You have seen or purchased some bottles of wine wrapped in this film. Wine experts know what it is and why some people use this film. However, for those who are approaching this sector it may seem strange. In this case, do not worry, we are here to explain everything to you.

If you are trying to understand why some bottles have a transparent film that wraps the label, stay on this article: you will know when and why this solution is adopted.

Why is a transparent film used on the labels of some wine bottles?

Think about it for a few seconds and you will find the answer to this question by yourself.

It is quite intuitive.

The transparent film that wraps the labels of some wine bottles has a protective function. The transparent film serves to protect the label from the action of external agents that threaten to compromise its integrity. Let's see, specifically, what are the external factors that can damage the label of wine bottles.

The transparent film that wraps the label of wine bottles is used to protect it from:

HUMIDITY

This is the most dangerous enemy for wine bottles. We know that bottles should be stored in environments with humidity levels between 60% and 70%. In these conditions, the labels should not be damaged, at least in the short term. In any case, to be completely sure that the label is preserved over time, it can be useful to wrap it in transparent film. This solution will avoid unexpected surprises. Consider that high humidity levels risk causing serious damage to the label. The humidity and water vapor that are created in the environment, as well as fungi and mold that proliferate in these conditions, can make the labels illegible or even break them.

DUST

The transparent film prevents dust from forming on the labels of the bottles. Dust is not an enemy of wine preservation, so much so that it is recommended not to remove dust from bottles in the cellar. In any case, dust, that may form on the label, can discolor it, causing aesthetic damage.

LIGHT

Light is another external factor that is an enemy of wine preservation. It is recommended to store bottles in dark environments. Even in this case, to be more certain that the bottle is protected from the light, it can be useful to cover the label with transparent film. The risk of exposing the label to light is that it will fade and discolor.

CONTACT WITH OBJECTS or OTHER SURFACES

The film is also placed on the labels of wine bottles to protect them during shipping and transport. There are special packages that preserve the wine and the label, but people who do not have them available can use this solution. The film helps protect the label from scratches or cuts that can be caused by contact with other objects or with the walls and surfaces of the boxes in which they are contained.

Why are wine bottle labels protected with transparent film?

As we wrote in the previous paragraph, transparent film preserves the integrity of the label, therefore, its aesthetic value.

The integrity of the label is essential in the presentation of wine bottles. An intact label is important to avoid making a bad impression during service. It is also proof of the authenticity of the bottle and of the care with which it was stored. For this purpose, in some restaurants, the bottle of wine is presented at the table with the label wrapped in the film. Imagine bringing a bottle to the table with a ruined label. It's not elegant. The customer or diner would also have some doubts about the conditions in which it was stored.

An intact label also preserves the commercial value of the bottle. With certain wines, a damaged label could compromise the economic value of the bottle and its market price.

Which wines require transparent film to protect the label?

For the reasons we have just presented, the film is used with collectible bottles or with fine and long-aging wines. For these types of wines, the integrity of the label is crucial to preserving their immense economic value. On the market, there are special films designed specifically for this function, much more resistant and effective than the classic transparent food film.

In any case, you should not worry, if the storage and transport conditions of the wine bottles are ideal, the risk of damaging the label is minimal. For this reason, the majority of wines on the market do not have the film that wraps the label.