Ever Wonder? What Do these Terms Mean on a Wine Label?

  • "Estate Bottled" or "Grown, Produced and Bottled by": These terms mean:

    (1) 100% of the grapes were grown on a winery's own vineyards

    (2) The grapes all come from within a single AVA

    (3) The wine was made by the winery on its own estate within the given AVA.

    Basically, every aspect of producing the wine happened at the named winery. Estate Bottled wines generally are of higher quality and therefore a bit more pricey.

  • "Produced and Bottled by": The phrase “Produced and Bottled by” means that only 75% of the grapes were fermented by the winery itself. The other 25% is uncertain. So, basically, this means that the winery has purchased grapes and then makes the wine themselves.

  • "Vinted and Bottled by": This means the wine was produced by someone else, but the winery selling it did do something such as blend the wine or age it.

  • "Cellared and Bottled by": This means the wine was made by someone else.

  • Single vineyard wine: A wine in which 95% of the grapes must be from the named vineyard.

A lot of information on a wine label is actually just marketing. But, at least you can trust these terms. Cheers!