New Information on EU Nutrition and Ingredient Labeling Requirements

Wine Institute is sharing new information and resources on the nutrition and ingredient labeling requirements of the European Union (EU) that now apply for wine in the EU. Wine Institute’s Member Hub has been updated with a new FAQ document along with additional resources including links to the July and September 2023 webinars and accompanying slides, an EU Nutrition Calculator and the Nov. 24, 2023, EU guidance document.

A recently released EU Guidance Document has created new uncertainty around certain aspects of the new rules including how the QR code should be identified on the physical label. If feasible, wineries should consider waiting to produce or print labels until there is more clarity on this issue. Wine Institute is working closely with the relevant U.S. government agencies and EU industry counterparts to seek further clarification from the EU.

Still wines from the 2023 California vintage are not subject to nutrition and ingredient labeling requirements. Sparkling wines produced in 2023 may be subject to the EU labeling requirements if the secondary fermentation occurs after Dec. 8, 2023. Wines produced in 2024 and beyond will need to comply. More information relating to these and other questions can be found in the updated Wine Institute FAQ document.  

Some importers are telling U.S. exporters that all wine that enters the EU after Dec. 8 must comply. This is not required by the new law, which explicitly states that wines produced before Dec. 8 are exempt from the rules. Please advise Wine Institute ASAP if your importer requests compliance for exempt wines.