and white photographs of a bridge to abstract images of objects such as an isolated chair or bicycle against a white background. Other modern labels designs include crisp colorful lines, shapes or patterns, minimalist shapes such as a single square or circle, graphic design and retro imaging.
Clear labels are more difficult to make at home, as they require translucent, printable label paper. Clear design labels are distinct images such as a flower or spiraling design set against a non-existent background. The effect is a floating image seemingly painted straight onto the bottle.
Do not overpower well-designed labels with the written information on top of it. The name of your brand or winery should be the most pronounced on the label and needs to tie in with the design. It can sit on top or to the side, or if the label is an illustration, you can draw it into the design. The other information should be brief; include the type of wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, for example) and the year it was bottled in smaller text at the bottom center of the label.